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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  A Good Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By cmenchen - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I needed a pickup ruck for light hauling, ie. lawn tractor, snowmobile, etc. The bed, while not as big as a full size has plenty of room for everything I need. It is very menuvarable and has good visability. It has the 3.0L V6 Automatic trans. which seems lacking in pep for a 6 cylinder. Gas mialage is about 16 mph, which I hear is good for a pickup truck but seems a little on the low side to me. All in all this is a great truck with plent of room in front and enough room in the extended cab for a car seat or any odds and ends you want to tote around without getting wet.

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  Not bad! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By GarysTour - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Going to the dealership I had the thought of buying an import. This car has been a dream. The performance and value is A+++. The only problem Ive had is the sunroof getting stuck open, but the warranty covered it.

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  This is a good truck - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Shannon Parker - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I Have a 2001 Limited 4x4 Excursion, and it is hans down the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I had a Banks kit installed on the Power Stroke diesel, and it has been pure bliss for over a year now. I reccomend this vehicle to anyone wanting a fuel-effecient truck with towing capacity that rivals commercial trucks. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS TRUCK!!

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  The Best Damn Truck Ive ever owned - 1994 Ford F-350
  By Chet - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck a year old with only 800 miles in Fairbanks Alaska. I changed out the antifreeze to handle - 60 and colder temperatures and added some synthetic oils. This truck has never quit on me in the coldest and hotest temperatures. I have over loaded and over towed the recommended allowances and yet the truck is still tough. I have not looked at another truck, due to its reliability and dependability. For deisel mileage, Im getting about 16mpg, not bad for a 1 ton. Its a plane and simple truck, but thats what a truck is suppose to be. Not a car.

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  Reliable, if a little slow - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Matt M (aka Dragoon) - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The paint on the bumper is peeling, and there are parts coming off of the dash, but for the price, its still comfortable (even without the leather interior) and acceptably fast. It may not have much acceleration, even after I had the injectors cleaned, and put new oil (with a hi-po oil filter) in it. This car really is reliable, after 122k miles its still running strong, and smoothly, although the tranny doesnt seem to cater to those with a need for acceleration. The car is big too, but doesnt feel all that big. I have carried three (full)computers, and three people in the car before, with room to spare.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By heyheyhelen - April 12 - 11:30 am

  Ive had a S-10 Blazer years ago and my trade in was an Explorer and this Escape is the best. Its the perfect size, great visibility, and the gas mileage is better than the Explorer. The only thing I wish was that the instrumentation panel was a little more upscale. The white dials takes away from the interior as far as styling go ... but a great little SUV

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  Great work horse. - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By electricgreen - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My truck has 204,000 miles on the original 302 motor. It has towed a 17 boat, taken my wife and myself on trips, and gotten me to work even through a big snowstorm. It still runs great, and looks pretty good too. It is extremely comfortable, even on long rides, and runs quite smoothly.

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  so far a great vehicle - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By explorer owner - April 12 - 2:00 am

  so far we are very happy with our explorer, the 4x4 works great! did rust a little, but other then that the body is in great shape.we havent had any mechanical problems with it. i love it!

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  I love this truck! - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By electricgreen - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Since buying the truck, I have had few problems. I have replaced wear items, like brakes and the muffler, as well as a head gasket. The truck now has 127,000 miles. It has performed its duties as daily transportation and work truck well. It has driven us back and forth to work, as well as hauled building materials for home repairs without fault.

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  Buy this and learn mechanics! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By AMPMagic - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I owned this car as my first and second car. First off it was a very nice car for the 300 I payed for it. But it was always needing to be fixed, but it was never anything major. It also leaked fluids too much. Good for a first car or if your not making enough to afford a real car. Side Note: Fluid leaks are normal for this car. get used to checking fluids and buy a PIG mat to throw under engine when you park it.