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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  marks truck - 1997 Ford F-350
  By mshanks - June 5 - 2:00 am

  LAST OF THE GREAT BREED OF FORD TRUCKS.THE CAB IS MUCH SMALLER THAN THE NEWER MODELS BUT THE STYLING IS ALOT NICER TO LOOK AT.

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  this truck wont die - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By 9.03 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the only automobile I have ever owned. Ive never truly liked it as the ride isnt too comfortable, and only has room for two but its been highly reliable. Ive never had a concern for its well being and on numerous occasions have gone well past redline (not sure on that as there is no tach). Ive treated it badly, my brothers (only two other owners) treated it badly, it looks bad thanks to a bad aftermarket paintjob, and gets pretty bad gas mileage 14city/23highway I once decided that if the engine siezed up that my parents would buy me a new car, so i didnt put oil in for 6 months (im guessing 7,000 miles) but the engine never quit.

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  Passed a Rollover - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Gina Walker - June 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband totalled his Ranger last Friday. In the accident, the truck rolled several times down a hill and landed on its top. Though this site has no ratings for rollover testing, the truck held up unbelievable well. The cab remained virtually untouched. Luckily, he walked out without a scratch! Of course, he had on his seatbelt. Built Ford Tough.

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  I hate to write my expereince was good! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By ebastage - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ok My wife bought this car years ago and we have had it for about years now.. I cant destroy this car. I drive it like a rally car. I replaced a battery, two exhasusts. Tires ONCE. I bought a 2 piece CV boot for both sides because they tore. Did two brake jobs. Poor Rear break design with that stupid adjuster. a serpentine belt just for the heck of it. No big deal this is all regular maintenence stuff. Only reason I am getting rid of it is I have 2 kids and a dog now.. A Review on the 99 Plymouth Voyager is coming soon.

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  Sporty and fun to drive.... - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Stephen Stutsman - June 4 - 3:46 pm

  This is a wonderful car....especially for someone who wants to drive something thats sporty, but practical. Forget the backseat....it simply doesnt exist. But it has a lot of storage space for hauling things. I play in band I am able to get my amp, keyboard stand, and two keyboards, plus all of my other extra stuff in it with no hassle. I bought the Hatchback for this very purpose. It has a very nice stereo system....good bluetooth. Navigation system is pretty good....but not great. Good pickup and if you drive it right you will get good mileage. In flat terrain it will get easily in the mid to high 30s MPG. Im in the mountains and still manage in the high 20s. The Titanium model I have has every imaginable bell and whistle you could ask for on a car. Indeed, its hard to imagine a car in this price range and size having as much as it does.

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  A Modern "Bluesmobile". - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Michael Poulos - June 4 - 1:30 pm

  The P71 Crown Vic is a really cool car. If you like big and roomy, youll love the former cop car Crown Vic. If you like good performance, youll enjoy it too. Great acceleration with the 4.6L GT V8. Nice anti-lock brakes without a severe bucking bronco effect. Nice tight steering makes it quite maneuverable for a big car in city traffic but use two hands on the freeway at full speed. While not a race car, it does offer plenty of get up and go. Its no wonder cabbies like these birds! The main drawback is fuel consumption. I get about 15mpg (combined), so what you get is a car that is like the Concorde (the aircraft): Big, fast, and burns gas like one!

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  My Pony - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By janflemmons - June 4 - 2:00 am

  We have never had one problem (knock on wood) with our 1996 Mustang. She has been an absolute dream to own. The turning circle sucks and its underpowered, but past that, its been great. Weve driven cross country twice and its been great. Back seat is basically useless for people, but its just me, hubby, and our cocker spaniel so it fits us just fine!

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  A Beamer for Beer Money - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Tekkie79 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Good for those of us who want a good performing sedan but dont want to put out all the money for a real one. Had very few problems but it wouldve been expensive to repair had it not been for the warranty. The leather is horrible.

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  Great bang for the buck!! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By 99GTdroptop - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Great overall car. You get a great looking car, tire smoking power, all the options plus more, and a convertible for a great price. Wish they changed the interior a bit more (from the previous 94-98 Stangs) to give it that "new" feeling but all the controls are easy to use and access so its not too big of a deal. The new exterior took a bit of getting used to when they first came out but I love it now. You definetly get a lot of looks and nice comments. Also handles good and fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 sports car.

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  Still going... - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Get In and GO! - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I got this truck with 68K on it. It had been my Dads and I sold my 93 regular cab at 90K. It has never been in the shop, save for minor stuff...a starter, an exhaust, a thermostat, etc. It has been well-maitained obviously, but it gets its fair share of miles (about 17K/yr.). People STILL ask about it when I am driving it..."Wow, nice truck, etc". So, at almost 140,000 miles, it is still an absolute great, reliable vehicle that looks good, runs good and has a ton of life left in it from all indications. I would have to say that you would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle in this category. A classic lives on...