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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  Overall good truck had a few glitches - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Pickem Up Ed - May 30 - 9:19 am

  4 speed auto tranny slips and clunks when shifting up a hill on occasion.. Replaced fuel pump, serpentine belt pulley and adjustor mechanism. Major brake issues were solved after 10 yrs. old after $2,000 spent. Heater air conditioner temperature control replaced. Had leaking rear slider window replaced. Still got original spark plugs and coils on engine. To give this truck more power and acceleration I recommend a cat back dynaflow exhaust system be installed! I love the engine sound! But I do love the ride, comfort in the cab with ample head room. I bought this truck new in Nov. 1998 for $22,000 even though I had glitches I like the truck overall I have a cap on the bed and do no towing just light hauling every now and then.

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  I guess I got a good one - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By 99Limited - May 30 - 2:00 am

  For the most part, and probably since I have the extended warranty, my 99 Ltd with 4.10 LS and rear load leveling (air shocks) has served me very well over three years now. Sure, its been in the shop, no more than my Integra, Camry or others Ive had. Most problems have been with minor items dying such as the rear wiper motor (2x), rear gate shocks (2x), door locks not working from remote and front brake grinding (dealer probably over-tightened the lugs when rotating wheels). I recently replaced ALL fluids ($400US) at 40k and it runs better than new. Trust me, it works and will probably extend the life of your "Exploder".

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  NOT ON THE ROAD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By insul8 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK

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  Worst Car ever - 1993 Ford Probe
  By One Rolln - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This was a really fun car to drive when it worked. The expen$$$$ive repair costs and the dual build of the cars (ford,Mazda)may be the problem. Engine repairs and normal fixs are outrageous. Definatly do not recommend!

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  Its BLUE - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mcsp00 - May 29 - 10:33 am

  Ordered mine on 11/19/12. Got it delivered on 2/13/13. LooOoong wait. So, hows the gas mileage you ask? Fine. After 2 weeks of driving, the EV+ feature is recognizing my work, parents, and home locations. That means it goes full electric within 1/2 mile of location. Very nice. On some trips, Im measuring 48mpg, and it is COLD and SNOWY/SLURPEE muck here. Overall, I see 31.5mpg in 2 weeks of driving... The interior is quite nice. Sync works very well, and simple to me. I recognize it would be intimidating to some. The ride quality is smooth. The acceleration can be surprising! This car rocks. Low-ish reliability because I already have had a "flat" battery...

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  good experience with ford vehicles - 1999 Ford Contour
  By cris - May 29 - 2:00 am

  its my 2nd ford. 1st was a 1994 escort wagon, 5-speed. i got it at 100K, drove it for another 40K, not a problem, except wear-and-tear stuff. the contour: i love its 6-cylinder engine + 5-speed transmission. its alos sport tuned. i got it at 46k, now has 62k and did not have any major problems. my oppinion: if you drive and maintain them right, ford cars are OK for the price you pay. sure, honda and toyota are more reliable, but guess what: thats why you pay almost twice as much on a used japanese car. so before buying a used car, do your research and decide what you want: a more reliable car for a lot of money,or a ford for less.

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  my f150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By gdc - May 29 - 2:00 am

  over 100k , the truck has required regular maintenance only. Has never left me on the side of the rode.

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  Great Truck!!! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Adam C - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck! Honestly, I havent taken care of it like I should have & it needs a little tranny work but it still runs great! Its got 192,000 miles with the original tranny, front & rear ends, & brake calipers. It has great brakes & the manual transmission makes it a blast to drive. Ive been in newer ones and prefer my 93. Its just comfortable & fun to drive.

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  1994 Ford Taurus SHO (red) - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By JerryW - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was the original owner. It has been a joy to drive and is a very practical car on top of it. I love the performance. The red color really stands out nicely.

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  So far, so good! - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By FMSk8erGurl - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my 5.0 for about a week or so, but so far Ive had no problems (except that I need tires lol). I went from a brand new 02 VW Jetta that went in for repairs 6 times in the year that I owned it to my 1990 Stang. I loved my Jetta, but I couldnt handle paying $340 a month for a car that broke down every 8 weeks or so. My boyfriend has an 84 GT, and I love driving it, so when I came across mine, I had to get it. Its fun to drive (despite popular belief, not just in a straight line either), fun and easy to work on, and its fast, pure American Muscle :o)