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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  best truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By g-dog - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I had many compact trucks, but the ranger beats them all. the quality of ride and the durability is by far the best i had. Off-road and on the road the ranger handles excellent. I would recommend a ranger to anyone looking for a midsize truck.

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  Same as every one elses reviw - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Arnela - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Dome Light Stays On Door ajar Light stays on Check Engine light came on three times in four years ($270 to fix sensor EACH time) Latch on armrest compartment broke at 2 years and 15,000 miles non replacable part, armrest is $$$

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  Very Pleased! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Big guy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Looked extensively at small trucks and SUVs prior to this buy. Was impressed by reports of reliability and the sheer numbers of these trucks sold. Narrowed my search to Toyota 4WD or this. Was shocked at how much more I liked this after driving both. Toyota popularity and reputation being what they are. No regrets. Have the 3.0 6V engine and have both great gas mileage and power- on-demand.

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  I really like my 2016 xlt sport screw 3.5 eb - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Todd vernon - August 15 - 12:18 am

  Great truck in and out, I have the 302 a package. My only cons are the crappy halogen headlights, and lack of a sub in 50k window sticker truck!

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  Disappointing Highway Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lanthony2020 - August 14 - 1:29 pm

  After 7600 miles, the highway miles run between 33.5 and 37.5 at 80, 70 and 60 MPH respectively. At 55, not much better. This on a know stretch of flat interstate with no wind. City mileage is OK if I cruse at 25, I can get 50 going slow in town. Traded in my 2010 TDI. The TDI got much better on the highway at those speeds. I could get 50 if I wanted to drive 55 MPH.

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  Oil leaks onto the clutch. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tim - August 14 - 8:07 am

  Im on my third clutch pack in 50k miles do to oil leaking past a shaft seal.

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  01 Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tazdog - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is used mostly for around town commuting but recently took it on a long trip(2600 miles). Was very impressed with the performance, comfort and the fuel economy, 24.5 mpg. There was plenty of power for passing and there was no drop off going up hills(6 cyl). Four adults and luggage fit very nicely.

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  Piece of crap - 2002 Ford Escape
  By loulou - August 14 - 2:00 am

  An insightful warning to anyone considering purchasing this vechile..... dont do it. I bought brand new and have had to replace the engine, the steering column (twice) the door locks, repair the air conditioner, power outlets. The chip has been reprogrammed too many times to count....... and it still has problems. This thing is a death trap.

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  Fun, but still a Ford! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By mwh - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from my Father-in- law. He had it since new and it is a fully optioned V6 SE. By the time I got it (70,000 miles) I had to replace the full suspension system, tyres, Brakes, water pump, electric fan and some other things that I cant remember. As you can imagine I was less than impressed. The check engine light also came on at highway speeds (still does but know one knows why). I have been through 3 Ford dealers as they do not know what customer service is. But since I replaced the above components, the car has been reasonably reliable and is fun to drive. I have 2 young kids and it is roomy enough to carry our load on vacation.

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  Ten years later, still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Kiwanda - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in spring 93 and its only at 96K nowstill looks/runs about as good as new. Beyond regular maintenance weve done no repairs other than replace a cracked clutch slave and deal with the poorly-designed parking brake. All the heat shields have been removed after they started to fall off (or rattle) over the years. Note: this V6 burned about 1 qt oil every 1,500 miles since it was new-- Ford claimed this was "within spec" and its never really changed. Re-torquing the intake manifold bolts seemed to help for a while, but it certainly didnt stop the oil use.