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:

• 

  My Truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By F1501625 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The 5.0L has plenty of power after you put some aftermarket parts on it. Like headers, flowmaster mufflers, and lower it for decent handling. bad thing is, the engine is not very economic. right now im probably getting 14-16 MPG on highway. ive installed a few performance upgrades and im very satisfied with the truck, holds up well under competition. The transmission has much to be desired, it has delayed shifting at high RPMs, and the aluminum gears arent the best for racing. the truck is light, and powerful.

• 

  would buy another one - 1995 Ford Escort
  By car trader - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine at auction 5 months ago for $900. The car was fairly trashed by the previous owner, but I was looking for something cheap and good on gas. It has 132,000 miles and still runs strong. Leaks a little oil and antifreeze but it still gets 35+ mpg running back and forth to work. Shame it wasnt taken care of, but Ill run it till it drops and find another one. The A/C is awesome, a must for living in the south.

• 

  94 probe - 1994 Ford Probe
  By p.j.gilliam - January 24 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems in 8 years and 90,000 mi. Couldnt have bought a better car.

• 

  Old truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Keiko - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck was my late fathers work truck. It works well and runs great but a 2.3L engine in a truck is a little small however it has been really reliable with 274,000 miles on it. Even in Chicago with our cold winters and sometimes hot summers it always starts.

• 

  HANDS DOWN BEST TRUCK! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By PAUL LOTTON - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE TO SAY THAT AFTER HAVING THREE DODGES AND ONE CHEVEY, THIS TRUCK IS THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED! I HAVE A 97 F-150 THAT HAS OVER 185,000 MILES AND I MUST SAY THAT MAINTANACE IS ALMOST NON-EXISTANT. I HAVE ONLY KEPT THE OIL CHANGES UP AND I HAVE GIVEN IT YEARLY TUNE-UPS AND THATS IT. THIS TRUCK IS ALL ORIGINAL RIGHT DOWN TO THE FUEL PUMP! MY ONLY COMPAINT IS THAT THE 4.6 LITER V-8 IS A BIT OF A GAS HOG.

• 

  Its Been a Good Life........ - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bim - January 23 - 2:00 am

  thinking of trading it in just because i can get a good price.......but the car has been great....... it has done me well in good and bad weather....... im looking at another one if the price is right, otherwise im off to the chevy trailblazer or the gmc envoy.

• 

  Excellant - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Daveyy - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is soo much fun....I am a 16 year old who just loves my Expedition...I have the 5.4 L....that car can really take off...The only bummer is when you have 4x4 like my car the gas mileage isnt very good. Especially if you like to drive you car hard and fast. Well leather is crucial for important and it just adds that much the the comfort of the ride.

• 

  New Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Bud - January 22 - 10:43 am

  This was purchased for my significant other, who uses it for her work. She picked out the truck, which is a well equipped Eddie Bauer, with V8. There are two chief complaints, the ride is "bouncy" which she likes, but I dont feel like I have as good of control of the vehicle as I do on other SUVs. The other major complaint is the motor sounds like a sewing machine or a threshing machine and is quite loud from under the hood. Other, less important concerns are, the rear seat controls are very stiff (possibly because it is new) and difficult for a diminutive woman to use. Dash and radio controls are confusing.

• 

  Not too shabby - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By idrwlnood - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 15,000 miles on it in the past 6 months. This is my first newer vehicle ( I was driving a 79 suburban) While the ranger lacks the bang of a 454 big block, it more than makes up for it in all around performance. The only problem Ive had is a faulty sensor that set off the check engine and ABS lights but, it only cost a few bucks to fix. I reccomend premium fuel (tends to rattle a bit if you dont)Wish I would have had the $ for a 4wd and extended cab model, but thus far I am happy with the purchase

• 

  Built to Haul - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Trucking man - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle that tows my 31ft travel trailer with ease. No its not good on gas mileage but thats not why I bought it. Its a good looking truck that gets the job done. I have the V10 and have had no problems with brakes or any other things I read about such as rough ride or hard to steer. Very comfortable on long trips with plenty of room for passengers and luggage.