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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  Transmission, O2 sensor, doors, problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mikeeeee - January 23 - 2:39 pm

  Overall, an attractive, comfortable van. Gas consumption is ok for a van. Some nice options available. Has plenty of power, compared to other small vans.

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  It has been very good to me - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By joel - January 22 - 12:53 pm

  I have owned it for five years. Bought with 96,000 miles, it now has 146,000. I dont expect it to be as new, but it is the best $2600 I have ever spent. Had to replace one ball joint. The 3.0 doesnt have much power but it gets 30 mpg hwy and burns no oil. Also it has only a tiny amount of rust and it is a Wisconsin car. I should get a new car, but why? It owes me nothing and is extremely reliable.

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  Rear End Noise - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By panman - January 21 - 2:26 pm

  Rear end started making noise at 36K miles. Went to dealer with 36,600 miles. 600 miles out of warranty. $1200 rear end rebuild. Fought Ford and I paid $300. Started making noise again at 55K miles. Went back to dealer. Only wanted to sell me tires and brakes. I have driven it with noise for the past 50K miles. Ford knows they have a problem and they do not care. Wonder why they are in trouble and not selling cars?

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  brakes...break - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ex ford driver - January 20 - 3:53 pm

  Front brakes are junk! I bought this vehicle brand new and it just passed away at 187,000 miles. Engine blew last week. $$ to fix engine and of course I was at the 25,000 mile mandatory brake and rotor job. Other than that, oil changes and usual up keep along with bearings on both sides at 175,000.

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  Dont bother - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MW1 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Crap quality, and crap reliability. Ive been in the shop numerous times. Move on to a different car before you buy one of these lemons.

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  Not As Expected - Not So Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By J. Weisner - January 20 - 9:40 am

  I got a pre-owned thinking most problems been solved. There still are, the infamous squeaks at the battery area, loose and squeaky front airbag. Consumption is great below 30mph, not at the hiway. Comfortable ride anyhow. Bad attendance for recalls, not all techs knows about hybrid. Power window switch fails, not just on my Escape but on my Focus as well.

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  Ford-found on road dead - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By robin - January 20 - 8:16 am

  It was good until 17,000 miles, had a slight miss when idling, and engine would surge and sometime die. Still not fixed after 3 tries, gear shifter is harsh from park to reverse and it sounds like the rear end is falling out. Transmission had to be rebuilt and problem is still not fixed; it really clunks when I take it out of park. Window has also squealed, steering wheel cover also peeled off.

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  ford mustang 3.7 v6 ac stop working at 13000 miles - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Alex d - January 19 - 1:35 am

  only one year after i leased this car with 13000 miles and the ac quit working, very despoilment from a brand new car. Ford needs to pay attention, I like american car specially sport muscle car but Im considering to try a Lexus after this experience.

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  Hay it was a free car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Red Neck - January 18 - 7:15 am

  I got this car for free from a lady, it was in bad shape. I fix cars for fun, so I took the car. Well $1,950 later, and tons of cuts later and it runs as good as it is going to for the high high miles on it. When anyone ask me about my car I say "The only thing I pass is the gas station". I say for a high school kid this car would be good, it taken a beating keep on running, just dont run into the curb faster then 5 mph, youll bend the body.

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  Interior still out dated - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Cruzn89 - January 15 - 5:53 am

  The steering wheel needs a major overhaul. It has nt changed in years with that big ugly middle. The tiny display screen needs to be upgraded so you can see it. 7" minimum. too many buttons makes you drive off the road.