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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  1994 Ford Tempo GL - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Ben Kromminga - February 26 - 12:04 pm

  On the whole my experience with the Tempo has been a pleasant one. The exterior styling is clean but on the bland side. Fuel economy has averaged 25 miles per gallon, good but not terrific. Inside everything is comfortable and well laid out. Taller drivers might find it a bit cozy. On the performance side, acceleration with the four banger is adequate but not likely to raise your heart rate. It seems the transmission has no idea what to do when you stomp on the gas until it has thought everything out for several moments. The Tempo handles securely but take it slow through the twisties. Over all, the Ford Tempos greatest strength is in low cost basic transportation.

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  Not bad - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By gman1 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my crown vic for about 6 years now and it is a nice comfortable car to drive. I have never gotten the mileage some are boasting about here, I do about 50/50 city highway never any traffic at 4 am when I go to work. During the summer months I get about 250 miles to a full tank of gas. If I do all highway it might get 300 miles/tank. If I were to do it again I would opt for a newer model with the rack and pinion steering because the antiquated system on these cars wear out parts quickly (ball joints, tie rods, etc.) Ive gone through 2 sets of brakes since Ive bought it so no complaints there. It has decent power but is no mustang. Had to change the manifold and the coils, big $

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  I LIKE IT! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nizoral1 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my new ztw wagon today for 13900 including all rebates from ford and dealer. tt control 6 disc changer you name it. Nows the time to buy that leftover. Cant beat the price msrp 19200. 13900 WOW Just cant beat the price for anything close to the wagon!

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  Ford Escape - Skip this one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gomar - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Our Ford Escape is the least reliable new car weve ever owned (weve bought plenty new). It has been back at the dealer at least once a month on average since we bought it. It is been repaired more often than my old Subaru. Not all of it is Fords fault - it started with the Firestone tire fiasco. There have been no life threatening failures, but the car has continuous problems.

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  Watch the Fuel Injectors! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve - February 19 - 9:54 pm

  After several SUVs, my first pickup. Nice to drive - both on the freeway and offroad. But not very reliable. Problems range from annoying (the CD player has been replaced 4 times and still isnt working correctly) to serious (has broken down 3 times and been towed once in the first 25,000 miles due to faulty fuel injectors). About to go out of warranty so Ill probably consider trading for something more reliable - maybe Japanese?

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By By Alex - February 19 - 8:34 am

  This car is great. I have had it for 5 years already. It looks great, it drives great but I think the cars favorite place is at the gas station.

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  Minor problems but do not recommend - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jozsef - February 17 - 2:59 pm

  We did not have any major problems but generally not happy. I just had the second front break replacement at 35000 miles and the front tires a few months ago. Has very bad fuel efficiency in city driving for short distances. Last year, when we drive to Disneyland, the engine lights were coming on and off like an xmas tree. Even now, the service engine light comes and goes.

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  BOOORRRIIINNNGGG! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Zander - February 17 - 11:59 am

  This has got to be the most boring car I have ever owned. The inside is disgusting! Worse design I have ever seen in a car. It looks like something from the 70s with no form. Everything is just flat and boring. As for driving... the horse power is ok. With some aftermarket mods you can make it handle and move a lot better. Its better than the old mustang but no where near European or Japanese sports cars. Still cant take corners at anything like the speed a car like this should. Outside design is cool but doesnt make up for the rest of the car. Problems several electrical connections werent connected in the factory. Wheel and tire problems with shuddering, replaced O2 sensor already.

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  Good looking but the quality is not there - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Patric Pederson - February 14 - 1:45 am

  So I am just going to say this outright (and this is coming from someone that had owned 6 Fords in 13 years) this car has turned me away from Ford Motor Company. When I bought it, I traded a perfectly good 2010 Focus SE. I really wish I hadnt done that. Sure, the car is pretty fun to drive and it gets pretty great gas mileage but the transmission just puts a dark cloud over all of that. I have had it in the shop 5 times for transmission issues. Fortunately, they have all been covered repairs. One of these episodes left us on the side of the road during our Memorial Day 2015 weekend trip. Its a good thing the breakdown happened just outside of our hometown and our dealership is awesome (always gave me a free loaner). I am having issues with the transmission again and this time I am out of the extended warranty for the vehicle. According to my service advisor, the cost of repair is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1600. Along with those issues, there is a really annoying clunky sounding rattle coming from the rear door. I cannot figure out what it is. Also since almost the beginning of its life, there have been multiple rattles (seems to come from around the headliner). I am trying to get into another vehicle but the value pretty sad and I will have to roll negative equity into a new loan.

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  Buyer beware - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ignition defect - February 13 - 12:08 pm

  Ignition replaced 3 times. Exhaust pipe that connects to engine replaced twice. Mechanic said it will have to be replaced again and again because it is a known defect. Brakes replaced too many times. Now engine rattles. My mother has the same car. Same problems. It has been in fender benders twice and a guy driving a stolen truck ran in to the front end and no dents! The other cars had the damage. That is one great thing about the car. There is not a lot of room in the back seat.