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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  1996 Ford F350 4wd LB - 1996 Ford F-350
  By bjsfolly - October 28 - 3:31 pm

  I use this truck like a truck. I dont expect it to be fun or drive like a car. I haul hay and horses. It restored my faith in American built vehicles. For 11 years I drove it with virtually no repairs and only casual maintenance. Today I will replace the u joints, some seals, a cracked manifold but overall, still just an excellent workhorse doing what it was designed to do. Other than brake linings, trans flush, radiator flush, and oil that is all I have done since I purchased with 3,000 miles on it.

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  Great little reliable truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Hatch - October 28 - 12:41 pm

  This was the second Ranger I have owned and both were very reliable vehicles. If were not for the rough ride and the need for a larger vehicle for a new baby I would definitely hold onto it. Ive never had any problems when driving it in the last six years (90,000 miles) and got my clear through college. That is if you dont count the time I had to go through the fuel system thanks to my wife putting diesel in my fuel tank on accident.

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  1997 Ranger XLT king cab - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By ranger guy - October 27 - 2:33 pm

  This Ranger has the 2.3 liter engine.Very reliable, good mileage, great handling truck. Truck does not have much power, however engine works good with 5 speed manual. Excellent truck for city or highway driving, does not like hill climbs however, you will have to gun it. I have had a few Rangers, liked the 97 2.3 liter the best. Stay away from 4.0 liter Ranger unless you are hauling or hill climbing. An absolute gas guzzler, motor is too heavy for truck

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  Good truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By biekerman - October 27 - 1:33 pm

  We had this truck for 8 years and had only minor problems. 5.0 V8 delivers excellent overall power, but sacrifices fuel economy. No trouble when hauling 3/4 ton of rock and towing a 2 ton vehicle. I would recommend this truck.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Doug - October 27 - 3:20 am

  Other than a lack of acceleration our Freestyle has exceeded our expectations. The interior is roomy and offers many seating and cargo options. The drive and feel of a medium to large sedan. Exterior looks and finish are exceptional. Ford has developed a fine crossover between SUV and van, it offers the best qualities of both.

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  Get a Warranty with it! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By BriGuy - October 26 - 4:59 pm

  My first new vehicle was more unreliable than many used vehicles I had before. Ready for the list: Valve body in transmission, engine rods, oxygen sensors(2), transfer case, front differential seal, drivers side ball joints 3 times, tie-rods twice, passenger side ball joints once, center console collapsed, rear window leak! 5k in repairs! All this by 75,000 miles! Too bad I enjoyed it when it ran.

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  Mean green machine ROCKS - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Jodi Correll - October 25 - 5:21 am

  UPDATE... Owned the car for 10 months now. Husband uses it as daily driver. Hes over 6 tall and has no issues with comfort. Lots of leg room up front. Car now has 34K on it and we may need tires for upcoming inspection in November, but so far, so good! We bought ours used at a Mercedes dealer, lol, with 25k on it. Looks and drives brand new. The Titanium model comes with absolutely everything you can imagine including heated seats (LOVE this in PA), and backup camera. The navigation system is spot on and Ford Sync finally got their act together. Recognizes commands like a charm. Opt for the 5 speed manual, and youll have no worries about Fords crazy "automatic/manual" shift transmission problems. We get higher than the advertised mileage and love all the little extras, generally reserved for a luxury car. My HUSBAND loves the crazy lime green as much as I do!

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  Wishing I bought a 4 door Explorer... - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Mario - October 25 - 2:00 am

  For my lifestyle, I should have purchased a 4 door Explorer. Its a pain in the $#@! to put my child in the back seat. Dont even try putting an adult back there. Its tough. An adult will have a real difficult time climbing into the back seat. I like the engine and trans though. The vehicle is very peppy! Wind noise can be very loud when driving on a windy day however. Lastly, I dont like the fact that my new 2002 Sport looks like a 1991 Sport. The body hasnt really changed in 10 years! The Sport needs to be redesigned or discontinued from Fords line up. It is very outdated.

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  2001 GT Convertible - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Tom in AZ - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a 2001 GT convertible, 5 speed that I purchased new at the end of the model year. Currently have 8000 miles on the car with no real problems. All driving has been commuting in Phoenix area and MPG is 18-20. Havent taken any extended trips yet but expect highway mileage to be better. Fuel tank size kind of limits range but it would probably be a major task to re size it on a design this old.

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  Old beater - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By spalding - October 24 - 9:58 pm

  I bought my Tempo as a work car from a friend of my dads. I had planned on getting a new one but the plant a worked at shut down. I didnt change the oil for 1500 miles. The electric door locks dont work but the manuals still do. After realizing I was going to have to keep it I changed the brakes calipers and drums. Charged the air conditioner and flushed the coolant system. Changed the oil and flushed the engine the old fashioned way with kerosene.The front drivers side was then hit at a light and I bought a new single fender and bumper from a junk yard. The fender doesnt match but who cares. The thing wont die! Very well built and dependable car. Great mileage.