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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  fast for a four cylinder - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Tad - January 28 - 2:00 am

  the car handles well around turns. its not that fast but for 118hp its pretty quick. the only things i have had trouble with is the exust pipe and muffler i had to replace twice and some coil for the battery went bad.

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  Ranger stands on Reliability - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Mdtguy - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive now owned my Ranger for 4 years and through Minnesota Winters of -10 to -15 below zero at nights it always starts and runs very well. It has always been a very reliable truck. It has a nicely designed dash when speaking of controls for air,heat and they work well too.The real only negative is I have had off and on issues with my check engine light turning on and I have it checked and they cant make sense of it. I have had 3 different shops look into this issue and get nowhere.

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  Good truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By TN Firefighter - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Good overall truck, had a few probs initially but it was used so I dont exactly how the previous owner handled the truck

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  The Awesome Bronco by a 41 year old man - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Not High Enough - January 27 - 2:00 am

  only problems I have had with my 5.8L XLT Bronco are Fuel pump, Horn&cruise problems.And the notorious ttb ball joints

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  Peppy little Ford - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Peter flynn - January 26 - 6:03 pm

  The cars gas performance is less than advertised. The battery is inadequate. Otherwise its a great little car

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  Chris bad ass truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Stopher - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2 yrs old w/ 21K miles. Love it but had some problems w/ it that shouldnt have happend w/ low miles. 50K replaced upper/lower ball joints. 52K replaced U-joints. 54K needed 1st tuneup w/ new plugs/wires. 55K replaced calipers, due to seizing up, ruining brakes & rotors (Ford just replaced brakes 15K miles ago & wouldnt cover). I currently have 59K on it. I baby it & dont drive much & maintain in accordance w/ owners manual. Fuel mileage sucks. 13 mpg City, 15 trip. When I tow sleds (not often), 9-10 mpg. I have extended 7yr 100K warranty which Ford dealership sold me, but it basically covers nothing! Great ride!

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  Love My Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Pahl Moore - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 1995 Ranger for 5 years. I had to replace the alternator at about 70,000 miles, but have had no other problems. Its been a very good little truck and I would buy it again if I had the chance. I have owned a 1973 Chevy Luv, 1987 Nissan, a 1883 and 1988 Mazda B-2200, a 1991 Toyota, and this Ranger and I would rate it superior to all of them.

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  Escort LX - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Ford Power - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 95 and have only replaced the tires. Now that I have a 198,000 miles on it without problems...I cant convience myself replace the car for a new one. Problem area: Rust and holes in the hatch which brings in the exhaust gas into the cabin. Summay: Very good car

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  Best Vehicle for the Money! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By notch9 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a base 04, with every option. Very comfortable, very economical, very reliable, and very safe. Sharp looking car, too!

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  Ford 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By computerkid150 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Good all a round truck