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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  MACH I is fun!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Agent Orange - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my MACH I and didnt know what to expect until I drove it. The first time I mashed the gas I was sold. Ive driven GTs, the MACH I is a whole different animal. Pure power and performance.

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  nice fast ride for the money - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By PATTERSON - January 15 - 2:00 am

  nice ride fun to drive.has some pop

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  happy overall - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By osufan - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have broke down once and had several warranty items to deal with.

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  Explorer XLT 2004 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SRODBISH - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Explorer XLT 2004. The only problem I have had is coming from a mid-sized cars gas mileage to a mid- sized SUVs gas mileage. There is plenty of room for everyone. I drive a lot, and I have never had a problem with the handling, it drives GREAT!!

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  Like driving a cloud. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mypicup - January 15 - 2:00 am

  After driving my old 87 Ranger for over 13 yrs. it was such a pleasure to get in and drive this machine. (04 F150 XLT 4x4 Supercab) A comparison between the two is like night and day. Now i even look for reasons to drive it.

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  Gear Shift - 2004 Ford F-150
  By gregntexas - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I like most things about the new F150 -- BUT I DO NOT like the gear shift on the floor, the black plastic mirrors (altho bigger IS better) and the black plastic door handles

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  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By HUE - January 15 - 2:00 am

  i lover driving my sports trac,it handles beautifully. so far no problems.im surprised the editors rating was 7.2,but i do agree it handles better as a suv than a truck. anyway i love,im a first time truck buyer and im enjoying the ride.

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  Best of them all - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Wildhear0527 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Driving my truck gives me confidence that I wont stay stranded on the side of the road. I have never had a problem with my truck. Unlike friends who bought other makes (new) and have a stack load of repair bills. I bought new. Its my pride and joy.

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  The most solid 1/2 ton built - 2008 Ford F-150
  By RyanZ - January 14 - 7:31 pm

  Ill start this by saying Im an auto dealer and have owned many different trucks. I have an 08 F150 XLT with the FX2 front end. It has the 5.4 V8 which is a great workhorse for longevity and strength. It tows my 10,400 ib. trailer like its not behind me. The only aftermarket performance parts are a Volant cold air intake and Flowmaster exhaust. I get between 16- 17mpg in town and 21 on the highway with cruise. My business partner has an 05 F150 FX4 with 201,000 miles on his 5.4. First engine and transmission. They are definitely built Ford tough. Just run synthetic fluids and keep out of the throttle. By far the strongest, most comfortable, most practical truck out there.

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  My second Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Robert - January 14 - 5:58 pm

  Just bought this used truck, a 1999 Ford Ranger, having looked around at most other brands. I liked the size and build quality of the Rangers. This truck was very clean with low mileage and quite appealing to look at. However the 3.0 with auto trans is no performer and fuel consumption seems quite high so far. However I didnt buy it for performance and it suits my needs very well. Having read many reports on compact trucks I liked the Rangers score the best.