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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  a good car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By shaneca - October 4 - 10:00 am

  i love my 2004 mustang. it is fun to drive and it looks great. it rides great, gets ok gas milage and my kids love too. its just an all around great car. i would not drive anything else!

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  reliable since 99... - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By bbgunwb - October 4 - 1:05 am

  Bought it in 99 when it had 38,000 miles on it. It now has 123,000 miles on it. Long time nagging problem is a squeaky internal vent fan and a poor defroster that usually refuses to turn on the compressor until the engines warmed up, and sometimes randomly stops working. Front brakes kept warping until I replaced rotors with beefier aftermarket ones - since then, zero brake issues. 90,000 mile service was over $500 bucks. Other than that, its been solid until the last 6 months or so - the trannys been hard shifting in 2nd gear. Only question is whether to fix it as I pass it on to the kids. Till then - baby it!

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  Little Giant! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 08naja - October 3 - 10:27 am

  I have always wanted a small truck with great looks as well as guts. When I saw the 2007 Ford Ranger I fell in love. It does everything you need it to do and more. I was looking around at other trucks to haul my bikes and things. The 3.0 V6 option is worth it! Its great on gas and performance and is fun to drive.

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  love my mustang - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By cameron saunders - October 2 - 11:33 pm

  look for a 1 owner car that had good care

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  The Lil Ranger that can - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 68CudaGuy - October 2 - 8:24 am

  Since this is the 5th Ranger Ive owned Id have to say I really like them. Had a 85, 88, 91, and 97 before this 04. Still have the 91 with 280,000 miles so far. Ive got the 3.0l and 5 speed manual and even going back and forth to Birmingham AL last week for classes I got 26+ mpg at some crazy 75-80mph speeds. Shes no speed demon but as far as trucks go but I feel confident enough to drive her on any interstate. I do plan on doing a few things to improve horsepower and mileage as I can afford them. My wish list includes a cat back exhaust system, Edge Performance piggyback chip, K&N Fuel injection setup, 180 degree thermostat, and Im considering replacing the fan with an electric unit.

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  Awesome 4 the Buck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ernie/Miami - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Incredible enough but I have yet 2 change my rear brakes since the purchase of car in 1999. Talk about reliable! I have close to 80000 miles and I have not had a single engine problem. I rate this car a must buy, except 4 us tall guys.

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  My Ford F150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By papaglide - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The only fault I can find in this truck is: Paint is cracking in the roof rain channel. I havent taken it back to the dealer yet, but I know they will fix it.

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  Good Value - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Michael - September 29 - 9:49 pm

  Bought a SEL Freestar 4.2 used with 15,000 miles. Very pleased with it. Wife has a 2003 Honda Odyssey which I consider a great minivan and we bought the Freestar as an extra minivan since that one has high miles and for my personal vehicle. The Honda seems to be built much better, but was twice the price and had no room for negotiation because of popularity of model. However, they both drive great and for the money, I would buy the Ford over the Honda in the future! The sound system is pretty weak as well since it only has 4 speakers.

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  Tacoma to Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By jrob - September 29 - 8:59 pm

  I am sure Im one of the select few who have "traded down" from a 2006 Tacoma to a 2007 Ranger. My brief 2.7 5M SR5 Taco experience included two trips to the dealer for a bad rear end (in which the whole "pumpkin" was replaced) and two trips for a clutch/shift problem that wasnt resolved. The Tacoma is vastly over-rated. My 4x4 was bone jarring on the road, had no torque, shifted like a bucket of bolts, and got just 20-21 mpg. But so much for Yota bashing. My 2.3L XLT gets GREAT mileage (31 mph), shifts smoothly, and has enough power to get up about any hill without downshifting. Yep, the platform is dated, but it still looks good, works hard and is really worth what you pay.

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  100% RELIABLE - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JT - September 28 - 10:56 am

  I bought this Explorer new -- my first Ford. Loved the looks of it. I now have 69,000 absolutely trouble free miles -- some towing light trailers. Got over 50,000 on first set of tires. Other than pads and oil changes its never been in the shop. Best of all, not one squeak or rattle even after 69k miles, and Im paranoid about rattles. Interior design is a bit hokey but everything looks and works like new. In fact, the whole vehicle feels tight like new. I wish mileage was better for a V6 but I can live with it. I usually sell at around 75K miles but Ill keep this till one of us drops. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another. No, my last name is not Ford.