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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  Suits our needs - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Farmer - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nearing 36k miles, the V-10 is an excellent running engine, very smooth and quiet. Average 10-11 mpg city, 13.5 to 15 highway. No problems with oil consumption. Ride needed improvement, added B.F. Goodrich tires, Edelbrock shocks and heavier steering stabilizer. Now much more fun and safer to drive. Fit and finish very good, no rattles to date.

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  98 Ford Ranger XLT Stepside 4X2 - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By JasMan1249 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  A great running vehicle. I drive it into the mountians 4 times a week and has not given me any mechanical problems. Dealership repair/service is terrible and overpriced.

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  a good buy 4 a small truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By paulh - March 25 - 2:00 am

  When I retired I was looking for a small truck to use for house hold errands and light hauling (mulch,hobby equip. etc) I wanted to get good milage and a comfortable cab ride ( I didnt want to feel I was crammed inside a small compartment) and with this truck I got all i wished for. I like the utility the long wheelbase offers me without a big fuel bill. 22mpg avg.

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  Ok car - has a lot of little problems - 1996 Ford Contour
  By RELLA - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my contour back in 98, it had 30,000 miles on it. Within the first month I had to take it in for the recall on the heat blower switch. Then I had to have new rotors put on it a couple months after that. It seemed to run good for a while. Now the latest is that I have no dash lights, the right hand blinker doesnt work, the heater switch doesnt work again and it runs loud. But it is pretty reliable as I havent had any major things go on it.

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  1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Sheldon - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission will require overhaul or replacement at some point after 65K miles due to weak aluminum forward clutch piston. This 3.8L engine is well known for timing cover/headgasket failure. Both of these are serious and costly repair issues that Ford could have engineered out.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Michelle - March 24 - 6:30 pm

  I have driven SUVs for the past 9 years. With the rising prices of gas I thought id entertain the idea of a car. The 2008 Focus looks good and gets awesome gas mileage. I originally looked at the SE model with ABS and traction control. My local dealer showed me that the SES is the same price after adding options to an SE. SYNC is incredible. Dont think I could live without it now.

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  great truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jasen - March 24 - 3:16 pm

  This is my first truck to own out of college and I love it. My family has owned F-150s for all my life and this is the best yet. Best looking truck inside and out. My dad bought a new Nissan Titan; great truck also, but the interior quality of my Ford is way better. Other than engine performance, Ford rules the truck world. (5.4L is a very reliable engine)

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  wifes excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Gates - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ride is not good, too rough. Bumps become body jarring event. Nothing quiet about about it, have heard ever bolt rattle. Our 4-wheel drive 4 door dually rides better--this is our ONLY complaint about Excursion--otherwise--its great.

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  WONDERFUL THUNDERBIRD, EXCEPT TRANS. - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By JOE SACK - March 24 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THE CAR BUT HAVE WORRIED ABOUT TRANSMISSION SINCE 60000 MILES. FORD DEALER SAYS IT IS FINE. MANY REPORTS ON INTERNET ABOUT TRANSMISSION DEFECTS. I JUST CHANGE FLUID EVERY 30000 MILES AND IT IS STILL GOING AT 107000. NOT GETTING ANY WORSE.

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  I wont get another - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jo - March 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought the truck used from a local dealer, it only had 24,000 miles on it when we purchased it. Since about a week after we bought it we have had problems with the idle, it idles very high when you put in the clutch. I cant even remember how many times it was in the shop, and it still is not fixed. We are currently having problems with the electrical (dome lights staying on), and the newest problem with it is the brake lights dont work. Im looking to get rid of it, and I wont be buying another.