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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  Compact Sled - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By DeGme2Baby - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellant ridability / feels good handling caracteristics /Out classes the competition by payload & towing capacity / good suport system with respect to updated technical manuals /ease to procure prior designd pieces & parts.

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  junk ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cobra0909 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought my 2004 ranger xlt 1-2004 within the first week,gravel guards feel off, had to have both passenger side doors removed and adjusted,drivers seat seperated between the back and the bottom exposing my tailbone to the IRON BAR which caused my tailbone to be brused,2 days ago i traded off this junk after reverise started slepping at 1000 miles.

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  I love my Ranger - hate to let it go - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By littlesimo - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned mine for just short of five years now and not a single problem with it. Ive changed the oil every 3K-4K miles and purchased a soft tonneau cover shortly after I bought it in 1999. With that, and the K&N airfilter and just keeping up on normal maintanence, its never steered me wrong. I just recently talked to a 2001 owner who has over 120K on his and he loves his as well...Rangers dont die.

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  08 Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By John Miraldi - February 24 - 4:56 pm

  I recently purchased this vehicle after reading a number of positive reviews on various internet sites, but quite honestly, this vehicle is very average. Overall build quality is below Honda and Toyota. Performance is very average in terms of acceleration,noise etc. Vehicle feels very loose on the highway. Gas mileage has been good...as advertised. Beware if you drive in a warm weather region because the air conditioning compressor shuts off at stops and when the car is running on the electric motor only. If you are in a traffic jam on a 90 degree day, you are in for a painful ride. Also, beware the the $3,000 tax credit may not apply if you make six figures and utilize the AMT

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  Best Car I have purchased in years! - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By terryauto - February 24 - 6:53 am

  Flawless! I have owned just about every make of car from high end US, European & Asian models to entry level cars and trucks. I own 6 different cars and trucks and collector cars. It is fair to say I have experienced many different technologies. My Fusion Hybrid SE is loaded with all the options and has been flawless. At first the mileage was in the mid to high 30s and after 1500 miles I am up to 43mpg. The key is to take into consideration your driving style, road conditions, wind conditions. One thing i quickly learned was to use the cruise control as much as possible as it really helped my mileage. I am very impressed with the build quality, ride and performance of my Fusion! Love it!

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  American Made and Strong.. - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By juhelofthenile - February 24 - 2:00 am

  nice line takeoff for cheap. The 302 engine is a great engine. I know people with 220k. Overall, I have been pleased.

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  Problematic Vehicle - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By BJ Wiley - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was specifically built for me. Within the first 2 years I began having throttle assembly problems. Its now on its 4th TA. The throttle sticks in the idle position. Instead of paying $300 for another throttle body, a friend said to check the throttle fly. It was the problem. Carb cleaner fixed it. Carbon build-up was the culprit. Also one spark plug is located on the backside of the engine which means the engine has to be disassembled to change it. This makes normal maintenance be high dollar. Also, the transmission finally broke two months ago. $1600 to repair. No warning that the transmission was about to breakdown.

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  Awesome Truck!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Guinz - February 24 - 2:00 am

  great performance truck. Drives like a car and has plenty of power from the start and more with mods. Only downside is dramatic increase in gas prices lately.

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  Great Little Econo-Sport Sedan - 2000 Ford Contour
  By kent4978798 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 99 SE Sport for 4 years now and have enjoyed it the whole time. Ive had no major problems (knock on wood) except for a slight deformation in the dashboard, which I realized too late was a recall item that I never took advantage of. Its a great drive.

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  its a tank and hauls - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By tig_nj - February 24 - 2:00 am

  you cant beat this vehicle it does it all 4x4 that will blast through anything, cargo capcity you name it, it can take it home for you. thanks ford.