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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  Very good - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Andy Lego - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Winstar Limited Edition 3.8 V6 engine. Overall good vehicle, only one problem with ABS Traction Control sensor it shut off during drive a Van. It was fixed for $ 450.00 at local Ford. There was no other problems I enjoy driving it, this Limited Edition is a good Quality MiniVan and good for Gas 9.8 l per 100 km on Hwy. Thank you Andy

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  What a blast to drive!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Kirk Bailey - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a lot of so called "mini" Suvs but none as fun or powerful (with the V6) as I have with the Escape. My son and I go into the back country quite often to camp and fish, so I wanted something that didnt eat up gas and that would get us where we needed to go. The ride is car like so it doesnt beat you up getting to your favorite place yet has enough ground clearance for most off road adventures. I have had no problems with the mini brute but kinda wish it had been built on a frame. Overall, we love it and alot of people ask about it all the time.

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  Mine is GREAT!!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Dr Beat - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this vechicle. Ford does it again with inpressing me. I am not too happy with the Fuel Economy; However, everyone tells me it is still good for an SUV.

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  Lightning Strikes... - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Randy Huddleston - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The Lightning is a fun vehicle to drive. Powerful, good handling, excellent braking, an overall A+ in performance. The exterior design is set apart from the other F series trucks with ground effects & bumper treatments. The interior is well laid out with gray suede & black leather. When the supercharger spins up, with its distinctive whine, & you are pushed back into the seat it makes you smile & sometimes even laugh out loud. The Lightning is just plain fun to drive, period. PS: for well under a $1000, you can get an aftermarket chip, pulley & filter combo that will put your HP well over 400, & torque 500+! This will drop your 1/4 mile times into the low-mid 12s. Yee Haa...

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  Wahoo, I got a Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Zim - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Engine is powerful and has good torque. Seems to be engine rattle when cold passing through first and second gear.

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  Good bye - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ford man U.S.A - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ranger edge last year and I love it.I really like the performance.I am a competitive person so I like to race here and there and I have to tell you I have friends who have all types of trucks.I never lost to a toyota tacoma 3.4,supercharged nissan,chevy s- 10 or even the 4.7 dodge.They were all equally equipped.The dodge was the closest but still behind,and this is no lie,we all dragged at an NHRA track.Must be the 4.10 gears and 5 spd.auto.also lighter.

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  Tauras worst car ever owned - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By mms - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Tauras SE is the most uncomfortable car Ive ever been in. My back actually hurts from sitting in that brick hard seat. Pick up is horrible, I would never try to pass on a two lane highway. I get stuck behind a school bus and I can just plan on staying there. Sound system is pitiful. It rides horrible, you feel every bump and its loud. I have a GMC Sierra truck that rides smoother and is much more comfortable. I hate the tauras and try not to drive it as much as possible.

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  Awesome bang for the buck sportscar - 2002 Ford Focus
  By M Rose - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I was set on buying the wagon version of the Focus. On a whim, I test drive the car I bought, a ZTS sedan, and was instantly smitten with this car. The ride quality and handling was noticably better than the normal Focus sedans, and much better than the wagon. I drove away with it two hours later and it has been the perfect car. So far, there are 10,550ish miles on the clock, and theres not been one, single problem. Its still as fun to drive as the day it was bought--highly recommended.

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  Average vehicle - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ryster - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Explorer is a comfortable, yet flawed vehicle. The ride is very good but there is just a bit too much wind and road noise. Build quality is only fair, as mine had two significant manufacturing defects. The B-Pillar was misaligned and the body welds were not correct. This necessitated 5 trips to the dealer to repair, with the 5th trip requiring the dealer to have the truck for 17 straight days. I was provided with a loaner free of charge. Aside from a horrendous rattle in the dash I have experienced no ther problems although it is gradually loosening up (creaks in the dash and door and other trim pieces). Performance is adequate, although there are times I wish for slightly more power. The truck will cruise easily on the interstate at 75-80. The seats are very comfortable. My truck, with the 4.0L OHV V6 averages 17-18 mpg in mixed driving. I have been doing my own oil changes with synthetic blend oil and have noticed improved and quieter engine performance. I would not hesitate to look at the 2002+ Explorer if I were considering a new SUV. However, I think I will go back to a mid or full-size sedan next time around. Disappointed with the high d

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  Good Suv - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Cl2cChris - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I think this and the navigator are good suvs