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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  Dont Buy a Ford - 1997 Ford F-150
  By shags - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Shortly aftr purchasing this vehicle (it was used) I discovered it had a problem with maintaining adequate oil pressure. The truck had only 39000 miles on the clock! A local Ford dealer as well as an independant mechanic told me the engine was shot and they would gladly replace it for 3500 - 3800 dollars. Ford Motor Co. refused to make a good faith adjustment for a problem that was clearly a defect. This will definately be the last Ford product Ill ever own. It will be my lifes mission to discourage anyone else I know from ever buying their junk!!!

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  2013 Transit Connect DO NOT BUY - 2013 Ford Transit Connect
  By robert1111 - May 9 - 11:46 am

  Ford Transit 2013 Commercial Van 1st- transmission @ 8,000mi 3 weeks in shop 2nd- Return for not searing properly, 3 days in shop 3rd -Transmission @14000mi 2 weeks in the shop 4th -Transmission @ 22,000mi 2 weeks in the shop 5th-Defective throttle Body @ 23,000 4 days in the shop Ford has responded but offers no solution and truck will be out of warranty @ 36, Ford Customer service offers No Help!!!! Do not buy this vehicle for any purpose, You will be sorry.

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  Dont buy a Ford - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By armstrongh - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Usual Ford problems - Head gasket failure, engine failure, transmission failure, door chimes, etc.. This van now has 74,500 miles on it, but would have more if it was ever out of the repair shop. Stay away from Fords.

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  not happy in cali - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mary coates - May 3 - 2:00 am

  i used to own the 2002 expedition and it was much roomier in the seats and the 2003 are much small and really drives like a truck and to be honest i cant wait until i can trade it in.

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  LEMON with NO AID - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Audwea - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Within the first year, due to or because of the poor quality parts, the interior back seats began rattling/shaking;the back seats a very rarely used. The console rattles and shakes. At 40,000 miles and a year later, I now experience major transmission problems. The automatic transmission doesnt shift smoothly from first to second gear. Within 15 minutes the more exaggerated and predominant the shift, eventually throwing the vehicle out of overdrive on its own.

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  A Car to sink your money into - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By maycat - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car I bought it for five thousand and had to put another ten thousand into the car to keep it on the road. It did survive several road trips but on the last trip a piston broke in the engine after I did a routine oil change. If you like repair bills this is the car for you.

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  Think about it - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Doorwood - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new with 8 miles on it. @ 50 miles the tie-rod broke and it cost me $70.00 for a alignment (non warrenty) now the car has 118,324 miles on it and it has well over $6k in repairs..2 sets of Head-Gaskets, 1 Transmission, $800 in emissions work..Tires last about 40k miles and brakes last about 9k miles. dealership is unable to resolve front end problems and they have had it 6 times.

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  VERY UNHAPPY!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rand007 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  For the money this vehicle is very disappointing. Not enough power. Poor mileage, BUT better than my 98 Expy. Does not offroad as well as previous model (less clearance). Brake dust is BAD! RATTLES LIKE CRAZY! Been in the shop 11 days within the first 11 months. Its in the shop today for the THIRD rear differential AND to re-tighten all the rattling doors. Going to hire a lawyer and sue under the Virginia Lemon Law which protects consumers VERY well. Last Ford I will EVER buy. Every Ford I own ends up in the shop. Toyotas and Honda have never had 1 problem, NOT ONE! Quality is job one? Right!

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  Nice Looking But Weak Performance - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By The Gadget Man - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The SUV/truck looks good and drives ok when going straight...but try to turn and it wobbles like a duck. If youre into something different than the ordinary...this is the vehicle for you...its not too big and not too small...the Big Bad Wolf would be confused with a vehicle like this.

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  NOISEY!!!!!!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Elmar - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Deafening wind noise. NO turning radius. NOISEY Suspension. Poor Excelleration BUY a truck if you want a truck. Buy an SUV if you want an SUV. POOR DESIGN all over!!!!!!!