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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  Great performance, for a few years - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MAC - October 24 - 10:59 am

  I loved the way this car drove. It was so powerful and agile. When you shut the door, you feel the weight of the metal that protects you. With the traction control, I couldnt make the car slide on snow even when I tried. After about 70k miles (bought w/40k), the car just fell apart. At one point, I was putting $500-800 a month in maintenance into it. The door lock latch busted and wouldnt shut when it was really cold, engine lights would go on, the A/C compressor died, it had some carbon in the manifold that no amount of cleaner would fix. I may buy another Taurus, but I would suggest buying one with 12k miles and trading at 60k. Let someone else keep it on life support.

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  Good drivetrain but electronics ruined it - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By familycarbuyer - October 22 - 11:37 am

  Bought this car 2 months ago and have been driving it to and from work mostly. The concept is very good -- i.e. a plugin hatchback. The car handles fairly well and the motors do what they are supposed to do. The electronics are not there yet, however. Specifically, the charging software, the navigation and the voice recognition are all downright horrible and have really ruined the experience for me.

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  Poor Tansmission Reliability - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By compgen25 - October 21 - 3:04 pm

  I have owned this Explorer for 3 yrs now and have nothing but problems with this transmission. In my opinion the transmission is very unreliable. I have returned it to the dealer on 6 occasions now with no resolution. Overall the vehicle is good but with the tranmissions problems I would not recommend this vehicle to friends.

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  It is not good choice for a long run - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By proAm - October 20 - 5:46 am

  4 and 1/2 yrs old and only 57k miles. I bought it for value. Dont like it for poor quality. Brake makes noises from day one. The 1st issue, the car died immediate after start. The 2nd air-condition. Both are covered under warranty within 3 years. Since then, power steering made noises and the car shakes at cold start some time. I added in a little steering fluid help a little. Yesterday the engine light on for vacuum leak at isolator bolts in intake manifold. It costs over $500 to fix it. It seems more troubles ahead. Now the car lost 2/3 value after 4 yrs. I did my part for maintain (3000 miles oil change, transmission fluid and filter change once. Air filter twice.) Ford not.

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  2000 Focus ZX3 - 2000 Ford Focus
  By 2000zx3Focus - October 12 - 3:28 pm

  IN THE BEGINNING...the was a problem, before I could take it home they had to replace a Rt rear shock. Yes, it is fun to drive, pick up was great. Lots of trips for service of small to medium issues.

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  Tranny and Rear Differential Blues-20K in 4 yrs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By John - October 5 - 8:33 am

  Bought this wonderful driving vehicle new for around $29K and smiled. Rear differential and tranny failed at 60K: $1,300 for the rear diff, $3,600 for the tranny. Appealed to Ford to stand behind their product and correct these obvious design defects: Ford says "Sorry, out of warranty". Do a search on "02 Explorer Problems" and you can spend the afternoon reading about people with the same mechanical failures who received no support from Ford. Car is now worth about $9K trade in. Im sick. Worst part is, this is a nice car ... if only Ford would stand behind it. This is my 4th Ford. As patriotic as I am, I will not throw more money into another depreciation dog with ridiculous reliability problems.

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  Freestar transmission failure - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By last_ford - October 4 - 2:40 pm

  We have an 05 Ford Freestar the rear brakes went bad after 22,000 miles and now at 37000 miles the transmission has had an "internal failure" of the fluid pump resulting in the need for a new transmission for $3500. The mechanic at Ford (with 22 years experience) has never seen this before, yet Ford will not cover the repair because it is 1200 miles over the bumper-to-bumper warranty. The main reason why Ford does not increase their warranty to 5years/60,000 miles is beacuse most of their vehicles would not make it that long without some type of failure. Ford Motor Co has refused to help and so has the dealer-very frustrated-WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN and neither should anyone else.

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  Gives me the Shakes - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Wantmychevyback - October 3 - 4:08 pm

  Nice truck but dealer told me I made a mistake buying 5.4 motor. Rough idle and vibration at approx 1750 rpm is normal for this truck according to my Ford Dealer. Hard to sit at a light and feel the seat vibrating due to the normally running 5.4 l motor at idle. Traded a great running chevrolet at 127000 miles that idled smoother. If Ford cannot resolve this (non- existent according to the dealer) problem...I will take a bath and go back to a chevrolet...never to buy a ford again

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  Not as good as it looks - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bad oil leak - October 2 - 1:12 pm

  After owning the car for almost 3 years, it is fun to drive for sure, a head turner, but it has its hand in my back pocket constantly. In the shop almost every 3 k miles for something or other. Electrical problems, look at replacing the battery every year. And now, for a car thats never been raced, Adult owned, a major oil leak at the main seal that would require an engine pull out. This car has 11,000 miles on it. I will live with the leak I guess and just drive the car into the ground. Ultimately disappointed.

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  Mine vs Tammys - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rr67gto - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an Explorer every two years, since 1994. As well as two Expaditions. The 2003s (we own two EBs) are light years away from the 01. However, there are some really silly things Ford keep leaving out of their flag ship. One being a lockable gas door with inside relese. And the other being an aotomatic antenna. Also, Ford has and continues to put out books with nice goodies you can get for your cars & trucks. But when it comes to the Explorer, many times you find out that what they promote as nice things you can get, do not and never will be made.