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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  Stay away from the 10 speed transmission!!!!! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Reybeast - August 11 - 11:41 am

  Biggest issue, this 1st gen 10 speed tranny causes a clunk noise to come from transfer case intermittently on startup. Ford Field Service Engineer calls it a "characteristic of this truck". Also, front camera of lane keeping system displays error messages. Dealership doesnt see the issue. Go to youtube and search for "Driveshaft clunking on engine start 3 level grade resting on brake" watch the driveshaft move and clunk.

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  Disappointed in DC - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JRob - August 10 - 1:30 am

  Rear end noise caused the dealership to replace 2 axles and a drivetrain. Now they tell me my tires are "cupped." After reading other reviews I think this is a more serious epidemic. Plastic exterior on rear hatch cracked with freezing rain. ABS parts failure. Bubbling interior door panel fabric in cold weather. My wife threatens to leave me if I ever buy another Ford.

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  It Could Be Worse (but not much) - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Justin - August 7 - 4:25 am

  Do not get this car if you enjoy driving or like cars even a little bit. Youll be dissapointed with the performance, handling and just about everything. Fuel economy is great as long as you dont touch the gas and dont look at the A/C. I dont think the designers even knew what fun-to-drive meant. Interior is basic. Not even a tach or cd player. If you stare at the exterior long enough it starts to look alright. Its only broken down on me once because of a bad alternator but there are a few parts that have needed replacing in the two years Ive had it. (Motor mounts twice and A/C.) The trunk leaks on the right too. Summary: If youre old or dont like cars, the Escort is for you.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By 2windstar50 - August 6 - 8:29 am

  I bought this car new because the last Windstar my family and I had, a 1995, blew a head gasket (first major problem). We loved it. This Windstar is excellent and there has only been one problem in 62,000 miles: the front passenger door lock doesnt work. This car is luxurious and one of the best.

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  Another Escape with transmission problem - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ruth - August 5 - 6:11 pm

  I leased my 2004 Escape brand new from a dealer where I worked. All service work required on the SUV was performed. I like the fact I could get to work in bad weather and feel totally comfortable driving my Escape in the snow. At 60 years old, I take care of my cars, I dont off road, and I drive carefully. Had I known the transmissions in the Escape only last 50,000 miles, I would not have purchased my lease vehicle.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Ford F-150
  By FL - August 3 - 10:16 pm

  This is my third Ford and I am somewhat disappointed. The truck itself is beautiful and stylish. The ride is smooth and the interior is the best IÂ’ve ever seen in a truck. The truck also does what it was designed to do. However the truck does not perform well on the freeway. The 4.6L V-8 engine is not powerful enough for a vehicle this size. When I press the accelerator there is almost no response. Its like the engine is telling me I going to take my sweet time getting on the freeway and if I feel like it I may pass this vehicle. IÂ’m not a speed demon, but I expect my vehicles to respond. Overall itÂ’s a nice truck.

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  I dont think I got the right car? - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By AngieB - August 2 - 1:57 am

  I owned an Explorer previously and it was great! Something went seriously wrong with this model. Since I have had it (9 months), I have had the e-brake handle break, the rear struts go out, the seat belt actually come apart, and my drivers seat control panel fall completly off. I didnt even have my car back a week from the mechanic and then this morning water came leaking through the buttons for the reading lights(and no I did not leave my sunroof open). The dealership said one of the drain tubes for the sunroof must have a problem and they would need if for at least three days. So if you cannot tell, no I would not recommend this vehicle, nor would I recomend any Ford prior to 2004.

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  Too many problems for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By julz - August 2 - 12:14 am

  Passenger window motor went out, cds get jammed in player. One cylinder (think thats what its called) went out at 55,000. Then appeared a long crack in the hatch rear trim (and no its not the liftgage that was recalled). Then at 70,000 miles I had to get my transmission rebuilt. My mechanic showed me the parts and told me they were crap. Trying to cut corners and save money I guess. Like Ford wasnt making enough off of $32,000. Then at 78,000 it happened again-and by the way I baby this SUV and do all maintenance as needed. Transmission again but this time my mechanic couldnt find the exact problem in the transmission- had to put a new catalytic converter in among some other parts. Geez

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  TRADED IN FOR A PRIUS AFTER 10 MONTHS - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tradedcmax - July 30 - 3:57 am

  After only 10 months, I traded it in for a Prius. Why? The NHTSA recall for the interior crash protection problem was the final straw. The fact I never got more than 37mpg, the fact that the multiple build quality issues were never fully resolved, and the fact that the dealer kept denying problems were all reasons I did this. And trading this in didnt come cheaply - took a $4000 hit on the trade. The dealer was quick to point out the recall. I loved driving the car. The only driving complaint was the turning radius seemed large for the size car. That is after you get used to the constant noises. Strut plate, creaking frame, etc. Very annoying.

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  Stay away from the Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bm on 7-29-08 - July 29 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in December of 2002 and everything was fine until April of 2007. The transmission failed and cost approx. $4000 to repair with only 60,000 miles on it. Then in January of 2008 it was having problems again losing power between 35 mph and 50 mph. I took it back to the dealer that fixed it before and they told me it was a mass air flow sensor so I fixed it - although it didnt seem to be running right. Then just a month ago more problems. They told me it was the catylitic converter. So I fixed again. Today I need a new engine. Im not going to fix anymore. Oh buy the way they only offered $4000 for the trade in as is on a new car. I put $6000 in repairs in 1 year.