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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  THE BEST SUV GOING! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By PATRICIA GANT - May 14 - 12:40 pm

  This is the 2nd Eddie Bauer Expedition I have owned, and even with the fuel prices like they are, I wouldnt drive anything else, and IÂ’m single. No kids, just love this driving machine! Its the safest vehicle IÂ’ve ever seen that makes you feel safe on the road with the big trucks!

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  Love My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By billd98 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5TH Explorer I have owned, and this one is the best yet. I have noticed a lot of refinement and engineering improvements even from my 2002. Ford continues to make a great product even better.

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  f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By larry minor - May 14 - 2:00 am

  the shift on the floor is great! The truck is very well built and the fit and finish is excellent

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  best truck ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rick P - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great ride and handling, pleanty of power for towing. Looks tough

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  New 2004 F150 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Highpointdog - May 14 - 2:00 am

  By far, the best driving pickup...ever! I usually like the style side, however, since the bed space is essentially the same, I went with the step side. The step side is a much better looking truck. The cabin is compfortable, roomy, and quite. Power is deceiving, since the truck is so quite. The truck achieves its cruising speed surprisingly quickly and youÂ’ll find yourself unconsciously over the speed limit objective in no time. All in all, if youÂ’re a Dodge or Chevy truck fan, once you drive the new ford, youÂ’ll wish you had one.

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  FX4 new model designation - 2004 Ford F-150
  By samanthadog - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Save your money and buy the FX4 all the features of a Lariat except 6 disc changer and leather seats and moon roof. Savings is about 3K. This vehicle is a winner. Had a 1998 Lariat, was happy with it,this truck is heads and shoulders above 03s. Extremely quiet and excellent ride. Highly recommned you check out if you are looking at XLT or Lariat, will not be disappointed.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Major - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I just raved about this car for the first two weeks I had it. I still love it just as much. (How can you really "love" a car)? The independent rear suspension adds a lot to the ride and handling. The car came standard with everything I wanted. Somedays I get up and think of someplace to go just so I can get to drive my Focus wagon. There are so many nice things about this car.

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  My fifth F150 and they keep getting better - 2015 Ford F-150
  By JoeCool - May 13 - 4:40 pm

  After owning four F150s (2000, 2005, 2010, 2012), I tinkered with the idea of getting a GMC Sierra. I do like the way the GMCs look. I went to a local dealership and they let me drive a 2016 GMC Sierra SLT 5.3L around for the weekend. The first thing I noticed was a very sluggish feel to exceleration compared to my 2012 F150 5.0. Also, the interior had a cheap feel to it. I eventually passed on the Seirra and ended up back in an F150. It has the 3.5L ecoboost engine. Man, this thing is fast. Overall, I love the truck. Fords just seem to be getting better and better. Glad I stayed with the F150.

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  Great family car! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TomS - May 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car a week before our twins arrived. We needed room for 3 young children and our 99 Volvo XC had no good 3rd row option(Volvo only offers a rear-facing 3rd row seat). The EB Explorer we bought is loaded (V8, 4WD, 3rd row seat, side airbags, reverse sensing system, auxilary climate control) and cost about $34K. It handles well, doesnt ride like a truck, has great power, tons of room, and has gotten excellent safety ratings. A comparably equipped Benz M30 wouldve cost me $44K. The Acura MDX has a tiny 3rd row seat and a 6- month waiting list. If youre outgrowing a wagon or a smaller SUV, I highly recommend the Explorer.

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  Love the Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WDAVIS - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great design everyone loves the truck I have the best of both worlds suv/pickup only problems is the rotors and the front pads whats going on Ford lets fix this problem.