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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  What an improvement - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kdeanjack - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 1997 Explorer and the new 2004 is greatly refined jexcept for the seats. The 97 model has power seats that are longer and have power lumbar. I feel as if I backed up with seat comfort but it has a better ride and shifts smoothly and has as good acceleration as my sons GMC Envoy that has 60 more horses than my 210 HP V6.

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  my new love - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sspanton - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 3 kids ages 6, 2.5 and 3 months old i am able to put all car seats in the second row with out over lapping placing the kids in the car is easy as well as taking them out the power fold seats are very handy when going on outings i can lower one side and still have room for 2 friends or the other side and have room for one other person i only have a problem putting the strollers in the back of the 3rd row the space is limited but i do have a very big stroller which would give me problems in a minivan as well however with the power seats i am able to place the seats up just a bit and fit every thing in fine. i love this truck.

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  Ford Trucks - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Chris55 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ford F-150. My first one I had ten years. And in those ten years, the only repairs besides regular maintenance was a battery at 130 thousand miles, and a water pump at 140 thousand. I sold the truck ten years after I bought it with 165 thousand miles on it. It still ran great, and looked good, I do wax it every four months. The only reason I sold the truck, I wanted the extended cab.

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  04 F150 4x4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WD - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have the 04 XLT supercab w/4wd and the 5.4L. Highly recommend the truck. Ride is excellent, makes our Jeep Grand Cherokee seem like a Wrangler. Power is pretty good,(not quite like the Dodge Hemi I tested). Plently of torque for towing though. It gets about 16 mpg on my regular mixed driving routine. I actually got slightly over 18 mpg on a long highway trip! Have had a couple of minor cosmetic/fit & finish complaints, about what I expected from a new model.

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  My First Truck and what a Good Choice ! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By paris77 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Well after reviewing the other American made choices for 1/2 tons, this new Ford F 150 Lariat Supercrew 4WD wins hands down.I am lucky to own this as my first truck which was purchased to haul a horse trailer and general utility use. The ride is incredible and the power is fine for a 2 horse trailer. I plan to have this for many years and am quite happy I chose the Ford.

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  My Baby - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By YOLY - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my baby, i have driven various types of SUVs. This is the "reliable" car. Room for 5 and back bed excellent for moving furniture. Great for material if into construction. Love it.

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  Still loving it - 2009 Ford Flex
  By chuck from kansas - August 12 - 9:28 am

  Wrote my first review 11/08 when Flex was first purchased. Flex (Ford) has made a believer of me. I am a retired automobile sales representative and sold and drove imports.(Honda,Toyota, Nissan). Without hesitation, I would put the quality, reliability and ride of Flex against any of them. I keep looking to find some small flaw, but so far-nothing have shown. I couldnt see any way the Flex could have been improved, but Ford managed to do it with the 2010 Flex. I have never in my life been so impressed with any one car. P.S. I sold and drove the imports for almost 30 years.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun!!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brandon - August 12 - 3:57 am

  It is a Blast to drive every single time!! Truly feels like you are in a 67 fastback! Only problem Ive had with it is the oxygen sensor going out, but not to worry Its a GREAT car! The A/C blows SUPER cold, I never have to use the full power of it. It has plenty of horsepower, in fact when the light turns green its a struggle not to laugh and spin the tires leaving the Prius next to you in your rear view mirror. Mine has a borla exhaust that produces a sound second to none! It is extremely reliable and never lets you down. If you are not having fun with this car you are doing something wrong!

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  Great for the Cost - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Older but not dead - August 11 - 11:20 pm

  Had 36K mi when bought and in like new condition. Rough handling on most Ohio roads, but good on improved roads. If I featherfoot it the fuel economy is unbelievable. 24 local/27 mixed/and 32 highway. Roomy interior and trunk. It is nicer than my 98 Sable but cheaper looking inside. The only problem I had was replacing the bolts on the subframe assembly. Ohio roads, go figure. Best feature was the price, $10,800 over 15 months ago. I even Carfaxed to see why and that came up clean.

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  Good SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By LB - August 11 - 11:12 pm

  Bought car new $27K with towing packing. Overall very pleased with it. 20 mpg without fail. Great power seat but the seat back lever broke off at 100K, poor design. Loved the double driver side sun visor. Very reliable, traded it in at 143477 with only one roadside break down in 12 years due to the radiator. Good pick up. AC needed $400 repair at 140K, radio going out as well. CD changer broke at ~100K. Kept very good track of repairs. $8275 total for 143K miles.