A large number of iconic autos have worn the famous blue oval badge, from F-150s to the Mustang. But which Ford vehicle is the all-time best buy?
When it comes to choosing the best option when car-shopping for a new or pre-owned Ford truck, car, or SUV, picking the best option is complicated by a hundred years of auto-making history, a wide variety of capable models, and badges filled with passion. To boil things down, consider models still in production that rack up big sales numbers–which takes you right to the ever-popular F-series trucks. For something a bit smaller, consider a Ranger. Ford Motor Company was an early leader in pioneering the SUV, which leads you to vehicles like the Explorer and the Escape. But no discussion about the brand is complete without a ride in a Ford Mustang.
Blue Oval: A Brief History
Henry Ford was born in Wayne County, Michigan, in 1863 after his family emigrated from Ireland. When he was 15 years old, Ford built a steam engine, trained as a machinist, and later ended up working for Thomas Edison as an engineer in 1893. In his spare time, he reportedly built engines on his kitchen table. In 1896, he built his first car, which rolled on bicycle wheels. He quit Edison three years later and joined a fledgling auto company that went bankrupt 18 months later.
In 1903, he formed the Ford Motor Company, and five years later, he introduced the Model T, which sold 15 million units in a run that lasted until 1927. Ford installed an assembly line in 1913 and built Blue Oval’s first truck in 1917. Five years later, the automaker bought Lincoln and introduced a flathead V8 in 1932. The first F-series trucks were rolled out in 1948, the Mustang arrived in 1964, and the Explorer showed up in 1990.
F-Series Truck
The year 2021 marks the rollout of the thirteenth-generation of Ford’s perennial favorite F-series truck line (pictured above), which is the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. Over the years, the cabs have become larger and plusher. The seventh-generation (1980-1986) introduced an independent front suspension 4WD system that became a very successful innovation. (Jeep had done the same thing in the 1960s, but it wasn’t as popular of an option for the brand.)
Expedition
The Ford Expedition was launched in 1997 to compete against the full-sized Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon. It borrowed its chassis from the Ford F-150 and included four doors, something its predecessor the Bronco never had. For a sportier look, the Expedition was offered with Eddie Bauer and XLT trim packages. It’s now in its fourth generation and currently available in three different models with five different trim packages for the 2021 Ford Expedition (pictured above) starting at just below $50,000.
Escape
The Ford Escape came onboard in 2001 as a Sport Utility Vehicle that drove and felt more like a car. The SUV debuted as a front-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a 2L I4 or an optional V6. Four-wheel-drive was offered as an option. A hybrid version was rolled out in 2005. The 2008 Ford Escape (pictured above) received a major update, and newer versions offer better fuel economy and optional self-parking.
Ranger
In 1983, Ford revealed its version of a compact pickup truck: the Ranger. The look was a cross between the F-series trucks and the Explorer. It was available with a Supercab option and offered three engines: a 2.5L I4, 3L V6, and a 4L V6. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. A four-door version came out in 1999. The compact version of the truck ceased production in 2012 but came back in 2019 as a midsize (pictured above).
Mustang
The Mustang remains one of Ford’s most beloved models. Launched at the World’s Fair in 1965, Ford had planned on making 100,000 of its new pony car but dealers sold 22,000 on the first day of sales. It originally came with an I6, a 4.3L V8, or 289 ci V8, the hot rodder’s choice. By 1966 Ford had built a million Mustangs. Over the years the cars got bigger and came in performance packages that include the Boss and the Mach versions. The fuel-saving Mustang II arrived in 1974. Other renditions include the Fox (1979-1993), two rounds of Shelby editions, and in 2005, a rebooted return to its styling roots.
Explorer
The Explorer was born in 1991 and replaced the Bronco II, although much was borrowed from the Bronc. The big difference was the Explorer could be ordered with four doors. It was powered by a 4L V6 and was rear-wheel-drive. Four-wheel-drive was optional and engaged via a button on the dash. A five-speed manual transmission came standard, with a four-speed automatic as an option. There were four different trim packages, including the top-of-the-line Eddie Bauer edition. In the second-generation (1995-2005) a V8 became available. The Sport Trac version showed up in 2001 and returned in 2007. In 2011, the Explorer was offered on a car platform with front-wheel-drive. And in 2020, the Ford Explorer went hybrid (pictured above).
Finding the Right Ford
Although Ford Motor Company has built a wide variety of good-selling cars, in 2018 the company announced it was getting out of the sedan business. Trucks, SUVs, and crossovers are the money makers. The Mustang will stay, and it’s being electrified. If you’re thinking about buying Ford, keep in mind that their sedans may be collector’s items that no longer get factory support.
Known Mechanical Issues
Ford builds a lot of cars, and when you’re pushing that much volume, there are bound to be occasional problems. The F-series was not immune. The 2004 Ford F-150 has a bad reputation for engine problems. In 2012, there was a rash of loss-of-power issues while driving. Malfunctioning power windows in 2004 and clattering engines in 2019 are also cited as known issues.
The year 2005 dawned poorly for Expedition owners, whose complaints included defective paint jobs, faulty transmissions, and bad engines. Spark plugs exploding out of heads became an issue in 2003, and 2004 is another year you may want to avoid. In fact, the whole second-generation (2003-2006) is suspect.
Ford Escapes have been on an up and down ride due to a wide variety of irritants. The model years 2008 and 2014 register as the worst years, with 2014 seeing lots of stopped engines while 2006 had transmission issues and 2005 registered an increase in PCM failures.
The Ranger had a bad year in 1999 registering a high number of complaints with problems that include windshield wipers that turned themselves on.
Mustangs from 2006-2007 should be avoided due to paint issues and other problems.
Explorers in the late 1990s endured a scandal about them rolling over but the Firestone tires they were equipped with ended up getting most of the blame. The early 2000s especially 2002-2004, should be viewed with caution. Transmissions were the main issue in 2002, with paint issues leading the complaint department in 2003 and 2004.
Ford is an iconic American brand and is the second-largest carmaker in the U.S. Its ties to the car business extend to Brazil, the U.K., China, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia. It has owned Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo at various times. It made plane engines during World War II and has been active racing stock cars, rally cars, sports cars, and at the drag strip. Buy a Ford and you’re buying a piece of history. Do your research and make sure it’s from a good stretch.
Photos: Ford; DepositPhotos
