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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  This truck is awesome - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mike C - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  This truck has it all. Great engine (4L), great looks (flareside bed), great interior (bucket seats), great ride, and great dealer. Metallic Ice Blue paint gets comments everywhere. Fit and finish is superb. 6-CD in dash stereo rocks. This is a REAL truck for people who love trucks. Only negative is gas mileage (17mpg avg) - but hey- its 4WD and was no surprise. Got a great deal too (bought at invoice)!

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  Dream Car or truck it has it all - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Teri - September 15 - 12:16 pm

  Has good acceleration, comfortable to ride in, easy to handle. The side rails are a must have if youre going to use it as a family car. I thought the moonroof was just an extra expense - boy was I wrong. Its great for evening drives. If you open the moonroof on the open road, you need to open the rear windows a little to cut the roar; if you dont the interior is very noisy.

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  Good work truck - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Casey - September 15 - 5:37 am

  Purchased in 2004 with 37k now has 81k and is still running strong. I use it for work and decided to go with the Expedition over a pick up to accomodate the family. With the 3rd row seat out and the back bench seats folded down, I have plenty of room for work gear. The kids perfer the Expedition over the minivan for long trips. The engine eats oil.. no leaks or emission problems, just need to check the dip stick a little more often than other trucks Ive had. Vehicle has a nice ride but is still a truck. Self leveling system motor is loud and seems to adjust randomly, even when the truck is off.

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  Wow - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Larry - September 15 - 4:33 am

  Very fun to drive, love the style.

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  Cool little truck but mine gets problems - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger Danger - September 15 - 3:18 am

  From what everybody says on here, they love their Ranger and theirs is reliable. Mine on the other hand is already on its third clutch and I baby this truck like no other. My idle valve control keeps messing up and im on my fifth one already thats starting to fail(revs when I come to a complete stop). My back window leaks when it rains, engine idles rough sometimes, suspension squeaks loudly but its probably normal for it having 140,000 miles. Im the second owner and the previous owner (which was my good neighbor so I saw the truck first day they purchased it.) They babied it as much as I did so I must have gotten a lemon from the factory but it wasnt always like this.

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  box on wheels - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Tim Lynch - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The disadvatages of this car is that it rattles when you drive and it sometimes gets stuck into gear when flooring it. The dash controles are inconvenient.

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  I wasnt sure at first... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Baller5ft - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I hate Fords. I hate SUVs, yet I bought a Ford SUV and I LOVE IT!!! I sell them and after selling one recently and driving around getting it cleaned, etc. I said, this thing handles like a car. I compared it to the only other small SUV Id driven (Rav 4), only this thing was FAST!!! 2 days later I bought one, and sold one to my dad the same day. BEST CAR!!!

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  Its been a year now -- no regrets - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Goose bumps II - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my LTD Explorer a year today and Ive had to say this has been the best Truck ever. Rides nice, handles well, fuel is what Id expect from a V8 19 in town and 24 on the highway. Not one factory repair as yet.

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  everything ive ever wanted - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bo94 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  this car is stylish, and very comfortable. my friends and family love driving with me.

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  HEAVY DUTY!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By GM FOR LUNCH - September 15 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS HEAVY DUTY! I LOVE THE CAR INSIDE AND OUT. THE AZURE BLUE COLOR REALLY ATTRACTS ATTENTION. SEATS ARE COMFORTABLE AND, THE POWER DRIVERS SEAT IS EXCELLENT. THE CAR HANDLES GREAT AND HAS A RIDE SMOOTH ENOUGH TO USE AS AN EVERDAY DRIVER.