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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  All in All, Not bad - 2001 Ford Escape
  By devlinz34 - October 14 - 7:37 pm

  This was my first brand new vehicle. Ordered it and waited 3 months to get it. Had a problem early on with an A\C vacuum line causing the A\C to kick in and out. Was fixed by dealer. Recently had a stalling issue and dealer never did fix the problem. Took it to an independent repair shop and they fixed it right. After 66k miles, the Escape has been very good and reliable. I hear there are some lemons out there, but I was lucky not to get one. Good power and great room for a small suv. However, looking at selling it for more room and larger towing capacity.

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  Purchased Used - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - October 13 - 1:51 pm

  I purchased this, Ford certified, truck with just 15k miles. V8 has decent power but not overwhelming. I like the V8 in the newer (06) Explorers, however the ridiculous interior door release & handles prohibited me from buying the newer model. Good room, quiet & smooth ride. Some ergonomic quirks though. 2nd and 3rd row seats dont fold flat, interior door release take time getting used to. Build quality is about average.

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  98 zx2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By ritchmonty - October 13 - 10:00 am

  runs great and gets 35 mpg. Everything under hood is very well designed.

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  Next time it will be a Toyota - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mad dog - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I am waiting for the second left rear shock to be replaced due to the first two leaking (it only has 8400 miles). The auto trans shifts poorly between the top two gears - dealer says it is O.K.? The engine runs much smoother since I switched to Mobil 1 at 8,200 miles. The 98 S-10 ZR2(53,000 miles)I traded in to get this was a much better truck!

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  Skip This One - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JSNC - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the style, but hate the fact she leaked oil and had to bring her in 4 times with under 2k miles on her. Also, under 2k miles, needed new cat. converter. This is a piece of junk all for 29K.

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  03 Ford Crown Vic LX Sport Review - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ed Poux - October 13 - 7:30 am

  Purchased used with only 4200 actual miles on vehicle to replace a 96 Impala SS (245K miles on the clock). Wanted a large, US brand 4 door, V8, rear wheel drive car under $25K to drive on company business (1996 was last year GM made the rear wheel drive Impala SS). I now have 27K on the Ford odometer and have had no problems so far.

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  good reliable truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By julia - October 13 - 6:28 am

  This is our 3rd ranger. 1st ranger was a 4x4 XL 93, great truck, sold it at 136k, body was perfect as was the motor. Then got a king cab 4x4 1999, gas mileage was only ok and there was the 3.0L ping, not super happy with that truck although no problems. Now, the standard cab XLT 1999 truck is great. Seats are comfortable, paint/body is solid and runs perfect. Gas mileage is in the low 20s for mostly city driving. Interior is nicer than a Toyota imo, and the truck sits up higher for a 2wd. Only issue we have had is a wiper switch, (phantom on/off wipers)which should be a $50 fix. Its got 70k and we have done nothing to it but change tires and oil. Thumbs up.

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  Jeep man buys Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By robert d. whearty - October 12 - 10:13 pm

  Had two Jeeps prior to buying a 1999 Grand Cherokee in May of 1999. It became a nightmare. Fortunately I bought the extended warranty; 6 sets of front brakes by 56K, rear axle, hood & tailgate springs, air conditioner 4 times, etc. Traded it for a 2004 Explorer in August of 2004. Explorer has been a pleasure, routine maintenance only, nice ride, lot of room, third seat helpful, took it back and forth to Florida, good trip car, have the "6" would suggest the "8" if you do highway driving or towing. Would buy another one but would get the 8 cylinder.

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  Take that! Foreign automakers. - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By ADM HALSEY - October 12 - 10:15 am

  Pound for pound & dollar for dollar one of the best purchases one could make for under $15,000. Excellent for highway travel and not too bad around town for mpg. Very comfortable & quiet, similar to older Lincolns. I added a trunk disk changer and new mats via Ford. A/C renders ice and heat cooks steaks. Wish I had bought it in teal instead of maroon. I feel like a fleet car escapee. Will buy as long as are available for a second car.

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  2006 Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Dhill - October 11 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this truck because I needed a long bed truck that would offer good fuel economy. After driving an F150 for a few years and paying too much for gasoline, I found the opportunity to purchase this automobile. My gas mileage, mostly highway, stays around 28 mpg. This is summer driving with the a/c running in Texas. I drive highway speed of about 68 mph and sometimes I leave the tailgate down. The truck offers plenty of room for carrying my loads, and Im pleased with the overall performance. I bought because I needed the 7 foot bed. No other economy truck has a 7 length. The dealership had to travel 450 miles to pick up the truck, and I paid, walk out the door, $14K.