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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  Research the CVT problems - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By katie-kate - July 28 - 8:54 pm

  This car was okay. For hauling around little kids and their junk, just get a minivan, this is not a substitute. Mileage was pretty decent and I liked the size. The interior finishes were cheap. The third row seat was alright for occasional use, but swallowed all cargo space. We had two 6 foot plus, 250 pound people in the third row and it was actually okay. However, at 40,000 miles and only 2 years old the transmission needed to have major work done, to the tune of $2,000. Not happy. Traded it in on a Honda Odyssey. I am sad to be driving my first non-ford, but this was the straw that broke the camels back. I can just feel that the Odyssey is going to be a much better long term vehicle.

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  I like the warranty ... kind of - 2005 Ford Focus
  By The VA Lady - July 27 - 4:50 pm

  I bought the my car with only 11 miles. I put about 30k a year on a car and wanted something with a good warranty. At 90k the CD player went out. At 93k my alternator destroyed my battery while I was 300 miles from home. The part was covered under warranty but the dealership wouldnt have it for 2 days. My "warranty" wouldnt tow me back so I was stuck missing work for that time. When it was finally repaired the battery light came on again only about 100 miles down the highway. I admit, this isnt disastrous but I am concerned that I will be in a world of hurt at 100k when the factory warranty runs out. The customer care dept better wow me or it is hello Hyundai!

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  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bruce Frier - July 27 - 10:56 am

  We have enjoyed this vehicle for over three years. It recently has developed electrical problems which include the "Door Ajar" light coming on when no doors are ajar the anti-theft- alarm going off several times in the day and night for no reason when the car is locked giving us no choice but to leave the car unlocked power windows randomly not working and when a brief stretch of loose gravel caused the Control-Trac to go in to 4-Wheel- Drive-High we had trouble getting it to return to two-wheel drive.

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  Great SUV..Needs better Quality - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Faz - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Love the ride and look of the Escape and for the price it is hard to beat. Had some small bugs with the low coolant light and the radio. The biggest problem was that the transmission went at 10,000 miles. Since then things have been fine. But not sure I am keeping this car after the warranty expires.

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  No More Explorers For Me - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brian - July 27 - 12:42 am

  This was my second Explorer. The first was a sport model and required a new transmission 250 miles beyond the warranty. The second was this 2002 fully loaded Limited V8 4x4 and I purchased the extended warranty. Around 300 miles short of the warranty expiring I had four valve lifters replaced and then a month later I took it in because the water level began to drop for no apparant reason. Cause: a cracked engine block and the whole engine needed to be replaced for $6K if not on warranty. I have driven Fords ever since I first got my license at age 16. My best car ever was a 1970 Mach I Mustang, but I wil never buy another Explorer. In fairness to Ford, my worst car was a Mercedes.

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  Fuel economy disappointing - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don - July 23 - 4:43 pm

  Like the car overall except the city fuel mileage stinks. Not using the A/C 21 is tops and in heat of summer using the A/C anywhere from 16-18 mpg. Have gotten 32 on highway, but seldom take trips so mostly the mileage is bad. Also has annoying "feature" when accelerating the A/C compressor shuts down momentarily (Ford claims this is normal for performance reasons which is nothing but a crock.). This is annoying when its 110 or more outside in this stinking Arizona desert heat. Like 99% of the newer cars today, the design is rather ugly. Small wonder I drool over the classic car shows and their displays. I think Ford needs to make 4 cyl. cars that give decent mileage.

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  Tire Hungry - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Arlie Rauch - July 23 - 10:45 am

  We bought the car because of crisp handling and because of high consumer ratings. But, it eats tires. At just about every oil change it needs either a wheel alignment or the tires balanced--they are virtually always vibrating, and the rear end is noisy at any speed. We have had to replace the trunk latch--it quit locking. The car handled miserably on winter roads, of which we have some here in Montana. I eventually solved that by buying another set of wheels on which we mounted studded snow tires (we never had that problem with a VW Rabbit we owned for years). This car has been a disappointment, and we are strongly looking at getting something different. Its gas mileage is also poor.

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  Had many Fords before but..... - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Party of 4 - July 22 - 3:03 pm

  We bought it used with 71K miles. As we drove off the lot the engine light came on. The dealership we bought it from fixed it-twice. Little things such as sliding door sticking/not unlocking, passenger door lock sticking, & the rubber between the doors come off. Now we took a vacation 700 mies away & on the way back the tranny at 82k miles literally dropped when driving up major mountains in Southern OR. Ive always been happy with Ford, but not too happy on this one. Will but will buy again

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  Poor Quality and Dealership Service - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By kgkdh - July 21 - 10:13 am

  It is an expensive car and silly us, we expected good quality and service. It is a real shame considering that we owned an Explorer before this car (and many other Ford cars) and trusted the brand and dealership. Not anymore. After owning the new $35K car for only four months, the dimmer switch went bad, smelling of burnt rubber whenever the lights were on. The smell was choking and we couldnt even drive the car. The dealership wouldnt even give us a loaner car during the repair! Now 4 weeks later, the smell in the car is back, and the lights are blinking. They gave us a hard time again about a loaner car. Poor dealership service. Poor reliability. We are very disappointed in Ford

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  Disappointment - 2007 Ford Edge
  By bradylady - July 19 - 7:51 am

  Big disappointment fuel mileage is really bad - never topped 18 mpg even on road trips. We have been big Ford fans for a long time but this is most likely my last one. Locked the car at the post office and could not get the drivers door to unlock - had to go to passenger side and reach across to unlock from inside. Materials in cabin have a really cheap feel. Air conditioner will not keep car cool in Texas heat. Give me back my Expedition. I gave up a lot to get 2 more miles out of a gallon of gas.