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:

• 

  Nothing to complain about - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Solid Car - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 Taurus GL with a 3.0 engine 7 years ago and have had very little problems. I can remember only once having it worked on and that ended up being a simple repair. With 94,000 miles on it I couldnt ask for a better family car.

• 

  Best Truck I have ever owned - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By RangerNJ - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2000 ford Ranger XLT 4X4 With the 4dr extended cab. I originally bought this truck as a secondary vechile and I ended up selling my other brand new car and making this my primary vechile. My vechile is only two years old and I have over 65,000 miles on it and I love it, I cant wait till I can buy a new one I like the style of the new ones.

• 

  My New way to "Escape" - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Marilyn - July 9 - 9:13 pm

• 

  2004 Lariat: Young owners perspective - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BF - July 9 - 11:46 am

  I purchased a 2004 Ford F-150 4WD Lariat SuperCrew last November just in time for the Idaho winter with money received for my high school graduation. The truck is stable and able, rugged enough for offroad punishment and serious towing but offers good acceleration for city driving. The truck is very responsive in the wheel, but the gas pedal is rather sluggish which is forgiving in many ways but reduces the enjoyment of the drive. On highway drives the truck is pleasantly quiet and extremely smooth, absorbing most highway defects without the typical jostle of a pickup. However at speeds above 60mph the acceleration begins to lag and good timing is necessary when passing.

• 

  I love my Ford Escape Hybird - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rm - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle 3 weeks ago. Its great. We get an average of 32.5 mpg. The reader estimates the mpg on the low side (usually, 30 or 30.5), however, measuring the amount of gas used fuel economy is about 32-33mpg.

• 

  great on gas - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Cathy - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever had for gas mileage and reliable performance. All manual five speed shift really has done what the label said upon purchase 38 mpg on highway and 30 mpg other.

• 

  Fun to drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By robh - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive ... 170hp and great handling. This car does not have a very snappy engine but when in the power band it pulls well. It also loves to be thrown into the corners. (had to replace a wheel bearing once). The exhaust is still original and I just replaced rear rotors and pads after 55 000 miles. The front disks still look Ok. Things I had problems with: Paint on hood crazing (dealer would not fix) wheel bearing (my fault) recalls air flow sensor a/c expansion valve

• 

  vacation van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cmp253 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I took the van on a 1000 mile vacation the next day after purchasing the van. I was pleased with the performance and the interior room. My 4 and 1 year old kids loved the VCR.

• 

  Check them starter cables!!!! - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By doublej - July 9 - 2:00 am

  As of July 2002, I am on my 2nd Starter in 2 months...the mechanic finally figured out the cables were bad. Overall...its a dependable truck...however, the absence of simple cup holders is a major drawback. A little slow out of the starting gate when running the air conditioner. Replacement mirrors (outside door) cost a small fortune to replace. If you are experiencing starter problems...replace the cables as well!

• 

  great truck! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By sinner_saved - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ok, its a little small, but I could always rely on this truck. I hauled music equipment, mountain bikes, and people in this bad boy, and Im talking TRIPS! I had no reservations about taking it far from home for a getaway, and it was perfect for me and my girlfriend. Dont get this if you have kids, or if youre a big and tall type. The 93 ranger is WAY reliable and super easy to maintain. I would advise to get the king cab, however. It is a SMALL truck!