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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  Good value... - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Atlanta_Ranger - January 16 - 10:13 am

  This is my second Ranger. I had 2000 (4.0L) I leased for 2 years and it had a couple of minor warranty issues. This one has the 3.0L and while not as powerful, it seems to be a more refined engine. I bought it because I get X- Plan plus the other incentives were great. Ended up getting it for $3500 below invoice. That makes it tough to beat. It is a good looking truck and it rides nice. Gas mileage could be better. However, I have had the vehicle at the dealer 5 times for rattles all came from front-end or suspension problems. It still has rattles and given the fact that I never take the vehicle off paved roads this seems unreasonable.

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  Its a Ford - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By loves my ford - January 15 - 4:12 am

  Reliable if you take care of it. That car was awesome, bought used in 97. Nothing went wrong until few months ago. Great reliable car up until I left the lights on. Twice. Had to replace battery and alternator. Didnt fix problem, then I needed a map sensor, whatever that is. Still died on me. Then a completely different problem that same month ignition module. Didnt help nor did a tune up. My fault, didnt change oil on time, drove on empty, never got transmission fluid flushed, etc. Great reliable car while it lasted. Only buy with low mileage.

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Matthew Polus - January 14 - 8:23 pm

  I traded in a Honda S2000 for the Expedition quite a change. The Expedition is much more practicable, but not quite as fun to drive. I like the interior design, the seats are comfortable and its very quiet on the road. We towed about 5,000 lbs from Tampa, FL to Whidbey Island, WA (about 3,500 miles in all). The truck did great, even over the 10,000 passes in Colorado. It was extremely comfortable the entire trip and we managed about 13.5 MPG.The only problem Ive had with the truck is the passenger side fuse panel shorted. I came outside one day and the brake lights were on - with no one in the car! Ford fixed it and its been a great truck since then. I paid $36,300 in TX.

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  Good Value - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MC - January 14 - 6:59 pm

  I have just turned 100,000 miles on my 2000 Taurus wagon with the Duratec engine. It has been very reliable. Only had it in the shop twice- battery died at about 25K (warranty) and fuel pump went at 90K. Outside of these, just routine maintenance. I drive a lot of highway miles so I get good mileage out of brakes and tires. Brake rotors are thin and need to be changed when pads are changed. All in all, I got good value for my buck.

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  You get what you payed for. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mykl - January 14 - 4:57 am

  I do like this truck it rides well, especially on the highway. One problem is that the rear is so light. It doesnt handle well if the rode is even slightly wet, never mind snow. The 3.0 engine is all right a bit noisy, and the pick up is just OK. But i never had one single problem with this truck in 18,000+ miles. I would definitely get the 4x4 next time, but I got a great deal on this 03 leftover and couldnt pass it up.

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  Great Value - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Richard - January 13 - 8:27 pm

  90,000 miles, front brakes, power steering pump, set of Firestone Tires at 75K after the OEM Generals were retired. Do the math $1300.00 plus oil change and filter, tire rotation every 10,000 miles at $55.00. $1795.00 for 90,000 miles. 2 cents per mile. How can you beat it. About 22 miles per gallon at $2.00 in California is $8200 of fuel in two years and price paid of $22,405 OTD. $.36 per mile for two years. Value to move $6,000. $26,400 / 90,000 = .2933 cents per mile. FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA.

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  My little blue truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Hudson - January 13 - 4:34 pm

  So far I have 34,000 miles on this one. Sharp looking truck. Love the styling and sturdy ride. Several issues have been addressed (under warranty, luckily). Fan belt idler pulley, drive shaft, power mirror switch, rear door problems to name a few. Fuel mileage is pretty decent. 18.50 city - 22 hwy. Overall I love my Ranger and intend to keep it for a very long time.

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  Paint - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Karbs - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Has anybody else had their paint job come undone. The paint on the hood of my truck is flaking off after just three months. Also, the window rattles a bit after opening and closing it.

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  Loving the Travler Package - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By tripping_in_virginia - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We have had mini-vans and sedans. Looked at SUVs for the extra space but found the full-size Traveler package fo the Ford van beats everything hands down on space and the basic comforts now offered in travler packages like video, game plug in ports, reclining buckets for all four passangers up front, leather seats and lots and lots of cargo room. Plus the baby can haul any camper or boat you may wish to pull down the highway. We are very budget minded so one way to offset the fuel economy issue is that we use this for our only vehicle. It has handled very nicely around town and obviously excels on the open road.

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  a nice car.... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By xrobotox - January 13 - 10:00 am

  no problems yet, but that probably comes car to car, feels good, but the gas milage is not as it tells you. We got the v6 and mpg is nowhere near 23/28. Nothing super great about the car, the power is nice though, it can pull its own.