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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  Spectacular, sorta... - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By D - December 10 - 2:57 pm

  As for someone who drives like I do (often driving quickly because my punctuality is less than impeccable), this car is atrocious. As plagues most older Ford vehicles, maintenance is terribly expensive. The gas mileage is rough, and the car holds about 26-30 gallons. However, the handling on this vehicle, despite its 12+ years of age, is still smoother than almost any car Ive ever driven. It corners so easily and switching lanes, even at highway speeds is effortless. Despite the lack of leather seats, the car is very comfortable, and it would be excellent for longer road trips, if I wasnt scared of loosing parts as I drove.

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  Exploder.. I mean explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Olivia Alyse - December 9 - 2:54 pm

  Personally, I dont care much for the car. Ive spent nearly 2000$ in repairs for it! To begin with, Im a very very cautious driver- Ive never caused any wrecks, but Ive been rear ended. And the car held up well in the collison- but a few times, when turning slowly even or taking a curve, the car nearly flips over and tilts. Other times, it stalls out and the car speedometer is wrong. When compared to other drivers going 40 the explorer seems slower. It also takes forever to accelerate. And its a gas guzzler. It also has a very very very bumpy ride. I swear I could feel a pebble in grass! Not the best car in the world- especially for someone on a budget!

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  please someone take this car from me! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Chris Hughes - December 9 - 5:12 am

  This is a very poor choice for a car. It is not fun to drive in the least, the automatic tranny is very unresponsive and unprecise, and the engine has a terrible drone to it. I average anywhere between 18 and 30 mpg. This car only has 38xxx miles on it, never abused, and always properly maintained at the Ford dealership. The interior is actually falling apart, numerous plastic pieces have fallen off including the entire dashboard peeling up.

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  Repair Again and Again - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Michael - December 6 - 10:50 pm

  Have required repeated repairs, each at a very high price. Repairs include rear oil seal 3 times, transmisssion seal, air pump, shocks and electic control for air shocks, brake cable, tie rod ends, sun roof seal and motor, and on and on. Most recent was anti-lock brake contol and pump for $1,300. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned, compounded by Fords outrageous repair costs. I will never own another Ford.

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  Might be last ford - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fdambowsky - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am not happy with the vehicle. Brakes, Brakes, Brakes at 64k ive put them in 4 times so far. At 24k transmission had a "washboard" feeling. Fuel line got a leak at 35k. Checked for recalls and found the the "police" version was recalled for the same reason in the exact same location that my fuel line leaked. Dealer said "not covered because it doesnt happen to the non police vehicles. Gee, looked like it did to me. Gas economy??? 12.8 miles per gallon. Have owned many Fords in the past...this may well be my last.....

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  premature brake wear and failure - 2003 Ford Escape
  By biltmore - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our Ford Escape has only 12200kms. On July 31 2003 we were involved in a collision where the brakes failed in a panic stop situation. Dealership would not check the brakes under warranty so we are now involved in a law suit to recover damages due to the fact that there were two other vehicles in the collision. Brakes were spongy and alot of brake residue left on the wheels.This vehicle is driven in normal city driving situations+

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  once you pay! have a good day! bye bye..... - 2016 Ford F-150
  By brian - November 30 - 10:38 am

  first time in my 46 years bought a brand new vehicle. I was getting to tired of lying on my back in my driveway on my day off working on one of my old trucks. I wanted reliability. Ive also owned "many" ford trucks in the past. I was a longtime self employed landscaper. anyway I bought this as a personel daily driver vehicle and drove off the lot and truck was great, a few hundred miles or so and the transmission starts banging. I go to the dealer and they tell me its a "self learning transmission" and should adjust to your driving style to enhance shifting and longevity. 5000 miles later and three trips to the dealer and they say "thats how its suppose to operate" and cant do anything...great, now I got a $40,000 truck that shifts worse than my 1979 ford fairmount that i owned....also had problem with two loose pins in two different wire connectors resulting in two additional dealership visits....the truck is 9 months old....im not happy and theres nothing I can do about it but write this review.............great!

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  Wish Id Traded It Sooner - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By The Hooks - November 30 - 12:37 am

  We just spent $2,000 on a rebuilt transmission hoping to keep the car until the 12 month repair warranty ran out. Unfortunately two months in the head gasket blew and now were out of luck. We bought it with 38K miles and thank God we paid for the extended warranty. Still spent a lot over the years on brakes, electrical, etc. Ford did cover the head gaskets three years ago but now their extended warranty has expired. Cant figure out how Ford expects buyers to return in the face of such poor reliability and their unwillingness to stand behind the product.

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  Mustang or Donkey? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JAY - November 18 - 9:43 am

  After less than a thousand miles Ford had to replace my entire engine because a loud noise was coming from it and they didnt know what was causing it. The new engine is making a new awkward noise. The wheel brackets had to be changed at 1200 miles because everytime I would turn the wheel, clanking noises would be heard. The interior has many rattling noises that can drive a person crazy, and going over cracks on the road is no vacation. There is a loud whistle coming from the engine at exactly 1500 rpm. Ford service is too slow and doesnt show much appreciation for its customers. Every time a problem is fixed a new one shows up. Spend your money on something of better quality.

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  06 Explorer a dissapointment - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jock W - November 14 - 7:40 pm

  Ford missed the mark on their redesign. The Explorer acts like the V6 is unable to get it moving without putting the peddle to the floor and it still only get @ 13 mpg. The new second row seating will not let MOST child booster seats be installed correctly. I only found three and none of them were seats I would have chosen. There is no room in the drivers area to put anything. The put a little area for cell phone or whatever all the way on the on top of the dash but it is too small and too hard to use. I would not buy it again!