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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  Not too shabby - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jeff - August 14 - 10:12 pm

  Overall pretty happy with our V6 XLT 4x4 at 83,350 now. Handled tough Colorado 4x4 trails well even without low range (as well as slippery roads). Only a few problems: idle air control valve and blower motor died. ~22 mpg HWY, ~18 city.

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  Why? - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By wvhiker - August 14 - 2:53 pm

  Why did Ford decide to cut this model out? I have driven Tauruses in the past and knew what a good car they were. Had to get a car and this was our choice. Good, dependable family car. Nothing more, nothing less. I actually like the styling as opposed to the new Taurus. I have driven the new Taurus and prefer this model as well, except the motor. Very pleased with out choice.

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  rust - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By shc - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It could be because of design problem. It gets rust easily. I brought a Taurus five years ago. Now, rust is everywhere. I would not buy Ford again. I am not sure whether they are doing what they say: quality is job 1.

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  review on mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By lathaniel23 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a great car I feel like driving it more than even my favorite car the corvette,it has filled my every need and more and for less than 25,000 I dont think u can get a better deal. off the list of most affordable convertibles there is no car faster or better than the mustang.

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  xlt 98 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By nick lupu - August 14 - 10:00 am

  1. 44,000 miles: replaced both drive shafts. 2. 50,000 miles: replaced transfer-case. 3. 60,000 miles: repaced upper left arm an d all schock-absorbers. 4.Clonking and radlle noise in the front end still there. 5. 40,000 miles: defective manifold and lifters. 6. 60,000 miles: defective ball-joints front left.

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  first problem - 2002 Ford F-150
  By skeptic - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I compared all of the full size trucks on the market before I purchased my F150. I love this truck, but its now in the shop because it developed some sort of electrical issue and left me stranded on the side of the road today. Other than that, this truck rides great, gets pretty decent mileage for a full size truck (18mpg in mixed driving), is squeak and rattle free, and was running perfectly prior to today. Assuming the electrical problem is a fluke, I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a versatile, comfortable, full size truck.

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  Power & Polish - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Fergs - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Windstar has alot of horsepower and attractive styling.

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  Nicer than I thought... - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By goodtimes - August 14 - 4:03 am

  I have a Limited edition and I enjoy it very much. Smooth ride, transmission wise. Im looking forward to the winter and having AWD. Rush hour seems a breeze now that I can see whats going on ahead of the car in front of me. The added height is great. I love the stereo. Ive had so many compliments on the classy look of the car. Theres tons of storage room also. The trunk is huge!

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  My Last Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By FormerRangerOwner - August 14 - 1:08 am

  I bought my 2001 Ranger with 29,000 miles and had only minor annoyances with it until 55,000, such as the "Door Ajar" light staying on when it rained and the CD player reading "error" most of the time. At 55k needed $760 transmission repair, then one sensor after another started going bad. When I sold it at 85k (highway miles)I had around $3000 invested in keeping it running, and it was leaking a quart of power steering fluid per week. I sold it to a guy who said he "likes to work on cars". He should love it... I have owned 3 F150s, a Taurus, an Escort, and a Mustang GT, and have been mostly happy with Fords but this one has driven me away for good. Going to test drive a Tacoma!

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  Good, reliable truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 2002 Ranger Owner - August 13 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased my Ford Ranger SuperCab (4- cylinder with a manual transmission) new in 2002. It has been 100% reliable with no problems ever. I am extremely pleased with its reliability, quality of Ford workmanship, and most of all the gas mileage performance. Before I purchased my Ranger, I test drove the Chevy S-10, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. I decided on the Ford Ranger because of its price and the cab size seemed to me to be larger than the other trucks. It is a great truck, fun to drive, and it has been 100% reliable. Preventative maintenance is easy.