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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  1FTYR10U71PA80634 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Ed Grey - January 12 - 2:00 am

  2001 step side Regular cab Ranger XLT Toreador Red. Power steering, cruse control, remote Keyless entry. Single CD radio AM/FM bright crome wheels, 15 inch wheels 225 tires. V6 three liter engine five speed auto 3.73 rearend. 60/40 split bench seat, leather wraped steering wheel, power windows, power locks, power mirrors

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  You gotta love it ! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Burghguy - January 11 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 2008 Escape XLT 3 weeks ago and am impressed. I traded in my 2006 Fusion and could not be happier. The ride is like a sedan, fit and finish is great, and the new look exterior says class. The satellite radio is way too much fun. The interior could use more padding, but looks good. I have averaged 24 MPG for city driving and this alone is impressive. I cant wait everyday to hop in and drive. I have owned 20 cars in my life, 16 new cars, and this Escape ranks at the top. Thanks Ford!

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  I love it! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By SKINSFAN - January 11 - 6:28 pm

  I must have a rare breed, I have a 2wd, auto, 4.0, XLT extended cab SB. I can never find this style when having to choose. This is my 2nd Ranger, my 1st one was a 1995 SB, 3.0 manual. I would still have it but was tired of shifting. Great dependable truck,. Looks good, simple design, excellent power, just simply put, I love everything about it. I traded in my 95 for an 02 F-150, had that less than a year before I realized I wanted to get back into something smaller and easier to drive.

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  "This car is FUN!!" - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Ryan - January 11 - 2:41 pm

  The Ford Probe GT is a great fun to drive car. It has great reliability. Nothing was replace on the car until around 110,000 miles. The Probe still has its original transmission at 142,000 miles. It handles like a true sports car. It can really hold the road and has a super fast take off for a 2.5 V6. PS: It gets gas mileage and be even faster with premium gas.

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  Part Tank Part Car Best Car Out there period. - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By atro - January 11 - 11:24 am

  I have owned a variety of vehicles and worked in a full auto repair shop for years. The Crown Victoria Ia an amazing vehicle. I get 22 MPG average. Lots of Power in the engine and for all and any electronics i want. Drive is smooth and it is very fun to work on with sooo much room. Even got hit by a rice burner couple dents missing side view mirror but the other cars front end was destroyed and bounced off my back tire!!! This car is a Tank on wheels!!!

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  Escape Limited - 2003 Ford Escape
  By charles allison - January 10 - 7:37 pm

  The first SUV owned. Loaded with all the extras. The V-6 is outstanding. Cruises at 80 mph effortlessly. 5 1/2 hour trips to the beach in comfort - 25.5 mpg hwy. Great front bucket seats, radio/CD player is excellent, but could use better speakers. Adequate cargo space for dog and luggage. Roof rack is a plus, but rarely used. I dont care what Consumer Reports says - the Escape is the best compact SUV on the market. I will buy a new one with a navigation system as soon as available. Until then, at 90,000+ miles, my Escape continues to march without a hiccup.

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  love my Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By balger - January 10 - 4:05 pm

  I bought my XLT Explorer new in 99 and am now going to sell it after 128K miles. I have never had any major problems. I changed the thermostat once and the alternator once, but $800 in repairs over almost 8 years isnt so bad. The ride is bumpy. The power locks are about worn out and the radio randomly switches to CD randomly, but its an old SUV. What do you expect?

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  My Toy Mustang - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Marv - January 10 - 11:15 am

  I have been a GM fan prior to this car. We have over 200,000 miles on this car and the only thing that we have done is replace the front brake rotors. My son is a Ford Tech and does all the PMs on the car. Will I buy other Focus? Yes! It has been the BEST car I have own, period. Ford build a GREAT car.

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  Freestyle review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roger - January 9 - 10:14 pm

  This is the best highway driving vehicle I have ever owned. I also am averaging 26 mpg on the highway. The AWD really makes winter driving safe and also during rainy conditions. I have not had one problem with this vehicle, I am very pleased with it.

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  One tough truck! - 1995 Ford F-250
  By matt - January 9 - 8:08 pm

  I have had this truck 8 years going on 9. Its been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It never quits. It has so much torque. I havent found anything I couldnt pull. I plow snow with it and drive it daily. The guys at Ford knew something when they built this model and year. Its a consistent performer. Im not even close to being bored with it. It continues to surprise me and excite me every time that I drive it.