1980: The F-150 is redesigned to offer a more finished cab and more comfort options for drivers.

1981: Plans for the all-new Ranger pickup truck are unveiled.

December 31, 1988: Ford's worldwide earnings were $5.3 billion, the highest of any auto company to date.

March 15, 1990: Ford Explorer was introduced as sport utility vehicle and becomes the nation's best-selling SUV.

June 20,1993: Ford opens it's first dealership in China. It's brand sales in Cjina increased 46 percent in 2005. By the end of 2005, the number of Ford dealers in China totaled 150, up from 100 in 2004.

1995: The F-Series overtakes the Volkswagen Beetle as the world's best-selling vehicle nameplate.

August 21, 1997: Ford sells the first taxicabs run on natural gas to New York City.

2003: Ford Motor Company's 100th Anniversary. The new Ford GT is released.