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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  this is the best - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sandraleigh - June 11 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd explorer my first i bought was a 1995 and i bought it new it just like my new one never gave me a problum they are easy to drive and i feel safe and i feel safe carring my children.the new onedrives much smoother and is much larger inside i think...

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  best truck on the road - 2004 Ford F-150
  By eddie cantrell - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i drive 75 miles a day to work and i work in a very noisy invirenment and it is a pleasure to drive this roomy and oh so quite truck every day. it is like riding in a luxury car with much more room and sitting up high makes you feel so much safer.this is the best vehicle i have ever driven by far!i have the super crew..black with beige ..prettiest truck on the road !

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  first ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By fast ford eddie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, handling and power level is excellent. Cornering is excellent with much control of vehicle under power. Braking ability is very good, and interior ammenities are good also.

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  A Most Excellent Automobile - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Becka - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have recently fallen in love with this truck. I give its preformance, comfort, fuel economy, funness to drive, interior design, exterior design, build quality, and reliability all a perfect 10.

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  Great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Christian C. - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I had a hard time finding the exact model that I wanted, but it was worth the wait. Very quiet, strong built, and fun to drive. I saw an add on TV with Joe Montana, and he was driving the exact model and color (red) that I have! Wahoo. I just need to get a few bales of hay to throw in the back to complete the picture.

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  Nice Pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By david - June 11 - 9:28 am

  Options on our car include the Pony package, leather seats and upgraded stereo. Having owned a 65 Mustang Fastback for many years I really wasnt expecting to be impressed by the new Mustangs. Boy was I wrong. With each session behind the wheel of the new Pony, the poor handling, braking and lack of air conditioning of my classic Pony becomes even more evident. The new Pony really is more fun to drive. Even though I bought the car for my daughter, I do get to drive it when it needs gas. Which isnt that often since the peppy V6 gets 18-20mpg in town & 26-30 mpg on the road. So many styling cues taken from the early Mustangs I feel right at home in this car.

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  Mustang Jacy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By andy - June 10 - 7:23 pm

  My experienced with my Jacy has been great. The power from the v8 engine is simply awesome. The car is comfortable for two. My kids are a little cramped in the back. The car is awesome to drive and definitely turns heads.

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  Love at First Sight - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By love at First Sight - June 10 - 5:47 pm

  Saw ad in newspaper thought about a T- Bird, but not affordable for me til this one came along. It was garage kept and pampered all the way with low mileage. Rides great and handles beautifully. Rear wheel suspension takes getting used to on wet roads. Turquoise feature color, with black interior. I get all kinds of compliments too whenever I drive it. Glad I made the decision(my other is a 94 Cavalier RS and still running for more than 2001 miles). Hope I have the Bird for as long a time. This is a great ladies car!

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  Built Ford Tuff - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Adrian - June 10 - 5:43 pm

  I waited to buy a Mustang after I saw that a new boby style was coming out. I ordered mine from my brother who is a manager at a Ford dealer. Over the phone I showed him several web sites that had the type of spoiler, stripes and front air dam that I wanted. I grew up with sixties muscle cars and wanted mine to look retro. So many people stopped me to ask about the car that it began to get embarassing. The car look great. Dark Blue with white LeMans stripes, and a duck tail spoiler. My neighbor(its been across the street for 2 yrs)asked my wife what kind of milage I was getting with that old muscle car. She told him 20+ combined city/Hwy. he called her a lier,and she told him it was an 06.

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  Good, but could be better - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By lagonzal - June 10 - 3:00 pm

  I bought it used with 59963 miles on the odo for $16500. No problems so far. Replaces an 07 4Runner which was totalled in a crash. I didnt feel like spending another 30 grand on a 4Runner so I went with the cheaper Ford. This is my weekend vehicle. Mon thru Fri I use my much more economical Camry. Didnt realize it was a 4x4 til I took it home and saw the buttons on the dash, neither did the salesman, oh well. Overall, a decent family vehicle which fits nicely in my garage, but the 4Runner was lighter and got better gas mileage and overall felt a tad more refined.