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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  No More Fords! - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By ShaylaD - July 14 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased this car in July of 2005 with about 20,000 miles on it. I needed something dependable so I figured that this was a great choice. Ive always loved the way that bigger cars handled and I liked the look of the car. Worst car purchase so far. I had to replace the transmission at 70,000 miles(I got lucky, other consumers had to replace theirs at 40,000 miles), the air compressor and serpentine belt at around 40,000.

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  What a lemon - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Pstoff - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ill be embarassed to recommend this car. Its just have so many mechanical problems and whats so maddening is that Ford minivans have these same problems for a decade and it has not improved or resolved them. The car was delivered with alignment problem; tires have to be changed after less than 10k miles. After 1.5 yrs, the transmission broke down. After 2.5 yrs, the intake manifold broke down resulting in a $2k repair job.

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  Not a good buy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By stanggirl - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car a year ago and within the past year have had nothing but problems. After exactly a year and some days my car would not run b/c the clutch switch went out. Not a good thing for a pretty new car taken well care of.

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  Lemon SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Cosmos - July 13 - 6:51 pm

  This SUV was purchased used. It has had an unusually high maintenance cost. The most expensive costs have been associated with the rear end humming that exists on 2002 to 2005 models. I am on the 4th rear end and the problem still exists. My local Ford dealership has given up and told me to live with the noise. The front wheel bearings failed, the universal joints failed, a back window motor failed, the main light switch failed, there was a problem with the emergency brakes, and I can not turn off the head lights! This vehicle has less than 70K miles.

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  Practical and Reliable - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Paul - July 10 - 12:14 pm

  This car is very reliable, easy to fix, and exceptionally roomy for a compact car. I routinely haul my two dogs, child in car seat, wife, and luggage with ease. Ive also pulled a pretty heavy trailer 1000 miles with the car. My only criticisms are that the seats are horribly uncomfortable. The car has very little power, but it is so reliable and practical that it has been a great car. I have 191k on mine and it still is running fine.

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  Very dissapointed owner, bad car. - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By sadownerofbadcar - July 10 - 1:21 am

  Back in 02 I owned an LS1 z28 camaro and loved it. It had speed, looks, and its only downfall was its drivability in the winter. As a result I purchased an 05 Subuaru sti, which i also loved. However I put a lot of miles on it so I decided to trade it in, and go back to the muscle cars by getting a Ford Mustang. This is anything but a "muscle car". Maybe Ive been used to cars that were actually fast, but this car isnt at all. It feels more like a v6 honestly. The looks are very nice, and the interior is ok. The drivability and handling of the car is average at best. Overall, Im very sad that I purchased this car. Its not what I thought it would be, and I look foward to trading it in.

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  I hate the Ford Edge! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Stacey - July 8 - 8:54 pm

  I had a 05 Honda CRV, and regret trading for the Edge. Am now looking to trade back in on another CRV or something else. I have a 45 minute drive to work (one way) and am hurting by the time I get there. The seats are uncomfortable,makes my back hurt & makes my legs go to sleep and hurt. The seat needs to tilt more at the base for the shorter person. This car is not built for the short person. I cant drive through the ATM without a lot of problems or need to get out. The AC vents are pathetic. At certain angles the sun shines on the chrome strip on the shifter and surround and shines in the eyes. Would rather not have the chrome. Road noise on this one, I believe due to the brand of tires.

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  Be Careful Buying 02 Explorer XLS - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By FORGET FORD - July 6 - 12:20 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems for me from day one. I am on the 4th set of hinges for the lift glass, with the first set breaking within a year and being told that I was lucky because it usually breaks the glass. Rear trim piece cracked do to manufacturing flaw and will not be fixed unless I pay. Transmission (XLS) has had problems due to flaw in design and had to have serviced. Luckily, caught problem before I had to replace transmission.

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  Youll Be Sorry... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Future Honda Owner - July 4 - 10:00 am

  3 years and 5 (or is it 6) recalls later I can only say I wish I had gone with my first instinct and bought a Toyota or a Honda. I guess I just didnt believe that a "World Class Car" could really be so poorly executed by Ford Motor Company. My 36 month warranty ended in February of 2003 and Im looking at new front brakes (under 12K miles), repair of an engine oil leak and window molding that is falling off. My neighbor laughs and says it is traditional Detroit engineering - good enough to last through the warranty but no more.

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  I give! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Daisee86 - June 30 - 8:16 pm

  So sad. I dreamed of this car for 7 years while I drove beat up car waiting to afford this one. Now I have had every trouble listed on all the complaint websites - back driver window wont roll down (fixed 3 times), stick shift stuck (had to be replaced), radiator leaking (has to be replaced), Transmission problem (not yet diagnosed). At least it is all covered under warranty but what a pain to have to keep taking it in. I am so upside down, I cant trade it. I am likley never to buy a Ford again and I have driven them all my life. No more.