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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  Neat little truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By daved - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Good little pick-up truck for the price. New Arizona biege color is awsome. Interior is simple and functional.

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  I LOVE MY GT!!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By vickysgt - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1967 Mustang when I was 17...I had always wanted another one and 2 years ago I finally got the chance. I have a GT coupe in Amazon Green. It is a beautiful car and so much fun to drive...especially when you have these young kids in their foreign buzz bombs try to mess with ya...they might get you off the line...but with in seconds they see nothing a green blur when I pass them! I call it Mommys Mean Green Machine! Has to be the very best car I have owned. It is a bit of a gas guzzler, but that is the price you pay for performance.

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  Pay attention - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Daily Driver - September 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and sounds great. It catches peoples attention. Gas prices have hurt the pocket book, but performance is well worth it. Leather seats are sticky in summer, 5spd shifter is located to far forward and streaches arm muscles. When heater is on, engine sounds like air- conditioner turning on and off.

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  Nice Rig! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By JPeterman - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I was looking at the Toyota Tundra 4x4 when I came across this truck online in Fords inventory close to my house. I found that Toyota was a "little too proud" of what they had to offer (read: too much money). When I first saw this silver beast I knew I was in for a good time. It had all the options I wanted in a vehicle (power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, limited slip diff., etc.) and for good measure it had the very cool split tonneau cover! Very nice drive, even on a long trip from Portland to Salt Lake City.

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  A strong, reliable car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By NL - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great in snow, reliable, comfortable, fast for its power rating, excellent ride & handling for base model, good looks, big trunk, solid, antilock brakes, 4-wheel disk brakes(one of the best features), fuel-door lock. Cons: Not enough power, gas mileage could be better(20city/23highway), a few rattles, cheap interior materials (dash, doors).

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  Many miles, still running - 1996 Ford Contour
  By MNDriver - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have 173,000 miles on the contour and it still runs very well. No loss in compression or fuel mileage. Had to replace 2 power window motors, timing belt tensioner, and front ball joints. I hope to get 200k miles before I send it to its final resting place!

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  Hate to Sell - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MatthewMitchell - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used with 10,000 mile and factory warranty remaining. Have never had a problem. Replaced the tires (Firestone was original), Ford even paid for these. Replaced the battery and brakes, and it runs forever with regular tune-ups. The ride is bumpy due to the big tires and sitting so high off the ground, but in snow this is the car you want to have.

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  I want another one! - 1992 Ford Escort
  By meanjean - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Have put 167,000+ miles on my 1992 Ford Escort, 5 spd. Trouble free except for AC problems at 165,000 miles. 33-36 mpg highway. Love it.

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  too bad thy stopped making these - 1997 Ford Escort
  By frozennorth - September 8 - 2:00 am

  bought new, driven to work everyday , 36 miles each way. Tires, muffler, brakes, thermostat, and alternator replaced. Thats it except for gas and oil changes.

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  2000 F-150 XLT - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Gerard882 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  F-150 is great i have this car 3 years 20k when i bought it, now 105k runs great. The only mechanical problems i had were spark plugs and wheel lug broke off, other than that nothing.interior is nicley shaped, Has power to deliver, 0-60 is good.. but can imporove. This truck will do another 80k most definitely! it wont disapoint