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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  another Ford - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By dave - September 5 - 5:33 pm

  The 3.0 just doesnt have the power for todays highways, not even talking about the poor gas mileage of 18.5 if I am real careful. Just sold my 91 Ranger with 168,000 and it was able to get 22+ miles per gal. and the 4.0 engine was very great with plenty of power.

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  Best vechicle ever - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Rob - September 5 - 3:01 pm

  I have 120,000 miles on this and have NEVER replaced a part other than oil, air filter, two sets of tires and one battery. (I replaced the battery this winter). Never had the front end aligned, NOTHING. The A/C will run you out in about three minutes. It has never broken down, never been in the shop. Simply the best vehicle I have had or know of.

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  very impressed - 2005 Ford F-150
  By top2002 - September 5 - 2:43 pm

  I shopped around and reviewed trucks for about six months and narrowed my choices down to two trucks, Ford and Toyota. I must say I really do not regret the decision. It looks great, is deceivingly fast, brakes work great, quiet and smooth. Toyota was underpowered and boring and Nissan had HP and nothing more, plus its as ugly as a Dakota. This F150 is perfect; at first I was worried about some forum stated vibration issues, but they seem to be taken care of for my 05. I love driving it and looking at and the interior is unbelievably luxurious. You really need to check this thing out.

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  Best one so far - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew O - September 5 - 1:07 pm

  This is now my second Ranger in four years and by far this is is the best one.

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  weak performance - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mad dog - September 5 - 12:06 pm

  Transmission always clunked or slipped. Rebuilt one is better. Small things always break interior door handles, speedometer, power door locks, etc. Poor gas mileage and alignment needs adjusting annually.

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  Nice Truck, but no 4WD - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bluebeaucoup - September 5 - 11:13 am

  I purchased this vehicle used last year and have been very happy with it since. Have the flex-fuel 3.0 V6, runs good, but a little short on power. Got the 4 door SuperCab,which is great. Also 6 CD player. Only complaint is no 4WD. Slid around in the snow last winter. Also, runs on ethanol, but I cant get it where I live, so Im going to upgrade to the 4.0 4WD SuperCab soon. Overall, worth the investment for the money. Great little truck!

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  Theres good news, theres bad news - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Gotepen - September 5 - 9:17 am

  I bought this Aerostar when it had 22,000 miles on it. It has never stranded me by the side of the road (unlike my Escort!), but it has given me some scares such as when the throttle control was dying and the darn thing was doing the herky-jerky on the interstate at 70mph! As with all Fords, the electrical stuff is crap. Gauges that cant be trusted, dash lights that flicker, idiot lights that light up whenever they feel like it. However, the engine is strong, strong, strong. This vehicle will run for another 100k. No problems with transmission either. Can haul anything, massive storage capacity. Decent mileage, 18/24! Rear brakes never worked, all braking done in front.

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  Nicest car I ever owned! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris J - September 5 - 5:23 am

  Love it! Getting lots of looks and questions from people in parking lots, etc. Solid feel, lots of power, great comfort with all the nice "bells and whistles".

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dwain - September 4 - 11:56 am

  I wasnt really planning to buy a F150, just looking around. Then a salesman came up and asks what I was looking for and I said maybe a truck. He then asks if I had time to take one out for a ride. Yes I do! So I took this (my) F150 King Ranch out for a spin. Love at first ride. The interior was all leather and it definitely had all the bells and whistles. So I brought it right off the lot! Took a trip from Texas to Georgia. Average at 70 mph between 19.8 to 20.5 mpg. I was happy with that considering that this is a big truck. It can cruse at 80 mph or above easier that you may think! DonÂ’t take one for a test drive because your old truck will be jealous and worried! LOL.

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  Bells and whistles made this girl happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Lindsay - September 4 - 6:43 am

  I am very glad I chose this car. I am a bells an whistles girl, and this car has it all. From the sync to the ambient lights to the moonroof, this is an awesome ride. Handles very nice on the icy Alaskan roads. I bought this car in January, and the gas mileage was a tad dissapointing in the cold temperatures (-40, about 18 mpg) but it has improved sice we warmed up to 40 above.