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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  Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Meghan - April 24 - 10:53 am

  I bought the car in Nov. 2004. I had to take it the dealer to have transmission work. There was a transmission leak due to (slip boot cover?) had to be replaced. Transmission also had a rumbling noise when car reached speeds of over 35 mph. Apparently, the transmission was sitting on the axle and they had to take out the whole transmission and reposition it. I am glad I had the warranty to cover all of the repairs. Sometimes it is hard to shift (clutch gets stuck).

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  Rust Bucket - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Brian Rogers - April 21 - 3:31 pm

  Have had this car for five years. It has 104,000 miles on it. Had to replace camshaft position sensor. Other problems include two wheel bearing replacements at 60,000 miles, warped rotors, replaced power steering pump at 98,000. Worst problem if you live in the northeast. The plastic rocker panel trim holds the salt and water against the body along the bottom below the doors. The metal is completely eaten away, and now the car cannot be lifted on an automobile lift.

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  Poor quality and poor company - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brad - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  This car is a good idea but poor execution. Transmission failed at 90k and is a known problem with this van. The check engine light comes on because of clogged EGR circiut . A/C blend louvers break, known problem. The worst thing is that you may have to get these fixed over and over again.

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  Nice car if youre looking for a money pit - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ryan - April 17 - 4:59 am

  I would not reconmend this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems from sqeaks and rattles to leaking sunroofs due to faulty weatherstriping and the new one is with the emergency brake assembly going bad causing the wheel to lock up temporarly once in a while. I have older explores and never had a problem. Im unhappy with my experiences in this vehicle. Built ford tough sure it is.

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  mpg not even close to advertised ratings - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Greg - April 9 - 9:16 pm

  I only have 1,200 miles on my ZX3 5 speed manual. This vehicle is advertised as getting 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. I drive mainly highway mileage and baby this car and still am not getting any better than 28.5 mpg.

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  Reliable, Reliable, Reliable - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Christopher - April 4 - 9:13 pm

  This has been the most dependable car I have ever owned. It is not a cool ride, but when it is as inexpensive as it is, and never costs you a dime once you purchase it, I feel pretty cool driving it.

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  Explorer Sport 4x4 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By markandleigh - April 3 - 8:40 am

  My wife loved this vehicle for 3 years until she got a Nissan Pathfinder. The Explorers ride is bonejarring and it drifts a lot on the highway. It seems like you are always fighting it instead of having a nice relaxing cruise (yes, the alignment is ok). I have had a few problems out of it, but overall it has been fairly reliable. Did I mention a very poor resale value? We have lost thousands of dollars when compared to other import SUVs.

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  The Rear Brakes are Not Fit For Purpose - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By allanedgar - April 2 - 9:56 pm

  The rear brakes are not fit for purpose. After only 30,000KM the rear brakes started grinding. The pads were finished and the disks were scored. What a joke! My last car, a Honda Accord needed front pads only after 100,000KM and rear pads after 160000KM. No rotors changed. Is Ford going to recall this car and fit rear brakes which are Fit For Purpose

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  Ford Forgets About Quality - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By SLP - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A very nice looking vehical with good accerlation. Ok milage on highway but could use some improvment around town. Dealer mechs need better training. (had to tell them how to fix problems, they did not look very hard for known problems) Simple items like wiper pivots and motors, door locks, radio controls, etc. have had to be replaced soon after purchase. All has worked well since! Ford needs to pay more attention at the vehical factory.

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  Not the best Ive owned by a long shot - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mj23cantona - April 1 - 4:57 pm

  I bought this car because I could get more features and a bigger engine for some $3000 less than I would have paid for a Toyota Celica. Now, five years and some $5000 more than the cost of the average Celica over this time, all I can say is it was a bad choice. Pretty much all that could go wrong did, coolant system twice, CD chager twice, A/C twice, clutch, thermostat, power windows, brakes need constant work, windshield sealant, trunk bounces back every other time, noisy. Its the last Ford Ill ever own. About a year ago I quit putting money into it, all I do is maintenance. Since then the CD changer and the drivers side window have kicked it, we now own two Toyotas. This one is errand car.