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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  My 1st new truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By fsufan - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My new 2004 ford ranger is great for me and very versatile. The ride is much better than any of the other trucks i test drove. Especially the chevrolet s-10.

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  We Survived & It Lived - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Joe&Sheila - July 29 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is I bought for safety and it paid off! Previous Montero owner - wife wanted a bigger SUV - so we bought the biggest. We were involved in a multi-car crash on the freeway complete with airbag deployment and NO injuries in our SUV. We trashed everyone elses car - $10K to fix the Big Black Truck - and we wont get anything else! This thing is a tank and rides/runs/looks as good as new - honestly. If you dont have one of these things - dont drive without insurance!!!

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  does its job - 2004 Ford Escape
  By van to escape - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2004 escape since last september. It drove very well through a lot of snow this past winter. I am a little disappointed with the gas milage gettin 18 mpg up until 10000 miles and now it seems to be staying at 20 mpg. This is with a lot of city driving. The only problem Ive had only happened a couple of times. When trying to start the car, if it did not start on the first key turn I had to pump the gas to get it started. Overall I am happy with the car. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable on long drives but it is used mostly to work and back and to shuttle the kids. My husband doesnt like riding in it because of the small size.

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  I love this truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By partner44 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  You have heard it from all the other reviews of the 1995 F150 but I have to kick in and repeat what a wonderful strong, reliable and cool vehicle this is. Over the years of our ownership I have never been let down by this truck and it has looked good in the process. I often find myself admiring its clean strong lines, it looks totally able to do anything and actually can. My truck is the straight 6 with the 5-speed and is the basic trim package with NO frills except air. This is what a truck should be at least for me. If you want value, style and ability this is your truck.

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  Good Litttle Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By loneranger - July 28 - 2:00 am

  129,000 on my Ranger to date. Other than basic maintenance items, the truck has been maintenance free. 2wd is horrible in snow as I anticipated even with 200 lbs of sand in bed. Gas mileage is a respectable 26mpg with the 4 cylinder engine. The truck is solid - no rattles or squeaks.

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  1993 4 banger - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Jmiller - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I brought my PROBE used with 60/k in 1997. Red of course, when cleaned it always looked brand new. I now have almost 170/k miles on it. Very reliable, problem areas idle control,faded paint,expensive parts and high insurance. Still has the original clutch!!! Great gas mileage and fun to drive, could use more power. Hatch is very useful. From day one I used only synthetic or semi syn. oil. The engine still sounds brand new,plenty of life left. K&N air filter and spit fire plugs....will change to BOSCH platinum 4 plugs. I used either 93 or 89 octane....she runs strong on 93.

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  4.0 V6 engine idle - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Fudd - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Truck has been very good overall. One problem I have had since new is engine idles at 1500 rpm or higher for about 5 minutes until temp. guage comes up to normal operating temp. Took to dealer 2-3 times while in warranty and they refused to correct the problem! Have taken it to independent repair facility and they have not been able to fix it either. All of them say it is sealed up,and no adjustments can be made. Maybe true, but correct component could be replaced to fix the problem. The problem is amplified by the fact I live on a mountain and coming down it at half throttle can be exciting--especially in winter. Hard on brakes too.

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  scared to drive it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By mamma - July 27 - 2:00 am

  other than 2 alternators in less than 1 year (350.00), the timing belt & pulley (450.00), and waiting for the co2 sensor to go nothing but problems, and wondering where you are going to break down next. i have a little girl, and have been stranded now on the highway, and city streets. i dont feel safe driving it anymore, because i am soooo scared it is going to break down again. that is sad, considering it only has 82k miles on it. oh well, im shopping foreign now!! my husband has an 83 f150 that runs like a dream. what happened ford? ya just dont make em like ya used to, do ya?? im am still wondering if one is an ashtray

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  review - 2001 Ford Focus
  By puil - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been quite happy with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, very comfortable on long stretches, and not too noticible when I happen to speed a bit. Stealthy. No problems keeping with traffic at any speed, but would always love more power. For the money, I cannot complain. I have had no issues and I hope that continues. I plan on driving it another 200,000 miles.

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  2000 F150 Work Series 7700 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By mikemrk4 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been absolutely maintenance free except for scheduled oil changes and items listed below. Brake linings were replaced at 48,500. ABS light came on at 49,000. Well find out what thats about in the next couple of weeks. This is the 7700 model with the 5.4 and it tows as well as a friends new Ram 1500 Hemi. Only options I wish Id ordered are limited slip differential and cruise control. Original Goodyear Wranglers are good for at least 5,000 more miles. Gas mileage has not improved from new, and it still averages approx. 13 mpg in town. Best ever was approx. 16.5 mpg on the highway, but it does have the 3.73 gearing.