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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  Sad to say I hate it! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Olt07 - December 6 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my first SUV after having a neon. Others advised me against buying the first year of a model change. I loved having the SUV for 4wd in snow. However, when your control module does not work, I lost the love quickly. I have had it for 24,000 miles after buying at 61,000. Replaced wheel bearing, EGR sensor, 4WD Control Module, Radio, Front Differential Clutch Pack and shortly a $1200 rear end. Now I need to figure out when the best time would be to ditch this hunk of junk! Reliability and Build Quality is absolutely crap. I cannot sacrifice that for any amount of comfort or beauty. Considering all of these problems are "common" Id say-Stay away from the Ford EXPLODERRRR!!

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  What I Was Hoping For - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Teh Gov - December 6 - 11:16 pm

  I have wanted a Mustang since I was a kid and this car doesnt disappoint. Handles great, fun to drive, good speed. Whats not to love?

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  Life With Ranger - Part IV - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - December 6 - 10:28 pm

  Just past the "One Year of Ownership" mark, and alls well. In that time, my Ranger has yet to so much as rattle, and this despite 22K L.A. miles in a single year. As Ive stated in my earlier reviews, by 2007 truck standards, my Ranger borders on "antique." Literally every other truck on the market rides more smoothly, get better gas mileage and provides greater and more cleverly packaged interior spaces. That said however, few offer Rangers total combo of rugged styling, "just right" size and seemingly military- spec durability. For those desiring a classic, comfortable little truck, adeptly able to tackle your basic chores without busting your bank account Rangers still #1.

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  Ford Freefall - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By jgenovese - December 6 - 8:17 pm

  transmission failed at 45000 miles without warning. The vehicle was impeccably maintained. The failure was not do to neglect or abuse. Of course, this was after the warranty was up, (barely), so Ford is hanging us out to dry. So much for rewarding customer loyalty. (This was the 9th new Ford I have bought in 23 years.)

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  Our 2nd Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Dan Willis - December 6 - 8:07 pm

  I wouldnt have thought Id buy another Taurus. Our kids are gone and we was thinking sports car. Go figure, my wife saw the new Taurus and was in love. The new engine transmission combination is a dream. Interior comfort and style are all a person could ask for. We wanted to get a black exterior but didnt like the way the black stiching showed up on the gray leather. We went with the white exterior with the tan leather. Turns out to be a great combination. Weve had the car four months now and couldnt be happier. Havnt taken a long trip yet so cant comment on milage. City MPG seems to be around 18. Only complaint is my wife wont let me drive the car.

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  I love my Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By sybil - December 6 - 6:30 pm

  I have had knee surgery and needed something easy to get into and out of without damaging my knee again. The Sport Trac fit that description for me over and above anything else I tried.

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  Cwilliam - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By c william - December 6 - 3:46 pm

  Good performance, excellent for highway and commuter traffic.

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  hot 05 GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ken carr - December 6 - 3:36 pm

  I have driven a lot of cars and have had many many new cars and this is the best of them all. I have to say I sold a 1972 Pantera to buy one of these guys. This Mustang will run circles around the Pantera. Ford is on the right track with this pony. I say drive it first and you will be sold. Be sure to buy it loaded and the V8.

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  Worst transmission Fords ever built - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bottechia - December 6 - 2:33 pm

  My transmission first stated to delay going in reverse, you know the 3-4 second wait before it engages. Then the transmission would not change into second gear so I took it in to Ford. I was told I needed a new transmission at the cost of $3100.00 and I only had 38,000 miles on it. Ford knows with this many transmission problems with 2002 and up Explorer they should recall them to keep customers happy.

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  Great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bluedevil3758 - December 6 - 1:30 pm

  I have 135k on the truck and no major repairs, just fluids and exhaust. I however did replace an axle shaft after a guy hit my rear end but I felt lucky considering I was able to still drive it while his car was in a bunch of pieces. I have really beat on this thing bought it from my Dad when i was 17 and took it off roading all the time and have put 2000lbs in the bed a couple of time. The only thing I wish was different was the 4x4 Ford uses a vacuum system to engage the system which always fails. I switched to manual hubs and no more problems. The 3.0 and 4.10 rear end is a pretty nice set up