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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  Love My Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rickintemcula - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Big fan of the Ford SVT division. Traded in my 02 Lightning for 04 Cobra convertible. Many reasons, but last of the Dearborn Mustangs, IRS, massive HP, SVT break. Not disappointed. Did add Magnaflow cat backs, looking for Steve McQueen Bullitt Mustang sound. Close. Also, improves breathing to redline. Overall, lots of fun. Neighbors jealous. Hair not falling out as quickly.... I am anxiously awaiting the next round of offerings from the SVT group. GT is slightly out of budget, but love the prototype Lightning and look forward to seeing the magic they work on the new Mustang. Wish SVT had done the Marauder. Lots of potential wasted there.

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  Diehard Stang Fan - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dangerfield - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this much fun driving since my 1973 Mach I. Still a new car, Im learning that I like it more each day. Much quicker than my 68 289 coupe, suspension is firm, though a little squirrely in the corners, but you can learn to adapt. Drivers seat puts my right leg to sleep on any drive longer than an hour. Great sound, both from the exhaust pipes or awesome sound system. I just look for reasons to drive this baby.

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  Kurts T-Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kurt B. - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My T-Bird has never let me down. After 8 years, it still runs very strong. Initial problems included a defective CD player and incorrect factory front end wheel alignment. Nothing since then. It has strong acceleration and can light up the tires easily. A good balance of luxury and performance. In the Arizona heat, cooling system and AC have performed flawlessly. The car looks great, too! Excellant fit and finish of car body.

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  Great car - 2005 Ford GT
  By MetallicaDude454 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pretty nice car, i think this is exactly what ford needed to put out. It will be a great competitor towards the Corvette, but maybe not as great towards the viper.

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  2005 Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By FH4EVR - October 2 - 2:00 am

  More than a handful, this is not your fathers Oldsmobile - nor does it bear any resembalance to ots namesake, the Mustang GT. Save this car for perfect days and keep the milage low and it will be a better investment than any 401K.

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  Keeps on rolling - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By BlackStackin - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I had my Ranger for 5 1/2 years. Only minor problems such as egr sensors, vacuum lines, and replacing the hubs. Have 112000 miles on and for the most part the truck is reliable. I squeeze out any where from 18 to 20 mpg on consistent basis. My only complaints about it are: rides like a lumber truck, engine is breathless at highway speed, seats are terribly uncomfortable, autolocking hubs are a joke-replaced mine with manuals, and the brakes are really grabby when there is a lot of moisture in the air. The paint has stood up to time and use very well and overall I think the Ranger is a entry level vehicle for young buyers who are looking for a reliable vehicle.

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  NEW F-150 SUPERCREW XLT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By nhmaddog2002 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new F-150 Supercrew XLT after driving all of the competitors vehicles. What an improvement from the old style! Not that there was much I didnt like about the old F-150, but the new body and interior are what really sold me. I have to agree with most people and say the engine, while and improvement, still seems to need a little more power. Having owned both FMC and GM trucks in the past(my last truck was a Chevy 3/4 ton) I would llike to say it is the nicest truck I have owned yet.

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  The Best truck Ive owned to date! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By C.M.H. - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this truck for a week now and I am very pleased with the way it handles and performs.Ford has really out done their selves on this truck! Ive owned chevy trucks and they dont even compair to Fords new truck line. Way to go Ford!!!!!!!!!!

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  A little of everything - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Karen - September 30 - 3:06 pm

  Have driven this vehicle since September after moving to a mountain town with high roads that my car couldnt handle. Survived the winter great with the four by four. This truck loved the snow and clambered through it without difficulty. Had to replace the brakes at 42,000 miles after the previous owner had to replace at 20,000. From what I have read this is a consistent problem. The car creaks and makes weird noises that no vehicle with 50,000 miles should make. I love the back, and have the full cover. My dog travels back there happy as can be and I dont have to worry about his safety (completely enclosed) or dog hair. If he wants to visit all we have to do is lower window.

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  222,460 miles, and runs and looks new. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By john Damps - September 30 - 1:04 pm

  this truck just looks awesome,i keep it because its unusual ,ext cab 4x4 5,4 3 valve, 300 hp,365 tourq,i have a 2012 chevy 1500 4x4 z71 with 5,3, gets better milage than the ford, power is just as good and rides great, and a 2012 chevy 2500 4x4 with 6.0 gas motor,tows my 22 ft skeeter bass boat and my heavy equipment, I have towed 16,500 lbs,my john deere 50 excavator and 3500lbs trailor with no problem and have a 9,3 ft boss v-plow,i keep the ford because its paid for and its mint, not 1 spot of rust, the fram -springs undercarage is like new,i love the Wedgwood blue and tan 2 tone,and the flair side is rair and I love it,somehow ford makes it feel and drive big,i love the captian chairs and big tow mirrors,with signal lights,its a little hard on gas in town ,not bad on highway,but the 5,3 chevy is better on feul,but there is a million of them,their not many flair side fords,so ill keep driving it, its the sharpest truck they made, and I had a 07 Lincoln mark lt , the chevy 2500 has its place in my company its a work horse,but I want to see if I can get 500,000 miles out of my o4 f 150,[fords best truck in a half ton] the new turbo v6 I dont trust,i think there a gimmick,lets see them at 220k,than talk to me,long live the v-8