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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  Second Ranger Owned - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jiffyw - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Ranger 4x4 that I have owned. I like the looks and the way it performs.

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  Awesome car - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By qzlkjh - October 8 - 3:57 pm

  Picked up my car about five days back. I researched and was skeptical of gas consumption claims. Some consumers had rated it rather bad. However, I wanted and needed a low gas consumption vehicle. I looked at and test drove many hybrids including Lexus, VW, Lincoln, Toyota. This appealed to me after several test drives. I have not regretted a moment since buying it. It is very comfortable. Quality of build is excellent and consumption is more than what Ford promised. I am averaging around 45mpg on a very long daily commute of 110 miles round trip on a rather flat highway. In city and shorter trips, I have achieved over 55mpg.

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  nice work - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Zacs03cobra - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Good job on this car

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  great - 1997 Ford F-150
  By stsi - October 8 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME!!It has a lot of raw power. Must buy

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  A good looking fun to drive car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By vince - October 8 - 12:33 am

  I like it. It looks good, has more than enough power and handles well. Its fun to drive. I dont like the rotary headlight switch, and I dont like that there is no gas access door lock.

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  Number 1 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Maenhout - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a modern marvel. It is built so well, has excellent handling, and is VERY powerful. I would reccomend this truck to anyone that wants power that is actually there, and not just claimed by the builder.

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  Doesnt Get Any Better - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Cfleming - October 7 - 2:00 am

  First Truck, I was waiting for a new design, they really did it right this time. Drives like a catty, power of a bulldoser and interior of a sports car. I pull two snowmobiles behind it and you dont even know there behind you. Awesome Truck, would recommend anyone to buy it!

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  Numbert 3 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By George Holly - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Ford Explorer that we have purchased from the same dealer. The only real complaint is the difficulty in finding the safety belt on the drivers side. It is a perfect vehicle for our use in Upstate NY.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dv2331 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  We love this SUV for long travels to visit family. Over the road behavior is exceptional.

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  Crown Vic Reliability - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jack Flash - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Crown Vic used and it has nearly 100,000 miles on the odometer as I travel a lot. I service it regularly and have never had a problem. Maintenance costs have been front brakes and a new set of Michelin tires at 65000. Just returned from 3600 mile trip and averaged 27 mpg.