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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  Under Rated - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Tiny - February 8 - 12:54 pm

  This truck doesnt receive the credit it deserves. Any online review you read bashes its dated design and powertrain. But they never take the time to think of why.The Ranger works! It has to be one of the most reliable trucks out there, and its design is tried and true. Ive owned two, a 93 XLT 4X4 fully equiped standard cab 4.0, and my current 04 XL 4X2 standard cab 3.0 5spd. Both were well built, rugged, and fun to drive. I beat up my mostly stock 93 and only broke a radiator mount (which was rusted anyway). The only thing I wish is that the Ranger had more support from aftermarket companies. The truck has a lot of performance potential, it just needs more people to notice.

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  great mid size! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By tauruspa - February 8 - 11:50 am

  I traded in a 1996 with 143000 miles on it with a grand total of 72.98 in repairs over the life of the car. So that is why you found me in the Ford Showroom again. I had another 1996 taurus before that was totaled ( 3 months old ) But it save my life!!! Great car!!!

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  I love my Taurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mperry - February 8 - 11:22 am

  I had my Taurus se sedan for about 2 years now, and I have to say itÂ’s been great. Like any other car, minor things go. All I had to replace in it since I had it was the starter and two front tires. No big deal. ThatÂ’s normal parts to fix. I just replaced the battery not because I had to but because I wanted a brand new one good for 5 years. Other than that itÂ’s been very dependable. Starts up everyday. No dings, dents or rust on it at all. I love the style. Like it a lot better than the newer styles out now. Iit drives very well. Handles very well. As long as you get an oil change every 3,000 miles. I love the power seat. 6 different adjustments.

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  My Explorer Sport - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By JamesM185 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Yo this car is awsome. For a stock stereo, it is very good indeed. Also the car exterior is very "handsome" looking car. THe interior is very comfy and enouhg room. I am 6 00 tall and i have left over room in the front.

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  powerfull pony - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ben g - February 8 - 10:00 am

  this car is so beautiful ive hadnt had a problem yet...im lovin all 260 horses it puts out...it may guzzle the gas pretty badly but what do u expect...its not a 4 cylinder honda. definetly recommend

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  Ford tough - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Satified - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Only problem I have had is with one of the passenger power window mechanisms. The warranty took care of it.

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  Best Car ever owned! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Littles - February 8 - 12:08 am

  All I have to say is Im so glad I got over fear of big SUVs because this one is amazing. Im 410 and I have never had an easier time driving a vehicle, all the ways to adjust make it so easy and comfy to drive. I love how it fits 3 car seats side by side just in the second row alone. I love this car and I am never giving it up.

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  Super Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By gormac - February 7 - 11:40 pm

  Great car, and extremely good for hauling stuff. I can not tell you how many antiques I have brought home in this car. Only complaints I have is the air and heat, neither works again and suspect the vacuum on the dividing door. $1000 in labor to remove the dash to fix, plus parts.

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  Wont buy another Ford - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By B - February 7 - 10:54 pm

  We are a Ford family...have 4 of them. My next vehicle will not be a Ford. I have had nothing but one problem after another with my Explorer from day one it seems. Blinkers and tail lights have gone out repeatedly and had to be replaced, dealership would have done it at no charge if I wanted to leave it all day to have a bulb replaced. Gear shift locks up, take it in and they arent sure how to fix it even though its a known issue with Explorers. Now my radiator is leaking. Glad its under warranty, thinking I ought to just trade it in before that changes or it will cost me a fortune.

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  Explorers are great. - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ManyExplorers - February 7 - 8:22 pm

  This is my third Ford Explorer, and obviously I have had good luck with them if I keep coming back to the same vehicle. It is also my first V8 model, and I do like it quite a bit over the previous V6 models. Highway mileage is actually better than smaller motor, although city driving is worse. (V6 got 12 city, 16 highway...V8 gets about 10 city, 19-20 highway) Extremely reliable, although it has been my experience that Explorers chew the tires off of themselves prematurely. Do not buy high mileage tires, Explorer suspensions will "cup" the tires long before they are worn out. Overall safe, comfortable, reliable vehicle.