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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  Ford Ranger High Mileage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By John - January 30 - 11:07 am

  This is my third Ranger in 20 years. All of them have been very durable and low maintenance. My last truck had 386,000 on the original engine and was driven over 100 miles a day up to the day I bought the 2001. The only issues with the new truck have been: 1) Replacing a sensor at 30,000 no charge. 2) Replacing original tires at 68,000. 3) Replacing the transmission valve body at 90,000 - $600. Front brakes $155 4) Replacing a seat belt sensor at 120,000 - $200.

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  outdated - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By cheap deal - January 29 - 10:39 pm

  Price was the main reason for purchasing. Good deals on outdated size and style. Back seats only good for small children or putting cargo in. Ride isnt bad for small truck, but when empty very choppy on rough roads.

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  Cool little small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Darren - January 29 - 9:44 pm

  Very nice small SUV. Good power with V6. Handle like a car, taut but compliant suspension. Very maneuverable with tight turning radius. Bright fog lights. Comfortable and roomy for its small size. Its a lot of car for your money. The 2005 redesign looks much improved over previous model years. Cool wheels. Like my shifter on the console. XLT package comes nicely equipped. Mileage is within range, 22-23 on highway. Now I wish Ive gotten a sunroof.

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  2003 Ranger: A GREAT LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Don Carson - January 29 - 8:13 pm

  I have rented these trucks for years and finally bought one in 2003. It is a great vehicle. I use it as a daily driver and to pull a 15 boat. It gets a good workout hauling lumber, trees and furniture. I am six feet & six inches tall and the extended cab gives me great leg room for long trips. The truck cruises comfortably at 75-80 miles an hour and gets about 20 MPG. I have had no problems with this truck. I do my own maintenance & it is easy to change the oil and filter. I just changed the serpentine fan belt and it was a 5 minute job. Ford has been building this truck for years and it is very reliable and comfortable. I highly recommend it. My wife also enjoys driving it.

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  05 Mustang GT Convertible - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By markb1011 - January 29 - 7:23 pm

  This car is Mustang through and through. I bought this car because it reminded me so much of my 1967 coupe. I love the retro styling, and the performance fantastic. This is not a "bells and whistles" car. If you start comparing it to other mid-sizes, it wont win many categories. That being said, this is the ultimate ride for muscle car fans, and especially for Mustang aficionados.

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  keeps on truckin - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By jaykva - January 29 - 1:43 pm

  Just spent the day looking at newer, used SUVs and this 93 XLT remains with us. At 175K miles moved from DC to New Mexico, loaded down with stuff, dogs and clamshell on roof and got 21 MPG (cruise set on 70). Tranny died a week later, but thats to be expected (hey, it got us here!). $1800 rebuild was worth it. Still leaks no oil at 186K miles. Sure, the gas gauge has never worked, but thats about my only complaint, use the trip meter. Put new tires on it and rides much better. Original A/C compressor still works. Should go 250K for me or someone else, easily. Compared with newer Acura and Trooper SUVs and it wasnt much of an upgrade to spend between $6K-$10K more on a newer, used SUV.

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  Driving is fun again! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Grace - January 29 - 4:56 am

  I have had my hybrid for a little over 3 weeks now. I had been wanting to get one since I first heard about hybrids. Im so glad I finally did! The Escape is fantastic and has everything I could possibly want in a vehicle. I think it is a great product! I feel like I did when I first got my drivers license years ago: want to drive, drive, drive! Everyone I show it to is amazed and pleasantly surprised. I realize it may be too soon to give a proper evaluation, but I am truly in love with this vehicle so far!

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  Holds up in accident... - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By She holds up well... - January 29 - 4:13 am

  I put about ten thousands miles on my Mustang so far and I cant stop. I love the feel of driving this hot car. I was hit on the freeway in LA...the other cars were totaled and I drove away. I was so grateful that I had a tough built Mustang. It really holds up. And always take your Mustang to the Ford dealer for body repairs. I had to learn the hard way.

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  Black HB Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Tim Hund - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Smooth power, agile handling, smart styling and low price makes me feel good about the purchase of my Black Mustang

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  ST 4X4 looks great and is fun too. - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James white - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 but I loved the ST when I first saw it in 2000. I just never buy first year releases. It seats 4 normal size adults with comfort. Performance is realy good and off road is fun. Because it is ans SUV or Truck class you and customize it. The only thing I hate is the MPG. It just sucks. Other then that I love the BEAST.