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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  Average, simple truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeremy m - June 12 - 11:13 am

  I got his truck from my dad back in 05 when it already had about 50k miles. He used it to tow his boat out to the docks and he works at a paper mill, so he got a Ford Ranger. Rugged, tough- a get-the-job-done kinda truck. Well I own a Dodge Stratus now, so this truck wasnt the best for me. The "check engine" light came on around 60k (apparently the EGR valve wasnt doing its job- a minor malfunction and it lights up the "check engine" light?) and there was a national recall on the cruise control. Brakes were numb, engine sluggish, suspension was rough. Not really what I was looking for. Got me from point A to point B though. Good for people who like simple.

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  Expectations met! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Tim - June 12 - 9:03 am

  Have been looking for a crew cab pickup for 6 months. Checked them all out, GMC, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan & Toyota. The F-150 was the best. It just drove so much nicer than any other plus was the best looking. The Lariat has all you need for bells and whistles. The Smoketown/Beige 2 tone exterior color is sweet! Only complaint would be the gas mileage. If you really baby it and coast to stop signs and such you can get 20mph but thats no fun.

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  2003 Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Alton - June 12 - 3:45 am

  I drive for fun and use as a work car. The only problem I have had with the car is a noisy rear end which the dealer replaced under warranty within the first year. I am making about 500 rear wheel HP with pulley/chip, etc. I twisted a spline on the left half shaft at the drag strip with drag radials. That is the only problems I have had. This car is the most fun to drive, easiest to modify, and the most controllable car I have driven. It has never gotten out of control no matter how hard I drive it, wet or dry!

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  Miracle worker - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Mr Bill - June 12 - 1:16 am

  Bought new 2.3L inline 4 cylinder ext cab in 95, it has held up amazingly well inspite of my repeatedly loading it down with tools and materials to build decks and kitchens. Other than a clutch rebuild Ive never had a problem!

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  Fun - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Matt - June 11 - 11:00 pm

  Ill be completely honest here! I have a bare bones 2007 ford Ranger no AC, no CD, no tilt, no power anything, and 5 speed. I love it! I commuted about 50-60 km a day each way so roughly 100- 120 a day km and I still only fuel up about every 5-6 days! Im not talking babying it down the road, Im talking about putting my foot down and opening it up.I do my regular oil changes and tire rotation and one year and about 25,000 kms later is has yet to fail me! Again Ill be honest, you want power and size in a small truck? Get a Dakota. If you want reliablity and wicked MPG definitely get a Ranger.

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  Never Let Me Down - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Started Every Time! - June 11 - 7:12 pm

  We bought GL model at 6 y/o w/70,000 on it. I must say it has always been very reliable. Started up every morning. I dont recall it ever breaking down on me. The engine on this is a monster. For a van, it has great power and pickup. The transmission too, has great power and pickup. My only problem with this van was its electrical system. My Aerostar had the same exact problem. Must be a Ford thing. Interior lights go on, wont go off. A short in the steering column makes it ding w/ the key out. I have to punch the steering wheel to make it stop. Side door dummy light stays on for a while after its closed. But it was a comfort ride w/room to spare. Great for a family of 5.

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  Relieved - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By sreusch - June 11 - 6:44 pm

  I traded my 05 F-150 4wd 5.4 to save on gas (it was hard) but this made it painless. Its fun to drive, has great mpg, and just feels comfortable. Love the audiophile stereo and the sync

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  Average - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Carol - June 11 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Escape new. Ive had it 7 1/2 years & 75,000 miles+. The acceleration isnt too great. Handles well in snow and bad conditions. The last year or so, its needed a lot of repairs. The struts have been changed and it still has suspension issues (rattles). Recently both the clutch and the clutch master cylinder went out at the same time. A very costly repair (At 72, 000 miles). Two teenagers did learn to drive on it. But I expected it to go longer before needing costly repairs. It has been reliable getting me where I need to go. Doesnt like steep hills too much. And CIncinnati has those. I dont think Id buy another one though. Too many repairs needed too soon.

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  Had to opt for a car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Curve1 - June 11 - 1:35 pm

  I had to move back into the car world with the current gas prices, and I am happy as could be in my Fusion. The car is well laid out and fun to drive. the engine does not fill the cabin with the "tin" noise I feel most 4 cyl engines have. The leg room up front is great, and I have been able to stuff everything I could think of in the trunk area. I have put on over 3k and my gas mileage is avg 28.2 mpg. I was in a F150 (14.7mpg) so it has been a good choice

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  Love It! Love It! Love It! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jo jo - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking at this vehicle for about 3 months before I bought it. Now that I actually own one, Im so glad I purchased it. It is very comfortable and quite quick for a V6 which I own. I wish it were a little better on gas, I guess the only difference I would make it buying one new is purchasing a V8 rather than the V6. However, I have no reservations.