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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  awesome! - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By clint - September 6 - 4:44 am

  Purchased this car in 1996 and used as daily driver for 4 years. Demoted to second car and added some performance goodies mileage went from 19 to 24 and 0-60 went from high 6 seconds to mid 5 seconds (when I can get traction). Keep in mind that those figures are with 150,000+ miles on the car, and not a bit of trouble other than normal maintenance. Not a machine for the timid or new driver, and not the fastest thing on the road, but if youÂ’re looking for a cheap way to add some fun to your daily commute, a 5.0 Mustang is a great place to start. They are fun stock, and really come to life with a little extra attention on a weekend or two.

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  An Owners Opinion - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By William Carns - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I am 63, 250 lbs., for me the seating is comfortable but snug. The headroom is there, thats #1. I pull an 18 ft. runabout boat with ease. We load up for our trips to Mexico and the roof rack is a must. The car drives well and my fuel milage is 17.5 in town, 21 on the road, 6 cyl SOHC. This SUV fits well in the garage and is easy to park. If I wanted more out of this vehicle, I would have bought an Expidition. Im happy.

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  review - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - September 6 - 1:40 am

  Very nice auto, smooth ride, radio should not be so generic -- it looks cheap. Needs better speakers.

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  Nice Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By redneck - September 5 - 10:36 pm

  I have had the truck for almost a month, F-150 supercab. It has excelled at its intended function, a truck. I have used it to carry and haul materials from city to city.

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  Best van for the money - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brolis - September 5 - 6:14 pm

  I own a 1999 Windstar SEL which I bought used. The van is fantastic. Very comfy for short and long haul driving. Am getting 22 mpg on the highway which is great, but it drops to 17 city driving. This is a very solid, well built van which I like much better than the 1999 counterparts. It is long wheelbase but very easy to park. The dual a/c is fantastic and ice cold. Just oil change every 6 months along with regular service and it keeps running great. Now approaching 80k and knock on wood, no problems. Highly recommend this wonderful minivan.

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  very impressed - 2005 Ford F-150
  By top2002 - September 5 - 2:43 pm

  I shopped around and reviewed trucks for about six months and narrowed my choices down to two trucks, Ford and Toyota. I must say I really do not regret the decision. It looks great, is deceivingly fast, brakes work great, quiet and smooth. Toyota was underpowered and boring and Nissan had HP and nothing more, plus its as ugly as a Dakota. This F150 is perfect; at first I was worried about some forum stated vibration issues, but they seem to be taken care of for my 05. I love driving it and looking at and the interior is unbelievably luxurious. You really need to check this thing out.

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  Best one so far - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew O - September 5 - 1:07 pm

  This is now my second Ranger in four years and by far this is is the best one.

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  Nice Truck, but no 4WD - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bluebeaucoup - September 5 - 11:13 am

  I purchased this vehicle used last year and have been very happy with it since. Have the flex-fuel 3.0 V6, runs good, but a little short on power. Got the 4 door SuperCab,which is great. Also 6 CD player. Only complaint is no 4WD. Slid around in the snow last winter. Also, runs on ethanol, but I cant get it where I live, so Im going to upgrade to the 4.0 4WD SuperCab soon. Overall, worth the investment for the money. Great little truck!

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  Nicest car I ever owned! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris J - September 5 - 5:23 am

  Love it! Getting lots of looks and questions from people in parking lots, etc. Solid feel, lots of power, great comfort with all the nice "bells and whistles".

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dwain - September 4 - 11:56 am

  I wasnt really planning to buy a F150, just looking around. Then a salesman came up and asks what I was looking for and I said maybe a truck. He then asks if I had time to take one out for a ride. Yes I do! So I took this (my) F150 King Ranch out for a spin. Love at first ride. The interior was all leather and it definitely had all the bells and whistles. So I brought it right off the lot! Took a trip from Texas to Georgia. Average at 70 mph between 19.8 to 20.5 mpg. I was happy with that considering that this is a big truck. It can cruse at 80 mph or above easier that you may think! DonÂ’t take one for a test drive because your old truck will be jealous and worried! LOL.