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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  Love the car - Hate the headaches! - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Brenda C. - November 4 - 12:53 pm

  I love the looks of the car. The ride is smooth, handles well, technology is awesome. Seats are comfortable. The problem: twice the first six weeks I had the car (purchased new) it has failed to start. Dealership said it was the battery and replaced. Car started fine for a couple of weeks, then did it again. The engine did not even try to turn over. The car is in the shop now and I hope to change to different car. I cant trust this one.

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  Bearing(s) Down - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By chennung - November 3 - 7:34 pm

  When I moved to the US in 2002, I was so proud I bought an American SUV, contrary to my friends who bought Japanese cars. True, the first 5 years were without any problem. Last month, noise from the front drew me to the dealer. Diagnosis: front AND rear hub bearings worn out, diff pinion and bearings also to be replaced -- total $ 2750. I wish I had read the reviews before...hub bearings issue definitely bearing down on Ford Explorer. If this is such a widely known issue, am not sure why Ford is not replacing it for free -- ...one would think that an SUV would have strong bearings. My second car which I bought this month is definitely not a Ford. Ford has lost its bearings.

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  Go buy a Buick instead - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jakes Dad - November 3 - 2:33 pm

  I bought this SEL off of an indivdual with 73K on it back in June. What a mistake. The starter went out on it 2 weeks after I bought it. Then the brakes, then the ball joints, then the wheel barrings, then the blower. All in all I have spent 2,000 on this car since I bought it. I am ready to sell it and get a cheap little Honda or Toyota. I drive 30 miles one wa to work and the gas mileage at HWY speeds isnt great. Extremely disappointed with that. Gets 18 in the city and at best 23 on the highway. If you go domestic, get a used Century or LeSabre

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  Look Elsewhere - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - November 2 - 7:03 pm

  This past week I took delivery of a loaded 2008 Ford Ranger XLT. On the trip home from the out-of-town Ford dealership where I purchased the Ranger, the driverÂ’s side suicide door developed a rattle. I took my Ranger to a local Ford dealer to correct the problem. While the local dealer did make substantial improvement in eliminating the door rattle, I was informed that body work would be required to fully correct the problem.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By sgallagh - October 30 - 11:39 am

  Not impressed with the cheap tires I had to replace after 25,000 miles. Brakes have been replaced twice within first two years. Just took it in for its 30,000 mile maintenance and had to pay $600 for the parts and labor. Seems like Im always needing to take it in to have somthing checked out whether its alignment or brakes. For a car that was rated well by Consumer Reports, I am not all that impressed by the Focus. I was hesitant to buy a Ford but took the chance. Not sure Im happy I did. The "fun" aspects of the car dont make up for its flaws.

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  Japanese SUVs are a better buy - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jack - October 28 - 12:47 pm

  Very underpowered with the V6 engine. Can barely keep up with traffic and must drive in the right lane w/ a/c on as it kills the engine power. Interior quality is poor. All four of my door arm rests are chipping and peeling and the dealer claims this is normal. Im going to do take Ford up on their advice and swap my ride for a Toyota 4Runner. Ive already test driven it twice and there is no comparison. This family will never again buy Ford.

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  Over 5,000 in repairs. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Larry Smith - October 26 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased this van new, at less than 50,000 miles, 3 engine seals had to be replaced due to leaking, also the torque converter had to be replaced and the A/C compressor had to be replaced. Today at 85,000 miles the transmission failed and the cost is estimated at over $2,500. I am retired on a fixed income and Ford is killing me.

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  Stay Away from these junkers - 1993 Ford Probe
  By harry - October 26 - 1:42 am

  This car was great when I bought it. It quickly emptied my wallet keeping it on the road. Timing belts and cooling system problems.

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  Barely Rolling Junk - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - October 25 - 3:52 pm

  This is my second Expedition and by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Ive replaced all 4 rotors 3 times, both outside mirrors twice, 6 of the eight coils, backup sensors, the DVD system and winshield wiper/washer control. Gas mileage is unbelieveable, (9 city 12 highway.) The trade in for this clunker says it all 8500. The thing has depreciated $35000 in four years, yet Ive maintaned it by the book. Never again!

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  Many bad experiences - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tpacarman - October 24 - 12:23 pm

  Bought the Fusion hybrid new in 2010. In four years have had two major issues, causing the car to render itself dead. The first time was in the middle of a multi-lane bridge with fast moving traffic, with a stop-immediately warning, leading to seconds of active time before car had to be pulled into shoulder. Towed, charged $500 or so. Two years later get another message "service power steering now" and the car again is unstartable. This time Ford service is quoting $1800 plus a diagnosis fee.