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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  I love my Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By loretta stein - December 14 - 2:00 am

  The first thing I noticed about my Ford Focus was how solid it feels. I owned an Oldsmobile Achieva previously and loved it. The Focus feels as solid as the Olds. The steering base is small and it takes corners easily. The design inside and out is outstanding! I love this car!

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  2nd time around - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Matthew W - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Sportie, and for a good reason. Two weeks ago, I was involved in a crash that totaled my 2001 Sportie .... the safety features worked extremely well. I had my sportie for 3 1/2 years, and the only complaint is that it could use a few more horses. The convenience of the large cab (to haul a rottweiller or several friends) as well as the bed (to haul a cubic yard of topsoil or mulch with no problem), made this truck invaluable. When I first looked at it back in 2000, I wasnt too sure about the exterior styling, but its uniqueness grew on me ... now, most other trucks/SUVs just look, well, average.

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  2004 supercrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By paula1 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best driving pickup i have ever driven. Power with the new engine is outstanding, handling and road noise are realy improved from anything i have driven. This truck rides, drives, and is more quite than the caddilac deville my dad drives. The sound system and climate controls, all operated from the steering wheel, are super. Try one of the new f150s and see for yourself.

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  Nice Job - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mickeysmstr - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have put ~500 miles on my Lariat Supercrew in the last week, and all I can say is that it is quite an impressive machine. Beautiful attention to detail inside and out, rides like a limo, yet feels tough as a truck should be.

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  2004 F-150 TRUCK SUPERCREW LARIAT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JESSE - December 14 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE NICEST TRUCK THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED. I THOUGHT THE 97 WERE THE BEST BUT THIS EXCEEDS THEM. IT IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE AND HANDLE. LOTS OF STUFF IN THE 300 HP MOTOR.THE RIDE IS LIKE A TOWN CAR.

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  FX 4 Flareside - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Riz105 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This truck is good looking, well built, and fun to drive. It is very quiet, with minimum road noise. I handles well. Ford scores a "10" with this one!

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  very nice truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By meoff - December 14 - 2:00 am

  very very good runing truck on road and off road and quiet inside

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  2004 F150 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BBlake - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Ford continues to be the best truck you can buy. This is my 6th F150 and it is the best. I looked at the other makes this time around and they did not come close to the quality and value of the F150

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  Family of Five - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By wlehr - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of Power. Ample cargo space even w/o folding rear seat into floor. Plenty of leg room for all sizes of passengers. Smooth transmission, Great in the snow. Console not cluttered, can reach all controls w/o taking eyes off of the road. Handy convex mirror for easy passenger viewing. Great family vehicle

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  Crash Record - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sarah Carlson - December 13 - 12:59 am

  I was in a head on crash with this vehicle and it performed beautifully. It was raining and I was going 40 miles an hour when someone went in front of me. I have been in sales for 35 years and I bought this vehicle because of the crash record. My air bags came out and disk brakes did their job and seat belts worked well too. I am alive because of this vehicle and I am getting a 2006 XLT Sport just like I had. I love the engine and we are a Ford family of 3 new vehicles. Thanks Ford for my life.