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:

• 

  A Good One - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Roger Wills - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Ford Trucks , Gmc Trucks, and Toyota Trucks and have found out that Ford builds the best. The Sport Trac (almost a truck) has the best ride and is a fun truck to drive. The leg room is great and there is plenty of room in the back seat for passenger comfort. Although the truck bed is not full size with a bed extender I can haul what I need and still have the comfort of an SUV.

• 

  Awsome Truck/SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Playboy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  What can I say its off the Hizzle fo shizzle my nizzle!

• 

  Exceeded My High Expectations - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Shawnski - August 8 - 2:00 am

  What a treat is has been to own (lease) this vehicle thus far. Forgiving Ford design features (superb drivability, easy to use controls) combined with built from brick structure and high quality (Mercedes levels if not BMW) materials and thorough assembly. Its like a huge Mazda Rx8 in that it feels special and sporty with the ability to haul virtually anything a suburban household needs...Dont let the reports of underachieving engine steer you away, as typical with Ford Modular V8s it takes some miles before it performs as mine now feels like it has an actual 300 hp.

• 

  Lexus type interior - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Joe Hill - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The most beautiful interior Ive ever seen in a truck. Wouldnt change a thing

• 

  Super duper FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By apollo3544 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride!The FX4 is very comfortable and rides nice. the rack and pinion steering is great

• 

  one - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Trky - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Center console shifter is nice. Truck rides like a car.

• 

  Ford Mustang Cobra-R - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lowrider33596 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I would say hat i am a big wrench head (GM) but once i got my hands on my friends Cobra-R for 4 days while he was in Cali. I went strait to the track. He done stuff to the motor to beef up the super charger including intake, exaughst, downpipe, and headers. hes pushing 13 PSI and ill tell you, that is one bad ass car. i ran a couple of times(1/4 mi. of course) and was killing the good ol ZO6 corvette!!!!! fords all time greatest muscle machine is coming back to life. Welcome Back!!!

• 

  Excellence of the Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Matchu - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehivle is the fastest and most powerful mustang ever built. It is even faster that the Cobra R.

• 

  2002 Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By JDavidM - August 8 - 2:00 am

  No problems whatsoever. LOVES to run at 80 mph! No leaks, no rattles! Ford hit a good balance between pure fun and practical - trunk not huge, but still big enough for a weekend trip or an ordinary trip to the grocery store, even with the top down. Seats could use a bit more lower back support, but are otherwise very comfortable. A/C is Great! Power tilt wheel is very convenient.

• 

  Escape Limited in Alaska - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Alaskan - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  Lots of research before purchase. Seriously considered Japanese products. Their quality is no doubt a bit better. None in class though, had the driveability and just plain fun in driving as the V6 Escape. The large wheels provide a most excellent ride and are optimum for Alaska winters. We bought a Limited with moon roof, leather trim heated seats and other creature comforts. Mileage is OK around town. Wed hoped for more but are all around delighted with purchase. Highly recommended.