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:

• 

  Worst Car Experience Ever - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Unhappy Ford Driver - November 11 - 10:00 am

  When I buy a new car, I expect reliabilty and I havent had that in the 3 years I had it. Its spent a significant portion of its life in the shop for either Ford recalls or engine problems of its own. At 20K miles, a new transmission was needed. I contacted a lemon law attorney, but never had the time to pursue my case. I will never buy American again.

• 

  Four wheel drive not worth it - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By kwhiting - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Not only to I agree with the above review citing TRANSMISSION problems, but I was recently informed that after about 100,000 miles the head has a tentancy to crack due to poor manufacturing. Repairs for this are over $3000, and this was on top of a transmission problem last year and a fuel injection probelm costing over $400 the year before. I rated the confort as fair, that is, when the seat was not falling backward due to a broken screw so far within the seat, it woudl need to be replaced to fix the problem. If youre thinking of buying an Explorer, any year, please look at a Pathfinder or a Toyota.

• 

  Throttle body issue - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jth - November 8 - 10:18 am

  Do not buy this car unless they agree to change the Throttle body before you leave the lot. My 2016 shut down on me while I was making a turn into a busy highway. Thus could have been bad. Shame on you Ford for not issuing a recall. Now my rear AC is acting up. Strike 2. I have only made 3 car payments! I am disappointed.

• 

  Disgusted - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By stilhunter - November 7 - 2:00 am

  At 50000 miles I spent over $2500 in repairs. I continually have problems with the check engine light particularly in cold weather. In cold weather when the vehicle is first started it is necessary to keep the engine revved or it will die. The radio and clock display failed after I owned the vehicles for two years. Personally I have bought my last Ford vehicle.

• 

  1997 Ford Exploder - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Hopper - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck had lots of recalls. It was fairly relibale until the plastic timing chain guides broke at 70,000 miles. We had to replace the engine. I would not recommend this vehicle with its unreliable v6 engine. This was a known defect by Ford and they would not help us in resolving the problem. We have a friend you also has 97 Explorer and he had to replace his engine as well. THUMBS DOWN!

• 

  Mine was a LEMON!!! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Mine was crap! - October 26 - 1:00 am

  My EXPLODITION was in the shop for 28 days in one year. The dealer was of know help in getting it purchased back through the lemon law. They are programmed by FORD to do everything possible not to take these vehicles back. If you want to return it you have to get a lawyer.

• 

  New transmission - 55k - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Staci - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had to buy a new transmission for this POS at 55k miles. New water pump at 69k and new intake manifold at approx 62k. This car is great in design, if you want something to look pretty in your driveway while you drive a reliable car.

• 

  Freestar SE... give me back my windstar! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By ThunderBay - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The seating arangements in this van are terrible. Dont buy it if you have more than two kids. The middle seats dont move fore/aft. The rear seat is only fit for small kids. Also you will never get 6 adults in this van. The rear seat folds up with great ease, but it would have been cheaper to just leave it out altogether. It is useless for anyone over 4 feet tall. This is basically a 4 passenger vehicle. Test drive this one for at least a couple of hours to make sure it works for you... beware!!!

• 

  ford needs to only build trucks - 2000 Ford Focus
  By fordtrucksonly - October 24 - 10:00 am

  piece of crap radio went out 7 times, fuel gauge 3 times, 2 transmissions, and a gas milage that is worse than my f 150 with a 5.4 v8 this car sucks in every way want a car buy from chevy want a truck buy a ford

• 

  4 transmissions and only 33K - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Elster - October 24 - 5:33 am

  We are currently having our 4th !!!! Transmission replaced under warranty. This vehicle is awful and unreliable. Save yourself dont buy one!