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:

• 

  Good little truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cbunner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck and plan to drive it until it wont go anymore. One thing to watch for is the flair side bed opening at the tail gate is < 4 ft so it will not fit drywall or plywood. That is why I got the styleside, not as pretty, but more functional. 4.0 V6 gives a good amount of power for the mountains. When it is time to buy again, if Ford as the 4-door cab, I will look strongly at the Ranger again.

• 

  GET YOUR BRAKES CHECKED!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Peter C. - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Just took my Escape to the dealer for the 30k checkup - they told me that the ROTORS were shot (WHAT!! after 30k?)...will be following up with Henry Ford on this one....so get your brakes checked often..apparently the Escape eats them up. Other then this little $500 blow-up the Escape has been good to me.

• 

  Nice truck! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JDP - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have put 15K miles on it, used. Good: Love the look, shines up well. No breakdowns or reliabiliy concerns. Interior is comfortable (Im 64), great seats! Easy to mod (grill guard, stereo). Good offroad/bad wx. Strong engine. Bad: Poor gas mileage (bad as a V8 in city). Ride is rough unless smooth road (good shocks and tires help). Strange sounds from random places. Needs check-up often to replace poor OEM parts. Ding-magnet (Ive gotten 5 nice dings). Overall, I like the truck and the pros outweigh the cons. Find a low mileage model, an extended warranty (havent needed it), and have it checked by a good mechanic. I give the truck a 7.

• 

  Very Solid SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By x - July 12 - 2:40 pm

  I love the practicality and cargo capacity. It is a very value-packed SUV, and is great for families and off roaders alike. It is also very smooth riding and reliable.

• 

  work horse - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gerald kissner - July 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck took a bad rap for the tire thing. Ive owned my from 99 and just now put in the shop for the the first breakdown--a thermostat gone bad in 90+ degree Texas.

• 

  Cant wait to sell...way upside down! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By buyforeign - July 12 - 2:00 am

  What was I thinking?! The resale value on this vehicle sucks! Luckily I got it for A-plan pricing due to a family member otherwise no way. I have to admit that at 37000 miles I have had service issues. Do note that transmission slip problem is there and will probably get worse. I had 3 Taurus that had this problem really bad! Go Japanese instead!!

• 

  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Jason583265485 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Bronco for 6 years now. In that time Ive driven it 80,000 miles. It has been extremely dependable. The only major problem I had was to get the driveshaft tweaked, but that only cost me $200 at the dealership. Ive never had any other major trouble in all that time. I put 32" BFG ATs on there with no lift and it handles great with no rubbing. With the bigger engine, Ive had no trouble blazing through mud pulling a tent trailer. I wish Ford still made Broncos. Now they have all these city slicker vehicles. It looks like my next vehicle will probably be a truck.

• 

  Going Strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Steve B - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 1993. I have had another vehicle most of the past 10 years, so the mileage isnt too high (80K). Other than the leaks others have written about, no major problems or unplanned expenses. Exterior has held up well. Interior fabrics, carpet, and trim have held up very well. It is relegated to being a hauler & airport parker (to keep my "good" car safe at home), but Im planning to keep it another 10 years.

• 

  Probe GL 90 - 1990 Ford Probe
  By DaveB - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall a ok value, insuffient room under the hood, recurring electrical problems (pop up headlight problems, needs to much current to start).

• 

  Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By dsheets - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had great luck with my Ford Ranger. While it is not new. I have had 3 rangers This is the best one. I have wanted a ranger with a V6 before. My others have all had I4s. This vehicle is great. The one thing that I wish is that it would tow more than the 2200lbs that it is rated for. It seems a little low for such a powerful little truck.