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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  King Ranch Love - 2003 Ford F-150
  By kevin7 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased the F-150 Super Crew King Ranch 4x2 5.4L. The interior of the truck has a Western leather look and feel that is most appealing. With the 5.4L power plant I feel like the King of the road.

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  2003 Screw 4wd XLT 5.4L - 2003 Ford F-150
  By firstford - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I usually buy imorts, as I drive vehicles until they die. But with two kids we just needed the extra room. Our maiden weekend voyage allowed us to pack everything from food to strollers. Got 17.5 mpg on our first tank(5.4L) which is close to what I get with my 93 Pathfinder - but this has way more power. Rides great on the highway.

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  Love the truck - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Jerry Allen - June 5 - 9:31 am

  What I always have wanted . Still love it , most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven . Better than the three Lincoln Navigators We have owned .

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  marks truck - 1997 Ford F-350
  By mshanks - June 5 - 2:00 am

  LAST OF THE GREAT BREED OF FORD TRUCKS.THE CAB IS MUCH SMALLER THAN THE NEWER MODELS BUT THE STYLING IS ALOT NICER TO LOOK AT.

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  I hate to write my expereince was good! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By ebastage - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ok My wife bought this car years ago and we have had it for about years now.. I cant destroy this car. I drive it like a rally car. I replaced a battery, two exhasusts. Tires ONCE. I bought a 2 piece CV boot for both sides because they tore. Did two brake jobs. Poor Rear break design with that stupid adjuster. a serpentine belt just for the heck of it. No big deal this is all regular maintenence stuff. Only reason I am getting rid of it is I have 2 kids and a dog now.. A Review on the 99 Plymouth Voyager is coming soon.

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  this truck wont die - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By 9.03 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the only automobile I have ever owned. Ive never truly liked it as the ride isnt too comfortable, and only has room for two but its been highly reliable. Ive never had a concern for its well being and on numerous occasions have gone well past redline (not sure on that as there is no tach). Ive treated it badly, my brothers (only two other owners) treated it badly, it looks bad thanks to a bad aftermarket paintjob, and gets pretty bad gas mileage 14city/23highway I once decided that if the engine siezed up that my parents would buy me a new car, so i didnt put oil in for 6 months (im guessing 7,000 miles) but the engine never quit.

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  I dont want it anymore!!! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By readytosell - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous problems with this vehicle. I had to replace the tranny at 38k miles and I know 3 others who have had to replace their transmissions on their 99 or 2000 Rangers at under 40k. Horrible! There is also a terrible knock in the engine that Ford claims is "normal." I cant afford to upgrade right now, but I think Im going to sell it and buy something better for teh same cost, like a 97 4runner.

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  Passed a Rollover - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Gina Walker - June 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband totalled his Ranger last Friday. In the accident, the truck rolled several times down a hill and landed on its top. Though this site has no ratings for rollover testing, the truck held up unbelievable well. The cab remained virtually untouched. Luckily, he walked out without a scratch! Of course, he had on his seatbelt. Built Ford Tough.

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  unreliable - 1992 Ford Escort
  By ford_lover - June 5 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive but it has overheated and now blew the manaul trans after it seems all the trans fluid leaked out. Also, I hate the automatic shoulder belt system!

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  Sporty and fun to drive.... - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Stephen Stutsman - June 4 - 3:46 pm

  This is a wonderful car....especially for someone who wants to drive something thats sporty, but practical. Forget the backseat....it simply doesnt exist. But it has a lot of storage space for hauling things. I play in band I am able to get my amp, keyboard stand, and two keyboards, plus all of my other extra stuff in it with no hassle. I bought the Hatchback for this very purpose. It has a very nice stereo system....good bluetooth. Navigation system is pretty good....but not great. Good pickup and if you drive it right you will get good mileage. In flat terrain it will get easily in the mid to high 30s MPG. Im in the mountains and still manage in the high 20s. The Titanium model I have has every imaginable bell and whistle you could ask for on a car. Indeed, its hard to imagine a car in this price range and size having as much as it does.