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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  MY F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DARREN BROWN - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN AN 02 F150 2WD XL FOR THIS 04 F150 4WD XL AND I STILL CANT BELIEVE THE IMPROVED COMFORT AND RIDE OF THE THIS TRUCK.4WDS ARE GENERALLY A ROUGHER RIDE THAN THE 2WDS.I ALSO LIKE HOW FORD TWEEKED THE INTERIOR CONVENIENCES SUCH AS CUP HOLDERS AND ETC.,VERY ERGONOMIC.I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS TRUCK,THE ONLY BAD THING I COULD SAY IS I WISH IT ENJOYED THE TASTE OF GASOLINE A LITTLE LESS.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By brian christopher - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I had a 99 Lariat I Loved, but learning of the many improvements, I had to upgrade. I orderd virtualy the same truck, but adding sun roof,heated seats, and audiophile sound. Oh, even the same dk. toredor red w/gold.The 99sold to quickly and Ive had no buyers remorse. as usual, the dealer was great.

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  The Sun is Rising in the West - 2002 Ford Focus
  By svtrollin - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow, my supercharged zx3 barely nosed out the stock svt. Thats when i knew i had to have one. This car handles as if you are on a rail, not only that it will pull you away from the curb a lot faster then those eastearn pocket rockets.

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  truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By dave badwolf - June 20 - 2:00 am

  i think its got alot of space inside.plenty of backseat space and really quit ride for a truck.

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  Green Blur - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By weldermaniac - June 20 - 2:00 am

  You will get what you pay for. This is not a refined luxury auto, it is a pony car. For around 20k you will be hard pressed to find anything with the power and fun of a v8 stang. Yeah it will step out on you if give her a little nudging but will return quickly. Just dont expect to drive this thing in the snow

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  Long Term Review - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Todd - June 20 - 12:05 am

  This is the first Ranger Ive ever owned and has been reliable since new. It has lots of power with the 4.0 and manual trans. The 2500 tow rating is a little underrated as Ive pulled a 5000 lb boat and trailer on occasion for a friend. It had a few quirks when it was new such as the squeaking clutch and clunking drive shaft but the dealer has fixed it with out repeat problems. My kids also love riding in the truck and hauling all kinds of stuff. I bought this truck after looking at all the others and couldnt find a better utility vehicle for my familys needs. It does seem to eat brakes quickly but they are very easy to replace. It has been a great truck and I will be sad when it has to go.

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  Desert Rat - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bob H - June 19 - 11:39 am

  I purchased this vehicle to explore the Southwest deserts. As I can afford only one vehicle this truck perfectly meets all my personal and recreational needs. It is small enough to be quite maneuverable yet large enough to handle all my traveling requirements, including sleeping in the rear. Thus far it has gone everywhere I have pointed it without a hitch or complaint.

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  Good results - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Clay Prentiss - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an explorer for two years after buying it used. It has been a great vechile with good power, functional, roomy and no repair costs. I maintain the vechile with regular oil changes and the performance has been much better than my friends with Jeeps and Jimmy/Blazers.

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  The Baddest Truck on the Planet - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bow-tie basher - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Let me start by telling you of my LOVE for FORDS, I currently own a 1992 Special Edition Red 5.0LX Convertible, and a 1957 Ford Fairlane Clup Victoria Coupe with a brand new crate 428CJ engine, my past Mustangs have included; 1969 Mach 1, 1969 428SCJ Mach 1, and a 1968 390GT Coupe! So I have a DEEP LOVE of big block FE engines! Ok, on with the LIGHTNING REVIEW.....all I can say is I would CRUSH all the other fords if it would get me one more day in the SVT LIGHTNING!!! MAKE NO MISTAKE, this is NOT a TRUCK, this vehicle would make many many other sports, and or muscle cars put their tails between their tail pipes and run for cover!!!

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  Great job Ford on a good car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Robert Cooper - June 19 - 8:36 am

  This car is great on gas. Im getting 34-35 MPG drive both city and highway. I drive 36 miles one way to work 6 days a week. It also has a good sound system in it.