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, Sweet Ride - 1995 Ford Contour
  By thor_thunder - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have loved my Contour. I have not had to have any work done on the car with the exception of reconditioning the air conditioning unit. After almost 150,000 miles, I am amazed at how well the car runs and performs. The 2.5 liter V6 Duratec engine provides the perfect blend of horsepower and fuel economy.

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  Ranger #2 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Offroader - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My first 4x4 Ranger was a 98. It did everything I asked and then a little old lady decided she didnt need to stop for a red light and the 98 was history (sure could have used a side air bag that day). Replaced it with a 2001. I haul my ATV in the bed with no problems, just leave the tail gate down. Had a clunking in the rear end and Ford replaced the drive shaft and u- joints.

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  Excellent - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Drusus - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Got the car from my father with over 100,000mi on it, and has been a great performer. Had only one problem, a bad rack-and-pinion. Other than that, great all-around car, with a surprisingly good-sounding stock speaker system.

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  Ford Ranger Edge Ext Cab SC - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ben Parker - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Ranger Edge is the best looking truck on the market, in my opinion. It is very fun to drive. It is a very fuel efficent truck and also I really like the looks of the truck it looks more manly then anything else it is compared with. The Edge is also a head turner. The Truck over all I give an 8.0.

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  Good Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Freeman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I drove my Ranger from Denver To Alaska with no problem,its comfortable with good handeling on the road, and no problems yet on the trails.

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  Love this truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By corrupted - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I drove this truck back and forth from MD to NC every weekend for 2 years and never had a problem with it. Ive had it for 5 years, bought it used. The only thing Ive had to recently replace were the tires.

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  great reliable truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By bob2chi - November 23 - 2:00 am

  No problems major or minor. Would buy another.

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  2003 Taurus SEL - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By vettetan - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Traded a great Chrysler Concorde for the Taurus, not disappointed in any way. Excellent ride, handling, quietness and comfort.....I am in sales and purchase my own cars, I can put 700 miles on in a day and feel comfortable in a multitude of driving positions....sound system is excellent.....would not hesitate to recommend to anyone including Honda owners....I have had 6 Honda Accords and this Taurus equals any of them!

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  So much fun - I have 2 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By forcfed - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Very fun to drive, but a little pricy to fix if you cant work on it yourself. I suggest joining a local club (like SCCoIA.org) and take advantage of group discounts and owner knowledge base.

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  Good commuter, long bed - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By L.A.Pierce - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Truck has generally been good.Passenger window burst while under warranty, oil pan gasket slipped and need to be replaced, rear brakes exploded (spring?), easy fix, door pilar is rusting at base, fuel gauge is not working, original tires lasted a long time. Dont dare to use the spare as permanent tire since carrier cut into side of tire.