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:

• 

  dont buy it - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By batman2327 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is not very good. It is underpowered and has many little problems. Everything from not being able to keep the wheels aligned even when dirving carefully to the rear windshield wiper working occasionally. The inside feels cheap and plasticy and the resale is absolutely horrible.

• 

  Not worth the money - 4 Cyclinder / AWD / XLT - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Disappointed in Michigan - July 24 - 12:43 am

  Edmunds didnt allow me to select a "4 cylinder" version as the only "drop downs" were for the V6. This vehicle is not worth the money. The advertised fuel economy on the sticker says 18 city and 26 highway for the 4 cylinder and AWD. Im lucky to get 15.5 combined. The acceleration is tepid and the transmission keeps looking for the right gear to be in. Its not confidence inspiring. Fords advertising with the "unstoppable" and "fight song" are even more of a joke when you consider how poorly designed this vehicle is. The interior leaves a lot to be desired. With a $43,000 MSRP, this is getting dangerously close to other vehicles that are way more luxurious and not based on an old Volvo platform. The plastic trim used in the interior feels cheap. There doesnt appear to be any foam or soft touch paint on any of the plastics. It feels like this vehicle was designed as cheaply as possible. Getting in and out of the third row is an exercise in acrobatics and dont put Grandma in the back if you want to see her come out alive again. You have to climb over the second row seats to get back there. Visibility on this vehicle is terrible too and the seats are really uncomfortable. The test drive I took was not extensive enough obviously. Save yourself some money and dont get this vehicle. Aside from the exterior styling, this is a complete disappointment. My first and last Ford SUV. Ill go back to the other brands I used to drive before this. Im glad this is only a 2 year lease.

• 

  LEMON - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By whatalemon - July 18 - 2:00 am

  what a lemon. will NEVER buy a ford again. Bought used and in 4 yrs head gaskets, stabilizer bar link, control arm bushings, air conditioner, rear window lock, driver door locks, driver seat,and many other things all broke. Called Ford and they DONT stand behind their product. (yes it is out of warranty but all this shouldnt be breaking). only 60,000 miles. NEVER AGAIN. BUYER BEWARE

• 

  junk - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By scott4353425 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket and transmission both went. What else is there to say but dont buy one. I feel lucky, I got 84K on it before the tranny went.

• 

  2003 ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sawml - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Vibration, while driving, back to dealer several time to have repaired, they blamed continental tires, but would not replace with other brand. At least 12 different tire put on vehicle. Damaaged at dealers occured twice, requiring sheetmetal and paint work. Now with 12000 miles the transmission has to be rebuilt. Will not buy any other Ford products. This is the sixth ranger I have owned and the last.

• 

  Not my favorite truck anymore - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By frog13 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 ranger it was a good little truck...UNTIL then main head gasket leaked then the I had to have all the belts and pulleys replaced then the gasket again and again and the most resent thing replaced was the WHOLE transmission. This truck is horrible on gas has no power and goes throw brakes like crazy and no its not my driving my husband drives it now and he goes throw brakes to at least every 3 months. Back doors dont always shut right and it isnt a pleasent ride. Fords service departments are the worst no support after purchase

• 

  they roll way to quick - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jordan tuchmann - July 12 - 10:00 am

  driving my explorer down the road at 45 MPH we started spinning as soon as we hit the grass we fliped. My seat Belt did NOT lock up. It was great un till the end. we now have a lexus rx300 that is a lot less expensive from problems in the explorer. 35000 for the explorer 12000 in the shop toatal 42000. 37000 rx300 2500 in the shop

• 

  I will never buy another ford taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By diva divine - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 1999 ford taurus for two years and since then I have had to buy a $2200.00 transmission, two hundred dollar alternator, $500.00 brake jog and a $100.00 power steering pump. I will never buy another ford.

• 

  CAR STINKS - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By DSS70 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  AC DIED AT 32K SPEEDOMETER BROKE SHORTLY AFTER. REPLACED EXHUST FUEL PUMP IGNITION SPEEDOMETER ALL BEFORE 90K HAVE SUFFERED 5 YRS NO AC BECAUSE THEY DIDNT STAND BEHIND THE CAR. MPG 35cty/40hwy MUCH LOWER THAN EXPECTED AFTER 5 Yrs WITH METRO, A MUCH BETTER CAR.

• 

  Ford Taurus DEATHTRAP - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Robert D. Barry - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Recuring problem with acceleration, intermittant. Engin will rev up to about 1500 RPM after about 1 second, then it will stay there for 1.5 to 2 seconds, them increase. First occurance 73 miles after purchase, Has been back to dealer three times, for this problem. Recurring problem, turn signals. If signaling for a right turn, and the raod curves to the left, or signaling for a left turn, and the road curves to the right, turn signal cancelles. Driver must use one hand to hold turn signal on. Recall. Brake lights may not come on. Or the Brake lights may always be on. Recall. Air filter may burst into flames. The service department, DID NOT REPAIR