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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  Excellent find - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tony - August 16 - 6:30 am

  A perfect fit for a tall family - lots of elbow and leg room . Our first voyage was 300 mi and not a complaint from anyone . Handles great and fuel consumption was acceptable for a full size car . Interior was very comfortable as was the ride - the dual climate zone is a marriage saver and the heated seats make for a very cozy ride in the winter months . After driving the AWD version , I wouldnt be happy with anything less

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  4.2 under powered - 2000 Ford F-150
  By fennut - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I use this truck every day for installing fences It always gets the job done but the 4.2 V6 is under powered when truck is loaded or pulling a trailor

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  Its been a good strong car overall - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Tj - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This cars base engine has been wonderful. I bought this car at 9,000 miles and now it has 113000 and I have put very little money into upkeep considering the amount of use. The speedometer went out, one rear window quit working and the windshield wiper fluid pump died. Lots of trouble with the hoses and had to replace the radiator. The cupholders are the worst design every. Fluid splashes up onto the stereo. Its been my only transportation for 8 years and its never died on me.

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  Very Pleased! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Big guy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Looked extensively at small trucks and SUVs prior to this buy. Was impressed by reports of reliability and the sheer numbers of these trucks sold. Narrowed my search to Toyota 4WD or this. Was shocked at how much more I liked this after driving both. Toyota popularity and reputation being what they are. No regrets. Have the 3.0 6V engine and have both great gas mileage and power- on-demand.

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  Escape1 - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jim g - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I drive a vehicle very hard and this Escape has handled the stress quite well. It has a great turning radius and the engine power is very responsive in passing situations.

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  Fun, but still a Ford! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By mwh - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from my Father-in- law. He had it since new and it is a fully optioned V6 SE. By the time I got it (70,000 miles) I had to replace the full suspension system, tyres, Brakes, water pump, electric fan and some other things that I cant remember. As you can imagine I was less than impressed. The check engine light also came on at highway speeds (still does but know one knows why). I have been through 3 Ford dealers as they do not know what customer service is. But since I replaced the above components, the car has been reasonably reliable and is fun to drive. I have 2 young kids and it is roomy enough to carry our load on vacation.

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  Suprised - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TAM - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a Gm man and when I drove the Explorer, I was hooked. It drives great, the V8 is powerful and reliable and it loves gas. The interior is laid out convienently. I will buy another Ford Explorer the next time around.

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  Ten years later, still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Kiwanda - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in spring 93 and its only at 96K nowstill looks/runs about as good as new. Beyond regular maintenance weve done no repairs other than replace a cracked clutch slave and deal with the poorly-designed parking brake. All the heat shields have been removed after they started to fall off (or rattle) over the years. Note: this V6 burned about 1 qt oil every 1,500 miles since it was new-- Ford claimed this was "within spec" and its never really changed. Re-torquing the intake manifold bolts seemed to help for a while, but it certainly didnt stop the oil use.

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  Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By laddy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned 2002 Edge 4door before this one. This time I purchased the extended cab without the 4 doors. Huge mistake! I highly recommend the 4 door when purchasing the extended cab.

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  5.0 Forever - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By twowheeler - August 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for those that want to go fast, for cheap. Many aftermarket mods available to turn it into a compentent open track racer to 1/4 mile dragster that turns 10s! All for $10K +/-. Excellent MPG on the highway 22-24 mpg -if I keep my foot out of it. I bought this car new in 91 and I still have it. What does that tell you?