Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  SVT EUROPEAN PACKAGE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By CKW - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Spend the extra $ on the Euro package, worth it for the Recaro leather seats, Argent Mutispoke Alloys, Xenon lights. Although pricy $3500 it only comes in 2 colors Competition Orange or Screaming Yellow. I bought the Yellow and let me tell you this car gets as much attention as Ferrari for 2 reasons 1 if you buy the euro package its rare enough you probably wont see more than 1 or 2 in your area, people are not sure what it is, I ordered a large roof spoiler (world rally car type) from europe just too ad to peoples confusion. Very quick car and amazing braking handles like a gokart, I paid $22k a little pricy maybe but the fun factor and perf. worth it

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  F150 XLT Supercrew 5.4l - 2004 Ford F-150
  By B ryan - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Love this truck!! It drives like a large car...very smooth. The big-8 is very responsive, although a bit thirsty (but hey, this IS a truck, not a mammby- pammby hybrid!!). I will continue my long relationship with Fords, and this type of innivation is why.

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  Best Damn Truck There Is - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Sara - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck

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  ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mchu77 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  fords are awsome and will never go back to a chevy

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  owner - 2004 Ford F-150
  By joe somebody - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Awsome absolutely perfect in every way Dont change a thing Leave it just the way it is

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  owner - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DANIEL MUELLER - September 16 - 2:00 am

  WAY TO GO FORD ITS A GREAT TRUCK

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  Top 5 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By originalsd - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck once again is the number one truck in every category.

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  Stallion pick up - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Hector Marin - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is extremly comfortable and looks great. The interior is unsurpassed by anything else out on the market at the presetn time. When I purchased my F-150 I also looked at the GMC, Chevy, Dodge and Toyota; but as far as style, performance and comfort, the F-150 takes the competition hands down.

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  Ford has a winner in the Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mangy - September 15 - 6:36 am

  I think the Sport Trac is the best SUT on the market today. It is a perfect combination of room, towing capability, style and versatility. Four adults can very comfortably take a long trip in this truck (has seating for 5). It is a great truck for the average homeowner who has occasional hauling needs but doesnt need or want a full size truck.

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  Midclass at a high class price - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Esther - September 15 - 6:12 am

  Love the car BUT the 2016 has less standard options than my 2014 Explorer. 2014 purchase price was the same but much more luxurious drive. Im sorry we traded in the 2014 prematurely.