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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  Give the Sport a look! Its good. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sac State - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Although this vehicle takes a bad review from Edmunds, I found the vehicle comfortable, stable and fun to drive. In fact, I have owned three Sports all in seccession. The most recent had every option except the sunroof. I swapped the stock recall tires with Michelin MTX and one size larger. The 4x4 system had major limitations, not being able to run on dry, semi-wet pavement, i.e. rain. Overall, I would highly recommend this vehicle. It had good ride height, versatile interior and look rugged with its two door layout.

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  The Tippy Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By chage - December 23 - 4:31 pm

  Rolled the same vehicle twice. Although Im still alive to talk about it (the roof is capable of withstanding a rollover), the vehicle is way too light in the rear. Even with sandbags, the vehicle is too prone to losing traction, breaking loose and rolling over while skidding. Although there is plenty of important legroom, the ground clearance and approach/departure angles are great (allowing you to go places with it), the body is too light and theres no weight and traction in the rear end. Ford really needs to redesign the Ranger to overcome those major setbacks.

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  some things have been better - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Kelly - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  Owned a 2002 and now a new 2004 Fx4 II off road package on both trucks. The brakes are an improvement from the 02 in 03 and up you can feel and tell the difference in stopping with the bigger drums and rotors. The new gauge dash cluster is trendy but a step down from before loss of real oil pressure gage and volt gage 02 had. Now just idiot lights, not a good trade off. Mid speed vibration in chassis is still there. Empty passenger seats vibrate. With new leather seating option I lost the lumbar seat adjustments had on the 02. Also they dropped the driver, passenger side map lights from the over-head door light, which is a must for off roading. Good truck, expect better from Ford.

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  Love it, but..... - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 100 - December 23 - 2:02 am

  Most comfortable and "fun-to-drive" vehicle weve owned. MPG is painful, but it is a large SUV with a large engine. Rattles/squeaks in the dash and headliner. Have taken to dealer many times to fix with little success. Noticed a howl in the rear- end at 12,000 miles, ended up having to replace the ring and pinion gearset in the rear differential. Serpentine belt went out at 19,000 miles. Have been less than happy with the problems weve had, but still like the vehicle.

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  Great Commuting Vehicle - 2009 Ford Focus
  By saintjp52 - December 22 - 5:33 am

  I own a Lincoln MKX and was looking for a second commuting vehicle that was cheap in price and on gas. I am happy with my purchase of the Focus because its built well and handles alot better than other cars that I test drove (Nissan Sentra, Toyota Carola). The interior is not the best quality however, it looks nice all lit up at night (If you take care of your car the interior should hold up just fine). The SYNC system is easy to use and very practical. The trunk is big on this little car.

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  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By koprowskif - December 22 - 4:39 am

  I bought my 2003 Ranger in August of Last year and it has been a superb truck, I only have had one problem with it but it was also -30 degrees, and it started hard and didnt idle, which the dealer said was unfortunate but normal and the replaced some parts and has never happened again. I have 2 snowmobiles, and i use this truck to pull them and it does very well. I have gotten 2 speeding tickets in it and never realized i was speeding. I couldnt ask for more, it was a great year end special, and i got the 0% interest. i love my truck. by the way, i now have 45,000 miles on it. the only thing ive had to do to it was oil changes, and a new set of tires.

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  Great F-150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By sean - December 21 - 10:59 pm

  I love my truck because of the utility reliability and the looks. I have spent $420 in repairs in 6.5 years and 142k of use. A truck gives me the independence I like. I can move things without having to get any help. I am a pretty big guy and like the space. My family of 5 can fit in for short trips.

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  very satisfied - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ta - December 21 - 10:00 am

  purchased a used sport trac,03,9000 miles, love it, very handy auto/truck. drives and rides much better than the rest,colarado,tacoma,frontier, etc. more room in the back seat. the bed holds enough for the home owner/sports men. wish it came with the V8, under powered put adaquite. gas mileage about 16 around town 19 trip.

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  More Bang For Your Buck! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Zman4fun - December 20 - 4:52 pm

  VA 41 yo 63 240lb MWM. I bought my new torch red, 5spd Mustang in April for 13K (newsp ad). It looks great, is comfortable and handles well for the money. Wind out the trany and get to 60 in about 7 secs. The tough attitude of its appearance/color seems to yield me the right of way with other drivers, who dont cut me off and let me merge in traffic. Gas mileage was Ok but got much better once I put the tires at 40 PSI, although a slightly rougher feeling ride. The only problems have been that the drivers seat belt was twisted at the anchor, the repeat button only works for MP3s, and the headrest doesnt adjust to my height. The dealer fixed the 1st problem, the others are standard.

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  Nice SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By TONI - December 19 - 3:31 pm

  Expensive to be worked on. Parts not cheap nor the tune up. Seems to hold up well up to about 80,000 miles, then lots of things go out under the hood. Overall a nice vehicle to drive, roomy but gas isnt cheap these days!