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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  Not so satisfied - 2001 Ford Focus
  By focus_seller - November 14 - 10:00 am

  had this vehicle for 3 yrs. and went to dealership 30 times with something or the other mechanical issue. Not good for interstate long drives due to seats so stiff and unconmfortable. Ride is truck like(so much for sport suspension), safety features are ok. handles well at high speed. Heavy exterior noise is very uncomfortable. Some components are build cheap plastics. Fuel Economy is good.

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  Stay away - 1995 Ford F-150
  By disappointed again - November 13 - 3:02 pm

  This vehicle has been parked or on a rack more than it has been driven. I have replaced the engine, trans, rear end, radiator, fuel pumps so far. I have tried to sell it three times in the Memphis area. Nobody is interested.

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  UNSATISIFIED FORD SVT OWNER - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By com - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Cobra Mustang 2003 with a 3 year 3600 mile warrenty took it back to the dealer with rear noise cv joint noise body panels misalined on vehicle engine shutting off rotors are gouged over flow is pushing out antifreezeinsulation tires when cold have as sever thumping in the tires until the tires warm up 7 times to be fixed I demanded an SVT Field Representive to come out and look at the problems several months ago and still have not gotten anywhere I demanded a new vehicle because it falls under the Lemon LawI thought Ford stands behind their vehicles and their warrenties

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  Ford Escape 2003 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Judy Smith - November 6 - 10:25 am

  Would not buy this car again. Inferior interior with knobs breaking off or falling off after 1.5 yrs Would frequently not go in reverse, and had to be put back in park and tried again. The dealer said they "couldnt find anything wrong." Very uncomfortable seats. No back support at all. In spite of this, I realized I like a smaller SUV just not this one.

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  Ghostly Roar...... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By anjanette - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Since the 1st week of ownership I have been complaining of a roar. Well, this last 3 weeks I have been dealing with local dealership and the Regional Ford Rep....Very dissatified. No fix for problem now, Ford "is working on the problem". They want me to be patient and wait until the fix. I have to ride with the vehicle in A4wd- -gas guzzler--awlful noise is now apparent in A4wd. Nothing I can do but be a puppet on a string!!!!!!! This problem can be present in ALL 4WD EXPEDITIONS AS WELL AS NAVIGATORS FOR 2003!!!! Also, they changed brake pads due to asbestos, the wheels stay BLACK due to tremendous brake dust!

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  Last Ford Ill Own - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By skatterthemonkey - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the first vehicle Ive ever bought an extended warranty for (gut feeling?). Two weeks after the purchase , the head gaskets had to be replaced. 30,000 miles later, this vehicle has had over $5,000 of work done on it- second set of head gaskets, auto transmission seals, you name it. Frankly, I cant believe what a POS this truck is. Like the title says, this will be the last Ford product I ever own.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dombi - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I was excited to finally drive a Mustang, that is why I decided to rent one for a few days. The 6 cyl engine with the automatic tranmission is underpowered. This car is slow and feels heavy. The interior build quality seems very cheap. The plastic holding the window buttons on the drivers side door is already loose (at 14K miles!). I am 62" and the height of the interior seems OK. The seats are alright as well. The 6 disc changer stereo sounds good. I have not tried to remove the top, because it seemed complicated. This might be an OK car, but I would expect much more from a Mustang in terms of performance (even if this is an automatic one).

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  WORST CAR YET! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Huey - October 31 - 1:00 am

  I bought a 99 taurus back in 2000. One year later ( just barely out of warranty) the brakes had to be replaced, the 2 front rotors had to be replaced, and the electrical features (keyless entry, power locks, windshield wipers) would short out & not work. (this is at only 40,000 miles) Now, when the cars barely four years old, the heater core had to be replaced, the engine coolant resivor cracked, the thermostat was replaced, the transmission needs replaced , the brakes still have issues , & more electrical problems than ever! Its absolutely terriable on gas, its not built as economically as its rivals, we just bought a brand new ford expedition, & it gets better mileage than the taurus

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  explorer experience was terrible - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By eddiejoe - October 29 - 2:00 am

  after buying what was rated by CR as a "good buy," Ive had nothing but trouble from this 1994 sport model. The undercarriage is rusting out, the tranny went out twice, the ignition module has been replaced twice, windshield washer motors replaced, ac gives out, emissions equipment no longer will pass smog requirements and so on... Without a warranty I would have paid twice for this vehicle, oh did I mention that I had to replace the firestones before the recall was established?

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  "First and only" - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Elizabeth Sullivan - October 24 - 2:00 am

  After driving this vehicle, an engine light came on. (100 miles) The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, where they did not know how to fix the problem( calling the ford "hot line") and refused to give me a written statement "after fixing the problem"