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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  My SVT Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By **0*SILVERMAGIC*4** - August 12 - 5:43 am

  IÂ’ve had the car for 5 months, the exterior is great. Put a vinyl top dress it up and turn heads. Performance is awesome, wheels are great, steering and turning corners are fun, passing people on the highway is cool. The interior design is awesome looking. Seats are comfy and stereo sound system is great. 6 disk CD changer and green glow gauges. 6 speed manual transmission is great.

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  Great, except for one important item - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Deb - August 10 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had my Fusion for two weeks, and it is great...fun to drive, comfortable ride, and stylish. The audiophile system is wonderful. I was convinced that Ford had a winner until I discovered that you cannot put tire cables or chains on the 17" wheels for winter driving. Where I live, chains are frequently required for winter driving in the mountains. (Those wheels look great, though!)

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  Keeping this SUV! Go Ford! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bunnyjean - August 10 - 11:13 am

  I have had 3 SUVs, by far this is the best one! The middle row leg room is wonderful, the power 3rd row is awesome. So many buttons and so many options! The ride is smooth, even on rough roads! Great for long distance trips with 4 kids! The engine is quiet, the towing capacity is super! Have had no problems with this SUV. Will keep this SUV for a very long time! Best out of the large SUVs.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jconnell67 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first exprience with a truck, and it is turning out to be a great one. The inside of the cab rivals that of many luxury cars and the exterior is vast improvement over the previous model. The standard items on the Lariat provide enough features that you dont even need to request any options. However, I would recommend the rear park assist (this truck feels awfully big in a parking garage) and the center console with captains chairs (to give it that extra touch of luxury on the interior). The ride is cofortable for a truck, and it handles very well for the size of the vehicle.

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  Good Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike123 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a great truck, that can be used for many differnt reason. It can carry a load and also looks good while doing it.

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  Chevy Guy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Chevy Guy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I finally gave in and bought this Ford SUv for my wife and kids. What a surprise and pleasure it is to drive. the V8 is almost too powerful for what I need but great to have when you need it.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Happy Travelers - August 10 - 2:00 am

  We also own a Lexus RX 330. The Eddie Bauer is right there in performance, features and quality. The V-8 is a must. The motor is quite and the ride is very good. No problems to date. The only problem is the message screen. It is much too small and cannot be read in the sunshine. There are data on this screen that needs to be seen.

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  Beautiful truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Calvinsf150 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have drivin the f150 1000 miles now and its wonderful exept that I am 66 and the seat belt come across my neck to high and I wish the power adjustable peddles were on the model we bought. I didnt notice to much discomfort leg wise until I was in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour or so. For a shorter person this truck would be awesome in all driving conditions and is great on the open road in cruise control for everyone.

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  Little Red Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By everafter - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my little red wagon. Its very easy to drive,,,Ive made several road trips in it already and its very comfortable. Gas mileage is good too.

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  This car ROCKS! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Proud Mustang owner - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, reliable, and is certainly a good buy for the price. Ive never been much of a Ford person... but I wouldnt buy anything else now! Its got good pick-up, the factory stereo is excellent (for being a factory stereo), and the body style is sleek... not to mention that it kinda goes "grrr" when you start it and when youre driving. Its only a 6 cyl. but its fast!