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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  Its OK - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Rachel - August 19 - 10:52 pm

  Sunroof motor went out right after Igot the car, brakes were bad, shocks are really bad, and it took 3 tries to get a good A/Ccompressor. Other than that it was a good first car

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  Be careful with this truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By sellinmyranger - August 19 - 8:15 pm

  Bought this truck used with 60K miles on it. Loved the power of the 4.0 engine. Brakes always had a wooden feeling (replaced 3 times in 25k miles) This truck moved me across country, twice. After towing a few times, tranny slipped horribly. Very reliable, trusty, tough little truck.

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  Ford spark plug problems - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jim - August 16 - 3:20 pm

  Really have liked the truck bought new and its many features. Truck is a supercab and its very comfortable. However its latest feature - spark plugs that blow completely out of the engine- have really changed my mind about Fords build quality or lack thereof. Not only is it absurd that a spark plug can blow out of the engine but equally absurd how much it costs to repair. Ford recommends replacing the defective aluminum head with a new defective aluminum head rather than owning up the problem and recalling the many vehicles with their modular engine. Just search blown out spark plug and witness the amount of complaints with both trucks and cars with this engine.

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  Repeat Buyer Disappointment!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By D M Warden - August 15 - 7:52 am

  This is my 2nd purchase of a new Ford Focus. The first was a 2011 which I loved. Great mileage, handled well and reasonably priced. I traded in the 2011 for a 2014. Initially I felt once again Id purchased a reliable mid-size sedan which handled well, had great mileage, was comfortable, roomy and in my opinion a classy looking car. Approximately 17,000 miles in I started having acceleration issues. The car would jerk and was slow to get up to speed when accelerating. I had a scary situation when I was going up a ramp in a parking garage and it felt like the car was going to lose power and roll backwards. The sputtering and jerking usually starts after driving the car for a while. Ive had the car inspected by a Ford Dealer and was told I needed the clutch assembly replaced. That was over a month ago. I contacted the dealer today and was told that clutch assembly parts have been ordered for many customers and none of the parts have been delivered by Ford. With all the complaints I dont understand why its taking so long for the parts to be delivered. I have no choice but to drive my car everyday but I have to say the complaints Ive read make me very leery. Im also disappointed in the customer service and customer outreach due to I was never contacted by Ford or received any notification regarding the transmission issues. It was only after I heard about a report on my local news and I started doing some investigation on my own. When I purchased my 2nd Ford I could see myself being a Ford customer for many years to come; now Im not so sure.

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  Cockpit is uncomfortable - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By knee hurts - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 97 explorer which was a great vehicle. The 04 eddie bauer I bought, fot the most part is a stronger, more responsive suv. However if your 6 feet tall or taller the cockpit is very uncomfortable. They shortened the seats and made them too hard. My knee constantly hits the center console and when I switch from gas to brake pedal my knee hits the keys hanging from the ignition. My advice drive it on a trip of at leasr 200 miles before you buy. I will be trading mine next year.

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  2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TexasEd - August 13 - 12:20 pm

  I am disappointed in the fuel mileage. Engine lacks power and torque. Front end seems too light in weight. Interior design and comfort is nice and exterior design is very pleasing.

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  2003 Explorer LTD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Tom - August 13 - 8:52 am

  In the last year, this car has givem me fits. The exterior is fine, but I have had multiple problems. CD player malfunctions. AC does not work when outside temperature passes 85. If its hot outside and I am on the highway, the temperature gauge somtetimes spikes to "H" and I get dashboard warnings. But several checks to repair places and two dealers could not correct the problem. The back bumper mounted sensors also stopped working after two years.

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  Not a good truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By w.pratt - August 4 - 9:13 am

  Bought truck at 60000 miles. Looked and ran good but immediately ran into trouble, while on trip left front abs brake failed. Cost 550 bucks at dealer for new rotor pads and wheel bearing because sensor is part of the bearing. 2 years later same scenario on other side. Also front axle stared growling, havent fixed that yet, as need another 12oo bucks for this. Now at 98000 miles relegated to only driving in winter, as it is now a carportqueen. Also inside box rotting out, although plastic outside looks like new.

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  Need some power - look elsewhere! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Mike Keating - August 3 - 9:35 pm

  I bought my 06 F150 Supercrew 4.6 litre in October of 2006. This was the 1st new truck I had ever owned, man have I been disapointed. Under normal driving conditions I suppose for most the power of the 4.6 litre is adequete. As soon as I hooked my 19 ft boat up to it man whered the power go Ford? With my Chevy I never even knew the boat was back there, not with this motor. If you plan to haul even the smallest camper/boat do not get an F150 with the 4.6 litre, its awful! If you are looking for a pickup that drives like a car, buy it. If you need a truck with some power for work/play dont buy an F150 w/ this motor. Overall as soon as I can financially trade this Ford F150 in its gone!

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  REAR AXLE PROBLEM - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Misery - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Beware! Drive your 2003 Expedition at 79 or 80 miles an hour and listen. You will hear a high pitch whine from the rear-end. I have had three, yes, three axles. All have had this problem. My new truck is still in the shop while Ford tries to find a fix. All of the 2003s at the dealership had the problem. They were trying to find one that did not make the noise. Drive yours and listen. Lets all make Ford fix this problem.