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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  Satisfied if not Inspired - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Content - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with the 3.0 V6 wanting dependability and high utility I wanted reasonable milage and power. I had did not expect high performance from this truck. I have had few problems nothing that stranded me. Maintenance parts are reasonably priced and available. I can depend on my truck to get me where I need to go day in and day out. The only real disappointment has been the performance of the 3.0. The mileage has been good but the acceleration is not much beyond the 2.3. I also have always been forced to use premium gas if I want to avoid serious knocking.

• 

  First time truck buyer (just two weeks ago) - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Greg P. - April 4 - 10:08 pm

  Some of the add-ons are overpriced - for example, $895 for navigation? Please, I have Google Maps on my phone and it connects to the F150 via Bluetooth.

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  Great family car for the money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By kids car - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the third row, comes in very handy. Climbing in and out is relatively easy. SUV with 3rd row, front and rear a/c, adjustable pedals, upgraded premium sound, running boards and tow package under $30,000. My only regret is not getting the V8 and the Eddie Bauer package for just $1500 more.

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  Little Wagon for Grown ups! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Dusty - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok. So its a little long in the tooth. Its a great hauler of all kinds of things and a great arround town car with great milage (and with the price of gas thats a real plus!). Hard to get this much wagon for so little.

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  a looking for power need to know - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Takeit2thetrack - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I first purchased my 95 Mustang in 2001, I am all for racing. But when you go off the line you better watch out, even thou the acceleration is good, the flaw is the back end tends to nudge out to the left when you are redlining. I would suggest to put a higher redline tacometer in this vehicle with a little bit more horses and a tigher axle. Other than that im gunna win

• 

  "95 ranger xl - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By damon - April 3 - 2:00 am

  realativly good experience. Having problems w/ dome light staying on and from what a hear this is a common problem. Otherwise a fun truck

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  seems to be a great vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By cjbseven - April 3 - 2:00 am

  havent had it long but it seems like the best vehicle we could have purchased for the price

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  I do not understand - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Diane - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This auto has never been a problem. We change the oil every 3,000 miles.The only repairs has been brakes, tires, battery, air-condition.

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  Surprisingly fun to drive - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By TS - April 2 - 7:06 pm

  This is a smooth "boulevard" cruiser in the classic sense, with surprising handling and braking capability. Once you become accustomed to the cars obvious size, you will enjoy the confidence this vehicle gives you. It feels safe, planted, comfortable, and powerful. The "ride and handling" package is a must in my opinion.

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  Pretty good - 1995 Ford Escort
  By tkdinOR - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1997 (its 95) and I have only changed a water pump. It has been pretty reliable. If you could the one with good records, it wont disappoint you.