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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  Poor Quality - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Russ Blayney - February 2 - 4:06 pm

  Our company owns three 2002s. One blew engine after 1700 miles. Hose clamp failed, waited 3 weeks for replacement motor under warranty. Tranny valve went out in another car @ 22000 miles. Now this same car is needing a new tranny @ 57000miles. All 3 have trunk release problems, eat tires and rattle a lot. All of these cars have been maintained to Ford specs and dealership service. No more Fords for us. The jokes are still alive and well, Found On the Road Dead & Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  Enough with the alarms and sensors! - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Melanie Broga - January 26 - 6:42 pm

  I bought a 2014 Explorer and liked it ok, but sold it for 2 main reasons that were just too annoying. Reason #1. Enough with the idiot alarms. Im adult, and I know how to drive. If the car is on, and you hop out of your car because you forgot your sunglasses, or youre running into the cleaners, or the atm, and you have the key in your purse or pocket, the car horn gives 2 loud honks in your ear because it obviously wants to remind you not to get on a plane with the key in your purse. Then theres the "vehicle from right, vehicle coming from the left" alarm and the dreadful "youre about to hit somebody" alarm (even though the car in front is turning), and "for your safety please stay alert to road conditions when operating entertainment devices" while my passenger is plugging in her phone to the USB, and lastly, the "tailgate is coming down" alarm. Driving this car with all of its sissy alarms raised my blood pressure and made me feel more tense for no reason. Im also a little annoyed that my husbands late model jeep doesnt have these alarms, so why, Ford, why?? Reason #2: The front console was insanely sensitive. We often had the cord to our iphones touch it and suddenly the heat is on full blast, or it switches sources- from FM to CD. While the car handled well and was well equipped for cargo and towing and power, the everyday driving experience with the reasons listed above made us unload it.

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  FORD NEEDS TO DROP TAURUS - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Dev - January 26 - 1:55 pm

  Nightmare from beginning to end. Spent top dollar on it, and it is now worth little to nothing. At 65,000 miles, transmission dropped, heater does not work, brakes are junk and they have been replaced countless times, electrical is so goofed up that I cant get the power locks to function properly, engine coolant reservoir cracked, oil seals went, sounds incredibly loud while driving, windshield wipers short out and occasionally dont work, keyless entry doesnt work. Ford really needs to drop the Taurus from its line up. It has been nothing but a money pit from day one, and we have done everything to it maintenance-wise. Its terrible on gas, our 2004 Expedition gets better mileage. What a mess.

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  Ford Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Victor - January 26 - 1:48 pm

  The transmission blew at 51, 000 miles and the vehicle has been in the shop for numerous mechanical things. I would not buy another Ford if it were the last car on the market.

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  IF only the brakes worked! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By daisyq07 - January 23 - 5:51 pm

  The interior color gray is kind of boring. But my huge concern is the brake system. If I have to stop quickly and I press down on the brakes, it will stop THEN keep going after it stops! It is very scary and I feel totally unsafe. I had them checked 3 times and each time I was told that it is just the way the car is. Be very careful if you get this car! It is very roomy. The seats are not comfortable after a short ride. It is kind of sporty looking and can switch lanes quickly, which is nice.

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  Buy Something else - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By ekarlw - January 19 - 2:34 am

  "Minimal at best". Most irritating is that for 2005/6 Ford removed the rear wheel well splash shields to save a buck and now on wet roads the wheels throw water, road oil, spilled chemicals etc. up through the seam under the lip of the bed rail and into the bed - with a shell on the back everything inside still gets wet. Once again Ford has found it acceptable to lower the overall quality to save about three dollars in plastic. I have to wonder what other corners were cut. I remember when car makers would make improvements every year. Shifting linkage is clunky and the 4 cylinder engine vibrates more than most. Also the bed does not fit the width of the 2 door cab and looks awkward.

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  If your have any sense PLEASE AVOID! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Intellegent Owner - January 18 - 9:46 pm

  We got van used (55,000) miles. As is, no warranty, BIG mistake! The first week we had the van, the power steering went out. Then spark plugs needed to be changed. Dont attempt yourself. Front brakes have been changed 5 times. We have a hard time putting key in the ignition. Awful dinging sound when head lights are on sometimes. When its below 30 degrees out, doors freeze shut, then wont close after you get in. Replaced water pump and now I fear we need a new transmission due to van jerking when shifting. Ive met 4 people that have trouble with theirs as well! Windstar= LEMON.

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  Flaws - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By tg4906 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  You have to be a truly brand loyal to overlook some of the flaws inherent in this vehicle. The engine is underpowered and continually goes in and out of overdrive. At highway speeds, there is a noise across the roof like a thin piece of sheelmetal with something heavy rolling across it. The child locks to come on by itself - poor positioning. The dealer offered to replace it for $220. The check engine light also came on for the first time for routine maintenance - $400. The dealer also told me to expect the average routine maintenance to cost around $200.

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  Blown Rear after 1100 miles = F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By NotHappyWiffFord - January 9 - 4:10 pm

  The tilt steering wheel lever broke off after 400 miles. The rear end went, needed a clutch pack replacement after only 1,100 miles. I asked that the dealer where I purchased the truck clearly document the issues and resolutions in case I needed to pursue Lemon Laws. They then refused to work on the truck. Ford Motor company no help. I took the truck to another dealer to get it fixed (still lots of shudder / grinding / slipping) then traded it in on a Dodge. This truck cost me a lot of money. I only owned it for ten days.

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  EB 2003 Loaded - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Charles Deca - January 7 - 5:35 pm

  From the beginning the Electrical, RSR system failed causing undo wear to tires and transmission. Never addressed! Noise leaking through door and window seals? Windshield Wipers lasted 1 year? Brakes lock up now and again? Power steering warning light went on and a fix went out from Ford and the dealer just pulled the fuse? Large rattling noise heard by shop foreman and never fixed? All were under the three year or 36 k miles but never addressed. Bought the SUV with hopes to recover the large down payment loan to value. Ordered new Ford King Ranch came in late and not as ordered? Salesmen very nice but how does that help me as I lost my buyer for my Ford SUV!