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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  Looking for something new - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Megan - June 4 - 9:36 am

  I bought my Explorer in 06 used with 54k. I noticed while test driving there was a sort of howling sound when I went about 55mph, but didnt mind it much compared to my Neon I was trading in for it. Since then, I have had problems with one of the rear windows working only when it wants to, Ive not been able to put the shifter in reverse multiple times, the mechanism to recline the seat has also came off many times.The seal on the rear window has came off and I noticed this when I found water in the back. My a/c is out as I speak, so I will be taking that in, although I had it recharged at the end of last summer. Ive kept up on maintenance and it is not paying off as it should.

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  Piece of Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TThompson - June 3 - 10:17 pm

  Tranmission problems at 84K, rack & pinion, radiator, rear axle, power window, rear wheel bearings, the list goes on and now again the tranmission is slipping. We need a new transmission at 145K. Love the look, love the drive, but its a money pit. This is my third Ford and never again. This will be a fourth transmission. I guess one never learns, but this time thats it. Four strikes and youre out.

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  Could be much better!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Drewdawg - June 2 - 2:00 am

  When driving the Sports Trac around town I had noticed a squeeking sound when stopping but did not think of it as a problem. But about 1000 miles later I found out i had no pad or rotor left in the front disc brakes. Also during Highway driving i had to listen to a annoying wissling sound comming from the drivers side and passengers side windows. But over all the truck is fine just need to have better fuel mileage and fix the brake and wind noise problem!!

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  Shanes Nightmare - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Shane - June 1 - 2:01 pm

  When this car was purchased, I had just gotten rid of an 1990 Ford Taurus (never had a problem, just died). Since Ive bought this car Ive suffered through a blown head gasket, 2 alternators, a water pump, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, alignments, tires, brakes, rotors, battery, gas cap opening problems, check engine light that wont go out, brake fluid & oil that leaks from nowhere (mechanics cant find the source of leak), headlights, lights burning out inside vehicle, along with various electrical problems. Yesterday the speedometer finally went for the long goodbye. Ive never spent so much money for car repairs & maintenance in my years of driving. This car completely stinks!

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  Finally got rid of it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MovedON - May 29 - 3:36 pm

  Start with the positive - it never broke down, ever. We loved the space allotment and flexibility inside and some of the small touches (keypad entry, lots of storage even with the third row seat in use). But the materials inside were total junk. We had the cloth upholstry and even water left a nasty stain. They really could do better. Under the hood there was way too much electrical tape. Finally, the fuel economy wasnt near what was promised and over 3 years Ford never figured out how to improve it. Lots of highway noise, crappy, staticy radio.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Pam - May 27 - 3:31 pm

  Ive put 56,000 miles on mine the 2.5 years Ive owned it, and have required only scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pad replacement. I think its a great for an all-around small utility, not luxury, SUV. I have front wheel drive model, does great in snow. For what I needed and could afford, a pretty good buy. Id prefer another Honda, but couldnt afford the used ones. I hope I get at least 200,000 miles out of it.

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  06 Focus S Sedan - 2006 Ford Focus
  By sk69 - May 26 - 7:24 pm

  Have a Focus S Sedan (auto, a/c) since early 2006. Car is lots of fun to drive due to great handling and responsive engine. Had it at the dealership once for squeaking noise (parking brake cables), which got fixed on warranty. Fuel economy is bad for a car this size (approx. 60% city/40% hwy in New England: get 19-20 mpg in winter, 22-24 mpg in summer). Car is starting to rust now (many small spots doors, door frames).

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  98Ford Explorer expensive to maintain. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Michael J. Stancil - May 21 - 12:43 pm

  My SUV is starting to need some major repairs at 100,000 miles. After discovering that it would not pass State Inspection or Emissions Test, I placed it in the shop to fix: O2 sensors, engine oil-leak, engine light on, front-end repair to fix play in front left wheel, and a radio display light thats broke but will not be fixed because the dealer said its a common internal problem and replacing the entire radio is the only option. Total spent to pass Inspection is $2,500. Other recent repairs include: new shocks, new brakes, ball joints at over $2,000, for a total yearly repair bill of $4,500. Also, gas mileage with the V8 is terrible.

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  Never buying a Ford again. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By kevin - May 21 - 10:40 am

  When I purchased this thing, I soon realized why Ford is in such a financial slump. People are getting wise and not buying Fords anymore, I unfortunately was one of the few unwise and bought one. After only 15k, a new transmission was needed which Ford had the nerve to blame the failure on me. I had to take them to court the get it fixed under warranty! 5k after that the fuel pump went, leaving me and my family stranded on the side of the road during a trip (Ford refused to pay for the tow) Later my headlights would not turn on, only highbeams worked, which got me a ticket for driving with highbeams on. After 30k, I needed another new fuel pump, washer fluid pump, CD player stopped working.

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  Fun to drive/poor quality - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BOB - May 20 - 2:01 pm

  Bought the car in 2005 with 33,000 miles. fun to drive but gets the same, 20/22 mpg,in city or highway driving. Needs on more high end gear ratio so car doesnt stop when you take your foot off gas. Interior quality is poor. Automatic door lock dont work and the plastic trim is falling off. I live in AZ. and the air conditioner is very poor in hot weather. Car overheats, and a really big drag on the engine.