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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  OK - But No Brass Ring - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Johnny5 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Exterior: looks cool, but not practical. Cant haul ATV or sheet of plywood. Next time Im going for standard bed. Interior all gray ... very bland ... no frills. Functional but not sporty. Performance: 5-speed automatic acceleration OK in 1,2,3. Forget about it in 4th, and a dog in 5th. This is worst part: AT always shifting. Ford cant figure out what gear it wants to be in. They should offer a solid 4 speed auto and be done with it. Engine: No beans on the highway even when taking it out of overdrive. (5th) And the penalty is engine buzz due to higher RPM and gas mileage tanks. Getting 17 mpg highway / city & up to 19 mpg down hill with a wind.

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  99 XLT Ranger 4x4 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By demoncleaner - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good and some bad. Got the 4.0 V6 in a manual. Good engine, make the most of it with manual, and pull 20 mpg on highway which is only 2 mpg less than my old 2wd 4 cyl. Going on 60K, good engine no probs with drivetrain. Lots of little things have been a pain. Park brake got stuck in middle of summer, had to have it towed. Door ajar light always on, Now ABS light on. Off road package outstand, limmited slip is much better off-road, rarely have to use 4wd. good in snow, put weight in back though.

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  Solid car - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ciaran - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid trusty car. Always starts and drives very well. I hear of people with new cars having basic problems and so cant bring myself to think about changing this car. It is roomy, teh kids love going anywhere in dads car..I feel like this car will go forever.

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  17 Year Olds opinion - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ckyo5 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is always fun to drive and handles quite well on turns for being a sedan. Its comfortable on long road trips and gets good gas mileage on the highway. Its had its fair share of engine problems, but they didnt cost TOO much to fix. All In all, this is a very decent car for the price tag.

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  My 1st Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By 04 Desmo - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Never thought about getting a truck, but an implulse buy made me glad I did. It has moved me 3 times over the last 3 years. This thing is very reliable, and for 115000 miles still work like a charm. The 4.2 V6 w/ 5sp has a bit of get-up and is fantastic on the highway. Great control location, and the interior design is highly functional and comfy. Exterior design is OK. Residual is alright for a 1997, but I have no plans in selling it. Im trying to put in a CD player, but the 1997 stereo is unique, and I cant find one!

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  Great SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By TheJMan - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The first-gen Ford Explorer is a great vehicle in many ways. First off, it is very reliable. We have had our Explorer for over 10 years, and it has only needed a new AC compressor and a transmission rebuild. Other than that, all it needs is scheduled maintenance. The ride is a bit on the harsh side, but it is manageable and surprisingly good off-road.

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  The Bus - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Kevi - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Since owning the bus. Have had plenty of comments from passerbys. People simply dont like this truck. I have people stare as I turn infront of them. But it is a great truck. I find it comfortable, and plenty of power. I didnt buy this truck because I was looking for fuel economy. I find it is very safe for my wife and kids. I know if they are involved in an accident, they will walk away..

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  excellant for camping - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By g w minter - July 31 - 2:00 am

  easy to handle in traffic, good mirrows,good thottle response, quick for a large vechicle, seats easy to fold down for large stowage area, bucket seats comfortable on long trips, nice running boards for easy entry, has back-up sensors which are nice for parking,

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  I love the truck in spite of its flaws - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By percplayer - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Ford Ranger for 13 years and it was a great truck. When I saw the review of the sport trac in Car and Driver magazine, I knew this was the truck for me. I bought my sport trac the first year they were manufactured. Its been recalled a few times for small issues - nothing that I feel compromises the safety of the vehicle. The ride isnt as quiet as I expected in the cab, but thats about the only thing I really dont like about it. I love to drive my sport trac and it meets my needs.

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  Pleasurable Driving - 2004 Ford Focus
  By grybrd73 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has proved to be very easy to handle. It corners easily, and this is very important to me. I have been very impressed with its response in a tight situation. Braking is smooth and secure. I just enjoy the vehicle.