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:

• 

  Finally, a solid American car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Eric - August 16 - 11:26 am

  There is just nothing we dont like about the car. Comfort on trips is great. Plenty of power, unless you want a gas guzzler. Passing response is excellent, CVT is smooth and seamless.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By James A. Istwan - August 16 - 7:10 am

  This F-150 has performed well. Engine performance is crisp, the ride is nimble, and the driveability of the truck is impressive. The leather front seats are comfortable, and the interior lay out is convenient for drinks, cell phones, storage areas, etc.

• 

  Great car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By terrapin24h - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The focus is a great car with awesome handling, great steering feedback and(with the 2.3L engine) good performance even with an auto tranny. Its quite zippy, handles very well(mine has 16" wheels from the factory) and sips gas pretty good when not being abused. Round town I get about 27mpg and on the highway, i can get up to about 32mpg.

• 

  2.3 ZTS w/ Auto - 2004 Ford Focus
  By allemeuse - August 15 - 2:00 am

  With about 2000 miles on this car I have no quibbles. Quick, nimble, fun to drive. Decent mileage. Plenty of acceleration for city or highway. Fit and finish were very good. Not what I expected from an American made car. I first heard of this car when I drove one in Spain on a vacation. It was a diesel and I hadnt a clue (no telltale engine sounds, very peppy) until I went to fill it with gas and saw the diesel sticker. The handling of the American version is quite similar though. Really like it.

• 

  Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By elaina - August 15 - 12:00 am

  This is a really fun vehicle. It is just the right size for long road trips, running errands, and every day use.

• 

  My first new car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By iusecad - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 95 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with a V8, that I owned for 7 1/2 years, for this car. So far Im not the least bit sorry. (Although, I might miss the truck when it snows again, mostly because I dont want to expose my new car to the road salt & sand.) I guess to anyone who might be leary of downsizing like I did, give it a shot. Youd be surprised at how powerful these little cars are.

• 

  Get One! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bill B. - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several trucks before purchasing my first F-150 to include the highly regarded Nissan Titan. I didnt like the Titan. It looked cheap on the inside and didnt feel like it had the room or the power that they said. The F-150 is awesome! It looks great both inside and out. I dont notice the lack of power than some have reported. I got over 7 K off the list and they threw in a bedliner to close the deal. Trucks are not what they used to be. Go and get an FX4 Super Crew. You will not be disappointed.

• 

  Has done everything my family has needed - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By science - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sport Trac during a Colorado Blizzard and drove it home using the 4wd. I have driven it to California from Colorado and from Colorado to Las Vegas 4 times with no complaints. I have hauled fence material for my MOM, furniture for friends, and many things for me. My daughter sits in the back and loves to use the climate control. I currently have 19,000 miles only one transmission coolant line that the dealer fixed. I would buy a sport trac again it this car was ever totaled.

• 

  Great Luxury SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Steven, Kansas City - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my 2004 E.B. Expedition for a month, but all I can say is what a great, luxurious and smooth riding large SUV. Who needs to pay the extra 15-20K for a Navigator. This one has it all. Very well done interior which looks great in the E.B. 2-tone tan colors. The ride is fantastic, like a luxury car. Very quiet. I am Averaging 15 MPG around town, which I dont think is too bad for a 6,000 pound vehicle. Cant wait to use the 4WD this winter and to tow my boat to the lake this summer. I definately recommend this vehicle to anyone needing to haul family, friends or things.

• 

  A Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By VLP - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Unlike those car-based SUVs that are nothing more than glorified station wagons the Explorer combines real truck capabilities (such as off-road and towing) with luxury sedan comforts.