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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  great car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By holly695822 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Taurus is a great fun, reliable car to drive. It is very comfortable and dependable. No problems so far.

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  I love it - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By boochy - July 10 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus is a fun, reliable car to drive. It has get up and go when needed and is very comfortable.

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  I Love this truck! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mijo - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I (We) bought this truck to replace a Nissan Wagon that we had. My mother-in- law had a Ranger pick-up (4 Cyl, SB, standard Trans) that was a joy to drive. When we went to get ours, I opted for a 6 cylinder to haul a trailer (the 4 Cyl cant handle it). We got the auto trans for my wife who can no longer do manual. We got the longest bed available because I haul a lot of stuff ( I also work in building supply and hate short bed pick-ups).

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  Useful truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Lkcalwood - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I have used this truck both in town, in the woods and on long highway trips. My only complaint is the under powered engine. Even with a 5 speed, it lacks power at highway speeds over 70 which is why I am buying a new one with the bigger 4.0 engine. I recommend it to anyone not needing the added hauling capacity of a full size truck. It never stranded me and has had very little problems. Aside from oil changes and tires, I probably have spent less than $200 in total on repairs.

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  Damn Asphalt - 1997 Ford Escort
  By zipzow319 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Escort was a fun little car w/just enough character to make me look like I was having fun. The highway miles were impecable, and the city miles werent bad either. I made an average of two trips to Mn. from K.C. a year, and the car got me there and back w/no problems. Last time in Mn. I hit a piece of construction asphalt on the highway and totaled the car. All in all though, the car did me well and I had to shed a tear when the insurance company took it away from me.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2001 Ford Escort
  By GreggJ - July 10 - 2:00 am

  The ZX2 is definitely one of the best cars on the market (at that time)for the money. It has great fuel economy, is roomy inside (front only), has an appealing look, and has been extremely reliable.

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  the low-down - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Ruel - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Iam very happy with my Mustang it is driven every day execelent millage it adverages 30 on the interstate at 70-75 mph. very confortable on long trips the sound stystem is great for a factory stereo paint is beautiful after 10 years in the sun enterior still like new it was a 1 owner when i got it at 36,000 miles it hads 56,000 now i havent had any problems with it just keep the oil changed and i feel it will run forever preventive maintance is the key to keeping any car like new ty for letting me share my pride and joy with the world ... so it your looking for a sweet lil ride choose the mustang you will be very pleased

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  supercrew - 2001 Ford F-150
  By bolenb - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. I love it.

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  I love my truck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Morgan-Atlanta - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I spend a lot of time in my truck using it in my two businesses. It has to be comfortable, tough and still look good to make a good impression on my customers. My F150 does all that. the only thing i think could be better is the mileage. I get 15 to 17 mpg high way with a load and pulling a trailer, but in the beginning, I was getting 18 and 19 mpg. My truck is two years old, has over 70,000 miles on it and workw with me every day, but it still looks and handles great. I just drove it in Atlantas 4th of July parade pulling a float and it was the best looking truck there!

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  Great Truck if it doesnt vibrate - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Rob - July 9 - 9:40 am

  I have had a vibration that seven trips to two different dealers cant fix that is coming from the rear end. None of the common F150 vibration problems are evident according to the dealers. One service manager acknowledged that a truck that vibrates when it performs its intended function is indeed fundamentally flawed. It gets worse with my boat on the back. Beware of this vehicle if you are evenly remotely mechanically inclined as the bouncing exhaust, violently shaking bed, rattles, and random vibrations of many sorts will drive you insane. I intend to drop mine off at the dealer and refuse to pick it up and take the credit hit from Ford instead of dragging things out in court.