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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  2004 Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By swimjim - February 8 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years and its amazing. Its everything youd expect from 6 cylinders and a little more. And it turns heads everywhere I go!

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  New Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DaintyCruiser - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We absolutely love the new truck and we get compliments all of the time. Enough room to haul and still versatile. The stereo in the Adrenalin is awesome!

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  all around best truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Pickupman - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several trucks and the new f150 is the best of the best. drove all the others, none compare to f150 interior or refinement. its the cadillac of trucks. love the new 3 valve 5.4l V8. pulls the boat effortlessly , dont even know its back there !

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  First F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By New Ford Man - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Love the sytling of this truck, gets lots of attention where ever it goes. Ride like a dream at highway speeds, but had a terrible vibration between 40 and 50 mph. Dealer says its the nature of the beast. Already had warranty repair with less than 700 miles on it...hope this is not going to be the case in the future. Paint is already flaking off the top of the cab and its only 3 weeks old. Dealer says they are not responisble for paint and that it is not covered under warranty. Im no idiot and know Im being lied to, so not very happy with the dealer service so far, hope it gets better. Overall the truck is very nice and I love the way it drives.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By intruder242 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am now used to sitting higher. This is a great vehicle. I have 3600 miles on it and no complaints. I have been able to haul things that I couldnt with my car. I am averaging 20mpg.

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  F150 Lariat - a great vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By lbryan - February 8 - 9:48 am

  I bought the truck for both business use and pleasure use. It has been a great vehicle in all aspects except that it does drink a lot of gas.

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  Rare Bird in a world of look alikes - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By csp.la.ca. - February 7 - 5:15 pm

  The Thunderbird is unique. After almost 3 years of ownership, I still get looks, questions and comments. They call the style retro, but actually it is a modern take of the early T-birds. The interior, I think is not unique but pretty good. For some reason I prefer the T-Bird to my BMW 540I. I like the car, I like the experience of owning the car. I was going to buy something else, but I cant find another $45K car I would rather have. For now it is a keeper. If I buy another car, Im keeping the T-Bird. I think soon the value will increase, not as an investment but people will appreciate the car for what it is, a unique, RWD, V8, 4 wheel independent suspension, 2 seater, convertible.

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  great little car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By sue - February 7 - 1:04 pm

  I have had no problems with how my Aspire runs, it is GREAT. It is however hard to find parts online that can be shipped to an APO.

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  Love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Kathryn - February 6 - 10:56 pm

  I really am amazed at my delight of my Escape. From reports I thought that the Escape was not going to be a very good investment ... thankfully I decided for myself. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. It is a blast to drive. And I get 23 miles to the gallon. It seats 5 comfortably with a lot of leg room. I definitely recommend the Ford Escape to everyone.

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  the best truck ive ever owned - 2006 Ford F-150
  By ford truck man! - February 6 - 3:53 pm

  When they say "Built Ford Tough" theyre right 100%! I bought the truck new as a left over 2006 model, and so far, nothing has been a problem. I love this truck. It tops all of the other six trucks Ive ever owned. It has a rugged, tough truck look, and a car-like plushy interior. I went looking for a truck, expecting to find one that i liked, but when i drove the F-150 out on a test drive, i loved every inch of it!