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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  Good first car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By CAC - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car and it was my first car. It looked nice and handled well. About 3 years ago, the clear coating over the paint started to peel away and now the car looks horrible. Ive noticed that many other Fords have the same problem. I contacted Ford but they deny any problems with the paint. The car was working well for me until about 3 years ago. Now, on an annual basis Im putting about $1,500 and I think its time to look for a new vehicle...it is 11 years old after all. Its been generally reliable but I dont trust it on the interstate...sounds like a sick dog once I take it over 55 MPH.

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  frustration - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ns - February 5 - 2:00 am

  bought new to use only as a daily driver no racing at all. i have had continuous problems since day one - car has 28884 miles on it. The engine has been replaced twice,motor mounts replaced, head gasket replacement twice,transmission and drive shaft replaced, all air condition vents replaced 5 times.just found out my engine,drive shaft and transmission needs replacing again. toyota dealership for me next week, now we know why toyota knocked ford out of its number 2 spot - dissatisfied customers like me multiplied thousands of times. enough said.

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  Piece of Junk! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Kim Oleman - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Windstar with 30,000 miles. We have had it 6 months. The electric seat adjuster went out the next day. The locks went out 1 month after purchase. The right sliding door does not stay shut at times. And now the transmission went out at 53,000 miles. I have never been so unhappy with a vehicle.

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  Very unhappy - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By egshepard - January 28 - 2:00 am

  From the first year we had this vehicle it has been one problem after another. Weve had the transfer case replaced twice (supposedly). We think the dealership never replaced it the first time. Replaced starter. Replaced shifter cable to linkage. Radio display consistantly does not display and scans through stations for no apparent reason. Passenger window works intermittently, so we dont use it. This was enough to keep us from ever purchasing another Ford vehicle. We are considering trading it in and going into to debt for a Honda Pilot even though our Expedition is paid off. Biggest mistake we ever made.

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  Must be mechanically inclined - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By girlpower2004 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Ford Explorer brand new and it had at least 5 recalls. The most significant would be the tires. I had very serious engine problems and Ford had to replace my engine twice.

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  Ford Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Destra - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The excursion is a great SUV but its fuel economy is very poor. the excursion`s relability needs to improve.The peformance is also bad.How can you pay over $40,000 for an SUV that doesn`t perform well.

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  Scrap yard material - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By DOsborn - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and have had nothing but problems with it. I have had ABS brake issues, fuel sensor problems, transmission problems,oil pressure sensing problems, rust problems, and more stuff that would take too long to mention. The reliability of this auto is terrible and its plague with numerous technical service bullitens and recalls. You would think that a vehicle whos design has remained unchanged for the last 10 years would have all of the bugs worked out of it. If you are looking for a good truck, dont look to Ford.

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  Ford Taurus I Wish I Didnt Own - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By tampaMan - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We own a 2000 Ford Taurus. Seriously disappointed with the quality and reliability of this car. We also own a Toyota Sienna which we are very happy with. Dont think Ill buy another american car, every one weve owned has been junk.

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  Crappy Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jbn74135 - January 19 - 5:42 pm

  We recently bought a C-Max. After 636 miles, we are averaging only 31.2 mpg. We are driving extremely light foot, following the speed limit, these about 755 highway miles (reason we bought based ont the FALSELY advertised 47mpg) and have used real gas but did not see any real improvement in MPG. The only possibly excuse is that we drive 75 on the interstate (OKLA speed limit). However, even in town, following the little blue guidelines (on the display), we still only get about 32 in the city. The car is roomy and relatively comfortable but if you are thinking you will get 47, you are about to be cheated.

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  will never - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kiiknzonka - January 19 - 2:00 am

  10K in repairs in 3 years. Seriously not kidding here. A drivers seat that breaks off the floor mount bracket and falls back, numerous ball joint, pinion seal, bearing replacements, seal leaks, differential leaks, drive train replacement, a radio that has a mind of its own (which means it usually doesnt work, LED that petered out at year 2, high pitch squeeling from the rear passenger seat heater fan, and the list does go on further. My last vehicle was a Toyota pick-up that I owned for 16 years. In that time, I changed tires twice, installed a new set of brakes, and changed the oil regularly.