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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  I LOVE MY SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Cindy S - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this suv. There is nothing you cant do with this suv. It is great for my kids and friends.

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  2000 Ranger XLT Excab - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By libsdad - August 29 - 2:00 am

  No major faults, has been very reliable

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  Almost exactly what I wanted - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By the ba - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my 2001 Ranger, but heres what Im getting in 2004: limited slip (very hard to make a quick turn into traffic in the rain without it), 4-doors (maybe Im too old to be squeezing between the seat and body to get to stuff in the back), 4.0 liter (I want to go faster than 85 mph), bucket seats (the bench doesnt have enough support at the knee, but the buckets are adjustable), and aftermarket hard tonneau (helps fuel mileage/aerodynamics). Only warranty problem was transmission modulator - replaced and doing fine so far.

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  Nice Truck! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By brickydfan - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used 9 months ago with 69000 miles on it. Now it has 80000. Ony routine maintenance so far. The family loves to travel in it. When I wear this one out I will get another.

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  Love it when its not in the shop..... - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Just OK - August 28 - 2:00 am

  SE sport V6 with 5 spd transmission is an excellent drive for the price. Interior features have drove me nuts. Dashboard peeled and replaced twice, endless wind noise and continual rattles in the dash board. The original tires were Firestone Firehawks and were worthless on anything other than dry pavement. Replaced at 30k with Bridgestone Portenzas and significantly improved control and ride. Ive enjoyed the car, but next time will spend the extra bucks for a higher class car with better fit and finish. Also, dont have any idea what the engineers were thinking about with the cup holders.

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  so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By stumagoo - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  Not that much of a downgrade (roomwise) from my Explorer Sport. Handles good, blast package worth the money for the sound system. Not tons of power but knew that was an issue before buying (better on gas). Average 20-21 mpg with 24 being the best with just over 3000 miles on vehicle.

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  Good buy! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By bev - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling, and design of my truck..the gas miles isnt very good..but the truch is fun and comfortable to ride.

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  Beware: Check Engine Light - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By oaiman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Up until recently, I enjoyed my Explorer very much. At about 68,000 miles the check engine light started coming on and Ford didnt help much finding the REAL cause. I was given estimates as high as $2300.00 to fix exhaust problems that, after much investigation, turned out to be simply that my gas cap wasnt tightened properly after I left the service station.

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  Fun in the Sun - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Uncle Bob - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Bronco I have owned. The versatility and ruggedness is awesome. I live in a desert area and this Bronco goes everywhere. I pull a boat at times with no problem. I have kept my Bronco cherry (original as possible. And have had some nice bids for it.

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  My Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bigdkmgcee - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. The first 1998 Ranger XLT took a pretty good side/front impact at about 50 mph from a C Tahoe and the airbags deployed and everything was fine.(My poor ranger was totaled). I did not plan on buying another ranger, but I went to my local ford dealership and the first one I saw was a Ranger Edge 3 litre(BRIGHTE RED w/5 speed auto).I Love It.