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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  Fun in the Sun - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Uncle Bob - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Bronco I have owned. The versatility and ruggedness is awesome. I live in a desert area and this Bronco goes everywhere. I pull a boat at times with no problem. I have kept my Bronco cherry (original as possible. And have had some nice bids for it.

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  I Love My Stang - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By MustangQueen - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my stang and i cant complain..... DRIVE IT LIKE U STOLE IT...

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  Bring on #4 - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By bar13kar - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Windstar and I look forward to #4. I look at all the negative reviews and I wonder if these vehicles that are complained about are actually Windstars. Ive never had any major problems. As a matter of fact, my 1995 had only the head gasket recall (which would have been done even if it was out of Manufac. warranty)and nothing else. I traded it in with 140,000 miles on it and did nothing but that recall and routine maint. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Problems will ocurr with any vehicle you take a chance on buying....no matter the make. This van is my 12th Ford/Merc product and will keep coming back!!!!!!!!!

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  real head turner - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jayv - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Ford T Bird is A real head turner. Has a fairly good ride.Needs a little more horsepower.It has an excelent sound system. Needs a little more leg room.I see the T Bird as a very classy roadster.

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  Beware: Check Engine Light - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By oaiman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Up until recently, I enjoyed my Explorer very much. At about 68,000 miles the check engine light started coming on and Ford didnt help much finding the REAL cause. I was given estimates as high as $2300.00 to fix exhaust problems that, after much investigation, turned out to be simply that my gas cap wasnt tightened properly after I left the service station.

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  My Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bigdkmgcee - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. The first 1998 Ranger XLT took a pretty good side/front impact at about 50 mph from a C Tahoe and the airbags deployed and everything was fine.(My poor ranger was totaled). I did not plan on buying another ranger, but I went to my local ford dealership and the first one I saw was a Ranger Edge 3 litre(BRIGHTE RED w/5 speed auto).I Love It.

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  FX4 Level II - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Russ M - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the truck about a week ago and love it, nice power, mine came with the 4.10 gear ratio so gas mileage isnt the best, but does it take off when the gas is pressed!!!!! This is the first vehicle I have bought new and with the 0.0% for 72 months who can pass that up?

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  Second Taurus for Me - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cag1970 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Having already put over 114,000 miles on a 1989 Taurus GL, purchasing a 1998 Taurus SE--which had seen life as a service loaner and had 39,600 miles on it--was a no-brainer for me. The car is a workhorse, no question. It rides well, it looks good, and its got plenty enough power to get me going down the freeway. For the money, this Taurus is tough to beat.

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  Solid Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By RogerL - August 27 - 2:00 am

  It is an all around good car...especially for what you can buy one for used. I have had mine for over two years and have had nothing but routine maintenance and have averaged about 22-23 mpg.

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  Excellent little pickup - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By tdpackrs36 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  my truck has been very reliable since the first day i bought it. the only maintenance ive had to do is oil changes and a brake shoe change at 50000 miles. you cant ask for a whole lot more in a truck. surround sound system, all the toys like fog lights, cruise, etc. the only problem is that its not incredible with gas, but i cant complain since it is expected from a truck. otherwise i love it and hope to run her tell shes dead.