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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  new engine - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ned - July 27 - 2:00 am

  My explorer just went into the shop. Its been the most expensive vehicle I ever bought so we have followed every care recommendation and more. Is it well taken care of with 29000 miles. It will get a new engine this week. Is this a problem with explorers?

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  Scrambled Eggs - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By James in FL - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the roughest riding vehicle I have ever owned. Even minor road irregularities feel like major speed bumps which causes major sqweaks and rattles. If you are looking for a smooth quite ride, I would advise you to look else where. If you want a good looking truck and do not mind the harsh ride, this is could be your truck.

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  Transmission Woes - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By SyracuseSteve - July 7 - 3:32 am

  I test drove quite a few cars before I bought my 1 owner 2014 Fusion Titanium with 25,000 miles on it (still under Fords 3/36000 warranty) for a killer price. The car was very comfortable, peppy for a 4 cylinder and has a nice ride. The car performed well on my test drive and when I picked it up to take it home and about 20 miles from the dealer I bought it from it began behaving erratically, losing power and then shifting back into gear before the little wrench lite came on telling me to get to a dealership quickly. (The used car dealer I bought it from has been far more supportive than Ford and even offered to return my money and sell me something else while they deal with Ford, but I really liked the car and foolishly opted to deal with Ford myself) I arrived after the service department had closed so I asked about a loaner to get me home. I was told service has the loaners and theyre closed. They helped me find the number to a car rental place, but the only one open was about 15 miles away and didnt deliver. After resigning myself to the fact I was probably just going to sleep in the car in the lot until morning and telling the supervisor the same they freed up someone to drop me off at the rental car place. I wish I had thought to just take a taxi home, but I was pretty stressed and frustrated and wasnt thinking as clearly as normal. The next day the dealership called and said 5th gear is out, but its covered under the warranty. Great! Then came "It may take up to 30 days to get parts". I specifically asked and was told this car is not one of the ones affected by the transmission recall. They asked me if I wanted it fixed or if I wanted to take my car with no 5th gear. Hmmm, think Ill wait for it to be drive-able again rather than risk getting stuck on the side of the road. I authorized them to start the repair and asked again about covering a rental or loaner and they said they would have to pull the transmission first and break it down to figure out what they needed then Ford would decide whether or not I get a loaner or rental approved. They said it would take two days for the removal and breakdown. When I followed up they asked for two more days. When I followed up again they couldnt even tell me if they had pulled the transmission yet and asked me to keep my rental for 3 more days, probably on my dime, while they worked on it. So after having the car a week they apparently have done an initial diagnostic and nothing more. Wishing I would have just taken my check back at this point and bought something else as I have dwindling faith they will manage to get it fixed correctly any time this month.

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  It could be better, what is up with Ford - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Toni - June 29 - 11:01 pm

  It was an OK car. No major repairs, but I guess I was lucky. I have another Taurus that was a lemon. I will never buy Taurus or Ford again. I hoped Ford could improve it rather than make it less reliable.

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  V-6 = Noise, Vibration, no fun at all - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Gone Ron - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the car for the low price, standard features and fuel economy. On the plus side, fuel economy is good and is near the rated numbers. The engine is anything but smooth, and does not like to be revved above 2,500 RPM without a lot of coaxing. Clutch throw is nearly a foot, transmission is clunky; it is NOT fun to shift especially around town. The computer keeps the engine between 2,000-3,000 between shifts which sounds and feels totally awkward. The car developed several creeks and clunks right away. Not impressed at all; I wished we would have bought another Honda instead!

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  Too many Problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Al - June 26 - 2:40 pm

  I am the original owner and bought in March 2000. Only has 60,000 and had to rebuild transmission at 50,000. The key lock does not always unlock tailgate. Had the hood and top repainted (at Ford Dealer) three times due to acid rain (poor paint). My other cars not had the problem. Has many squeaks and noises. I have vehicle cleaned and waxed regularly and the back bumper is rusted. I would not buy a Ford again.

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  QUALITY STINKS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LEMON HEAD - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE 50000 MILES ON THE CAR MOST OF IT HIGHWAY. I BABY THE CAR DO ALLTHE REQUIRE MAINTANCE. I HAVE HAD 7 RECALLS PLUS REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED TWICE.SENSORS GO BAD THAT COULD NOT START CAR. THE WISH BONE SUSPENSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. TEN DAYS AFTER THAT MY TRANSMISSION GOES OUT. GOING BACK TO FOREIGN CARS

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  Look at foreign, please - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mn mike - June 25 - 7:23 pm

  Noisy on road irregularities. Fuel economy is less than promised. Handles badly in wind. Handling is not good in general.

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  Not quite there yet...wait a while - 2005 Ford Escape
  By zadscmc - June 24 - 9:40 am

  While the mileage is good (28mpg), the intstrumentl cluster has not been modified to the needs of a hybrid. No battery gauge (full/empty), no engine heat gauge (for hybrid efficency a need to know). CVT is horrid, needs a manual transmission. Interior doesnt work for a short person (5 foot) as the cupholders are hard to reach and the between seat storage is behind the seat. Dashboard is hard to read at dusk.

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  Cute but not reliable - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dr. Jane - June 19 - 8:24 pm

  Replaced brakes at 13,000. Have replaced wheels and had bearings replaced twice. Problems with vibration ever since I bought the car. Worst car for repairs I have ever owned. Bought in 2003, currently 60,000, getting ready to trade in, I am done.