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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  Great Value - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WMKL - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our 2002 Explorer 4x4 with the 4.6l V8 for a bit over two years and almost 40,000 miles. It has wonderful steering, is very stable under all conditions, is totally reliable, and very quiet. The truck is easy to drive with a very small turning circle. Two years on I still love this car.

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  Great for vacation - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Gumkowski - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have taken three trips with vehicle and think that it is perfect.It has ample room in back for our 12volt Fridg.and the dog.Seats are comfortable we like to drive.

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  DONT PASS UP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bob-0 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my explorer I am a 19 year old college student and it has everything I could want and more. Its ability to handle in weather and its tight turning radius makes it a execellent overall driving experience. The best thing I could say about this car is that it is a beast of a machine. I was rear-ended and the bumper only sustained a 2 inch crack while the guy who hit me totalled the front of his car. The only downside is the lack of boost and the sound system, but my youthful aspect has fixed that.

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  mfgz - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MaryFranes Zayas - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle handles well and is very comfortable. Mirrors are rounded at the bottom and gives a blind area when backing up

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  My Red Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Rob LaBeau - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck to replace my Expedition. The truck has great interior room that seats six comfortably. Best move I ever made trading a suv for a truck.

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  2004 Ford FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Goose - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is comfortable, quiet, and smooth. Its ride and quietness is comparable to most high priced luxuary cars. The V8 seems slow, but the cab is so quiet you find yourself speeding before you know it. The quietness of the cab takes away from the power of the V8. Definitely the best truck ever produced.

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  WHAT A TRUCK - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Lopes - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS FORD I OWNED THE 2001 SUPER CREW AND THERE IS A HUGE IMPROVEMENT

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  jim gilmore review of 2004 f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jim gilmore - September 26 - 10:00 am

  vehicle should have arm rests in the capt chairs and a higher console for armresting

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  Best and Toughest Truck I ever Owned! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By markac - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My F150 Lariat 4x4 is all around the best truck I have ever owned. I tow quarter horses all over the southeat for shows. I thought I would need a F250 for the towing, but I was wrong. With 9900Lbs towing I can do it with a 1/2 ton truck now! I love this truck. Inside is the best of all. I have the console shifter and everone at the shows that sees it loves it as much a I do. This is a real mans truck now!

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  Great Truck F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ware-Ehlers - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Ford F150 Super Crew 2wd is a very nice truck, very comfortable and handles well. Hauling capacity is great. Only drawback is the mileage, 16-17 mpg. Very dependable vehicle. Built Ford tough.