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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  Commuter car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Serega - May 22 - 5:38 pm

  Hi all. I bought this car with 140K on it two years ago. What can I say - if you expect this car to be a lot of fun then dont buy it. The only advantage of this car is its price. Dont hope for high mpg - it consumes gasoline in large amounts. 3 speed automatic is paired nicely with a low-end torque 4 cylinder engine. Probably this is the reason why the transmission survives that long. The car overall is quite reliable if maintained properly. So, my conclusion is: if you need a bit just a mean of transportation from A to B and you never drive at high speeds - then this is a car for you. Otherwise, steer clear away it.

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  FX4 Fords worst truck built - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By hwbw - May 20 - 7:32 pm

  Since 2002 I have put in two master cylinders for the clutch. had the engine blow at 38,000 miles and got no help from Ford at 2,000 miles past warranty. Had poor performance and reliability. Replaced clutch pressure plate and slave cylinder at 43,000 miles due to the slave cylinder welding itself to spline. Also, I have had many problems with the electrical system. You are probably thinking that I beat on this truck and the answer is not at all. I drive less than 2 miles to work and 97% of drive time is on highways on trips around 500 miles. Unless you know how to work on cars plan on a lot of money in maintenance.Think about another brand!

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  Worst Vehicle Ever Built - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By JConner - May 19 - 2:58 pm

  We bought it to accomodate our family outings, but it has been a constant problem. It has a constant miss, that to this date, we have been unable to find a mechanic that can fix it. Also has the issues of the door ajar alarm staying on, power windows work occasionally. This van has spent MONTHS in the shop and is still not fixed. Really gives Ford a bad name. Im sure I wont be buying anything else with Ford on it. I cant believe this entire vehicle hasnt been recalled for all the extreme problems they have.

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  Down with Ford! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ford is crap - May 9 - 4:45 pm

  Bought the car in 2000. Windshield broke in 5 months. Brakes and tires have always been bad, needing to be changed every 15 to 20 thousand miles. Replaced rotors, calipers, ignition and a tune-up was done at 35,000 miles. The Focus would be a great car if it worked properly, or if at least the dealer/manufacturer would take care of common problems.

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  pill of junk - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sadigirl - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is falling apart cosmetically. The passenger side seat sits against the door and ford does not know how to repair it. The leather rubs against the door panel and is quite annoying. Both windows have had problems, and the radio along with other minor repairs. It has been to the shop at least once a month since I have owned it. I regret ever buying this pile of juck that has lost so much value.

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  FORD - Fixed of repaired daily - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Thom - May 8 - 9:38 pm

  Simply put, this car is not worth the 50+ grand. At first glance, it has a nice appearance. Not as grand as its Navigator brother, but still impresive. However, after having this car for some time, it becomes a pain. When youre not trying to maneuver this huge car in traffic and parking garages, its sitting comfortably in your local repair shop having its newest problem fixed. Front door leaking air, power mirrors without power, loud road noise that become greater with time, occasionaly weird clunkling that confuses both us and the dealer. Also, even though this car has a massive engine, its slow to accelerate. and its transmission is sloppy and gets confused shifting gears.

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  Dont Buy It - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Dave - May 5 - 12:33 pm

  At 35,800 miles my transmission went out while my family and I were on a trip. Ford fixed it, but it still never acted like it shifted correctly. Too many recalls. Front coil springs were recalled, of all things. Had multiple sensors go bad. Every garage we took it to warned us of the known transmission troubles. Sold it and bought a new Chrysler T & C.

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  listen to the consumer!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By exploderdriver - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has had numerous problems similar to those mentioned throuhout these consumer reveiws (transmission, rear-end noise, back glass, etc...) Obviously these are common problems; however, Ford or any of their dealerships will admit to any of them, or try to fix them correctly. A few recalls would solve a lot of problems! By the way...if you live in Knoxville, TN....stay away from Lance Cunningham Ford, and Ted Russell Ford! Their service depts. are the pits!!!

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  6 years later it is finally time to go - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Stephanie m - May 2 - 8:33 pm

  This was my first car, purchased for me in high school 2012 for $7,000 with 100,000 miles on it. It is now almost 2017 with 140,000 miles and I cannot be more excited to upgrade to a new car. This car is the loudest car I have ever driven. It sounds like the engine is going to explode at all times, not just when accelerating. The rear passenger side squeaks often, along with all pieces of the inside. I cannot speak to its performance with lower mileage, but after 100k I would not take my chances.

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  very disappointing - 2000 Ford Focus
  By bjc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  leasing our 2000 ford focus since may of 2000 has 27000 miles on it and has been in the shop more than I can say. We live in the northeast and every time it rains I find 6" of water on passager side floor have had rug replaced 5 times. Not to mention the numerous recalls. WE decided to change the o in FOCUS to another u BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT FORD DID WHEN THEN MADE THIS PIECE OF CRAP.