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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  Not aging gracefully - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mark - December 8 - 11:33 am

  Granted, its an older car but you shouldnt have to replace the intake manifold for $1000 because it is made of a cheap material. Why did fleet cars get warranty coverage on this and personal owners didnt? Headliner is falling down, ball joints were shot, plastic door handle snapped off, plastic cover fell from above onto the drivers feet. Now we have a leak somewhere causing the floor to be swamped with every rain. Overall, mechanically pretty sound but body interior and exterior quality is very poor. Especially for a luxury car. Ford was really milking this cash cow when they sold this junker in 1997.

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  Well pleased - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By 2002 excursion - December 7 - 9:17 pm

  Very pleased with this truck. With 4 kids and a dog, the space is well needed and used. I went from a 2000 F- 250 to the Excursion and can still get the same loads in the Excursion if needed.

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  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By John S. - December 7 - 6:32 pm

  Good truck, lousy gas mileage for a 6-banger, I cant believe people get 27 mpg when I am lucky to get 20 highway!

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  Mustang GT is back - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ron H - December 7 - 1:30 am

  Fun like it was 30 years ago! Fast, reliable. Much better handling. Ride is stiff for old joints.

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  Life With Ranger - Part IV - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - December 6 - 10:28 pm

  Just past the "One Year of Ownership" mark, and alls well. In that time, my Ranger has yet to so much as rattle, and this despite 22K L.A. miles in a single year. As Ive stated in my earlier reviews, by 2007 truck standards, my Ranger borders on "antique." Literally every other truck on the market rides more smoothly, get better gas mileage and provides greater and more cleverly packaged interior spaces. That said however, few offer Rangers total combo of rugged styling, "just right" size and seemingly military- spec durability. For those desiring a classic, comfortable little truck, adeptly able to tackle your basic chores without busting your bank account Rangers still #1.

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  Great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bluedevil3758 - December 6 - 1:30 pm

  I have 135k on the truck and no major repairs, just fluids and exhaust. I however did replace an axle shaft after a guy hit my rear end but I felt lucky considering I was able to still drive it while his car was in a bunch of pieces. I have really beat on this thing bought it from my Dad when i was 17 and took it off roading all the time and have put 2000lbs in the bed a couple of time. The only thing I wish was different was the 4x4 Ford uses a vacuum system to engage the system which always fails. I switched to manual hubs and no more problems. The 3.0 and 4.10 rear end is a pretty nice set up

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  Best built Fords - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By rich - December 5 - 5:36 pm

  This is the best built series of Ford I have encountered. I have driven every body style ford up until the 2004 F series. Rugged, reliable and great ride

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  The Next Generation of Sedan for Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dee - December 4 - 2:37 pm

  Being a imported car fan (VW owner) , I am quite pleased with the specs and overall feel of the V6 SEL Sedan. I think Ford just hit a new peek. Looking forward to seeing what theyve done to better this already great car in the 2008 autoshow.

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  Mostly Nice - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daleinmn - December 4 - 7:36 am

  If I lived in a warm climate I would give this car rave reviews. In a cold climate, not so much. It has been reliable but the mileage and electric range in the winter are so much worse than in the summer, about half as good. Also, one of the big selling points to me was that I could set a departure time using my cell phone, and it would have the cabin up to a comfy temperature using wall current by the time I left. Maybe that works on 220 volts, but on 110 it starts warming about 45 minutes before departure and never does get the cabin and it does drain the battery somewhat. Also, the turning radius is absurdly bad. In hybrid mode I get about 36 mpg. After driving a Prius, that stinks.

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  Annies Paw - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Annies Paw - December 4 - 12:11 am

  Good all around truck. Excellent vehicle for hauling light loads. Respectable fuel ecomomy (19 mpg) and virtually maintenance free.