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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  Getn around - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Bill V. - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Ranger used, with only 27k miles, I have been very pleased. The basic transportation and ability to haul bulky items is a plus. I am 6ft.5ins., 255lbs and find I have plenty of head and leg room. I find the truck fun to drive my dog loves it!

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  Invincible - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger - October 24 - 2:00 am

  i owned a ranger for 2 years and never regretted a minute of it. there simply isnt a better light truck on the market. on road, the handling and power are amazing. the 2.9l has plenty of torque, and the power is trasferred through the road better than most cars. off road, you can put most big trucks to shame. the 4x4 and low range are almost impossible to get stuck in mud snow or trails. accident safety is unreal. i just totaled it by hitting a crown victoria @ 60 then ran into a ditch and flipped 3 times. I walked away w/o a scratch.

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  1995 Ford Ranger XLT Review - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Tiggie - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I am the current owner of a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab SB. It has the base 2.3L, and that is the only thing I dont like about it. It has a 5-Speed, which shifts very nicely. It gets very good gas mileage for a truck(like 29-31 Highway). It looks good, and the interior is laid out very nicely. The back jump seats are not well-suited for adults, but work fine for children. Overall, I think it is a very good truck to own, and would recommend it to anyone who doesnt like going to the gas station much, and doesnt mind not being able to accelerate quickly.

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  Not Bad for a Wagon - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By LtcMike - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional handling---very easy to drive. Biggest disappointment is the Alternator, which has been replaced 2x. Headlamps still "flicker & dim" with regularity.

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  GT Mustang Conv. - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By stillman - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a small car with a big car ride. Plenty of power. Fun to drive. Had a few things go bad A/C, trans, starter & alternator. Ford replaced trans. Other costs less than a $1,000.

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  I LOVE my SVT Cobra!!!!!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Joy - October 22 - 2:00 am

  WARNING--THIS IS A GIRL REVIEW!!!!!!! I Do NOT Even Pretend to Know About Cars!!!! This is just my Opinion Of My Car, Which I Adore!!!!! First of all, it Growls!!!!! I love getting in this car, turning the ignition, and listening to the engine go...Grrrowwl! This is the way a car should sound. Secondly, it GOES!!!!!!! Complete stop to 60 MPH quick. Going 65 and need to go MUCH faster, no prob. And.....it does it with class. I LOVE the way it corners! Smooth as a babies sweet rear-end! Also, I really appreciate the easiness of the stick shift. It is logical, quick, and there is no question--- ever, of which gear you are in. Done. I love it.

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  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vasaflicka - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun, zippy "baby" SUV which I purchasded in February 2001. The ride is surprisingly smooth. It gets the same mileage as a Ford Taurus station wagon with abt. 25 mpg on the highway (17 mpg in city). I love the choice of 4WD in the winter. I would highly recommend it to drivers of all ages.

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  good suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RICKSTER - October 22 - 2:00 am

  since i had it its been reliable and comfortable to drive with plenty get up and go more room than it looks

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  99 4wd stepside - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bucks - October 21 - 2:00 am

  fairly dependable. a few electrical gremlins(ive had electrical problems with all 3 rangers ive owned.) that would drain my battery overnight. also, it has the normal, ford power steering pump whine. gas mileage with the 3 liter engine and 4 speed automatic transmission is about 13 mpg around town and 18-19 on the highway.

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  high and low of Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By wyoming - October 21 - 2:00 am

  A great riding and fun to drive truck with something to be improved on in the design and dash layout.