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:

• 

  3rd F150 Since 2000 - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By woodlandcircle - November 25 - 10:00 am

  My first F150 was an XLT model, fully loaded, after an accident my replacement F150 was the same. Last year I purchased a 2003 Taurus, but couldnt stand being without a truck, So I jumped at the chanced to get a 2004 Heritage with all the rebates. Although this is an XL model I am getting used to crank windows and no tilt steering. Other than that, It is a refined version of the earlier models with a better ride and quieter interior. And you just cant beat the deal. $12,000 after rebates. It figures, Ford gets it right, then quits making it!

• 

  I like it at 98k - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DJ Soulseeka - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Sport for a few months. Its quiet powerful handles well regardless of what anyone else says. Ive been driving full blown Nascar racecars so I know handling. Corners well for a short wheel-based truck. No fluid leaks at all, mileage 22 mpg on the road, a/c and heat will run you out. The rear wiper is almost useless unless you bend it towards the glass to get more contact. Overall I know this a GREAT value. If you dont need the four door dont get it. You still get a lot of truck and cargo area, not to metion lighter, so better mileage and cost less. Most of all DONT get the 4.0 SOHC if at all possible.

• 

  Ranger #2 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Offroader - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My first 4x4 Ranger was a 98. It did everything I asked and then a little old lady decided she didnt need to stop for a red light and the 98 was history (sure could have used a side air bag that day). Replaced it with a 2001. I haul my ATV in the bed with no problems, just leave the tail gate down. Had a clunking in the rear end and Ford replaced the drive shaft and u- joints.

• 

  A Good First Car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Robyn_Marie - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my T-Bird from a friend who really screwed me on this car. It needed new ball joints and control arms in the front end($700)Then the brakes totally went out, complete brake job ($500)needs an alternator and new tie rods another $4-500. This is a good car if you have the money to fix it when something goes wrong with no warning. It is also sporty and reliable. Fords are really an expensive car to own they have transmission problems as well as the starters. Mine has 127,000 miles but Ive had it less than 6 months and just look at everything thats been fixed already. Just be picky when buying a ford and youll be better off buying from a dealership.

• 

  GREAT FAMILY CAR - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By CARMOM - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Cant beat it for family city and vacation driving! No major Problems. A lot of minor irritants, like an engine light that has stayed on for 3 years after being fixed many times.Paint peeling on outside-car looks much older. Door squeaks that come and go. Overall-highly recommend.

• 

  Excellent - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Drusus - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Got the car from my father with over 100,000mi on it, and has been a great performer. Had only one problem, a bad rack-and-pinion. Other than that, great all-around car, with a surprisingly good-sounding stock speaker system.

• 

  Good commuter, long bed - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By L.A.Pierce - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Truck has generally been good.Passenger window burst while under warranty, oil pan gasket slipped and need to be replaced, rear brakes exploded (spring?), easy fix, door pilar is rusting at base, fuel gauge is not working, original tires lasted a long time. Dont dare to use the spare as permanent tire since carrier cut into side of tire.

• 

  Good Solid SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By kmarchionda - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been better than I expected. It hasnt failed me for the 60,000 miles Ive owned it for. Im up over 130,000 miles and its still going strong. The only problem is a small knocking in the engine, but the performance hasnt been affected and I actually get better gas mileage than other people I know with the same truck.

• 

  Head Turner - 2003 Ford F-150
  By softailmonkey - November 22 - 2:00 am

  fun car to drive and will get you a lot of thumbs up and smiles!

• 

  No frogs killed in this hybrids manufacture - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Sparkie - November 21 - 4:20 pm

  27 MPG actual all around suburban driving, handles well, lots of headroom, Electric motor rapidly accelerates engine to passing/on ramp speeds up to 5750 RPM (redline is 6000 RPM) as required. Supposed to be great in snow (with the heavy HV battery pack over the rear wheels), but not tested there, by me, yet. Truly a "fly by wire" design (you steer and press the gas pedal, and the computer controller decides how much motor, engine, and transmission it will provide).