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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  Not What I Thought! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Darr - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Mach 1. I have owned 3 other Mustangs in the past. I think the new style of the Mach 1 is outstanding. Theres more power then the standard GT. But it is after all a Ford. Ford doesnt have the best reputation. I bought my Mach 1 brand new. It now has 12,000 miles on it. At 10,000 miles the Transmission went out. I took it to the dealer who had to replace the transmission. So i think the Mach 1 is very nice but like i said, Its still a ford...

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  Lemon Demon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Olga Nehring - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car thinking what a good deal. But quickly that turned upside down. The cluch had a recall, after they fixed that (ha) I put It back in the shop three more times. Now Im told the sound is normal. Dont think so. Ive had it in two times for a clunking noise in the back left side, they fixed it once but the noise came right back, I guess in stuck with that noise to. The back light went out, the gas light stuck on, they are fixed but for how long I dont know. I didnt buy the extended warranty, OH NO! Ive read the other reviews and Im scared. Now there is a noise in the front when I go over bumps!

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  Dont get the V6!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By stang - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Car has been taken back to the dealership for service an endless amount of times. Clutch replaced at 2,000 miles because of defective pressure plate, bad fuel pump, truck latch replaced - would pop open going 70 mph down the interstate, truck light would not turn off and drained the battery several times. New squeaks & noises everyday...

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  Let the buyer beware ... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By DW - January 7 - 9:40 am

  I initially didnt like the looks of this car, but I wanted a hatchback and it was surprisingly peppy and fun to drive, so I took a chance and threw my money down ... and AWAY! What a mistake. Mechanical problems too numerous to list stranded me over and over, and Fords service department kept the car for WEEKS every painful time I had to tow it in. The interior is an ergonomic nightmare, ruining a long trip by saddling the driver and passengers with endless back pain (and Im in my 20s!). Horribly unreliable compared to other cars in its class, this car is not an alternative to Honda or Toyota ... its not even close. Pay a little - and get a LOT more - elsewhere.

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  Fun car for the price but..... - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Matt_adams - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Dont get me wrong, this car is fast fun, and a performer, but ive had some problems with it. Firstly it has been in the shop about 5 times already, once with a computer malufunction in the transmission, another for new struts, thirdly for another computer malfunction continually stating to service, fourthly for a faulty alternator and lastly was a power windows malfunction. The car is fast but for only a little bit more other sport cars become available that seem to have the stang beat.

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  problem child - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By eric dahl - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i dont like the 2001 ranger because i cant keep it out of the shop as soon as i get it back something else goes wrong with it i might just have a lemon but for any one looking its very quick for a compact truck and you gotta love the styling

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  Very Disappointed - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Lemon - January 6 - 3:55 am

  Purchased 4 cylinder with automatic. Idle is very rough with vibration through steering wheel. Returned to dealer 2 times. Dealer said motor mounts and exhaust needed alignment. No help. Checked this vehicle against other similar vehicle at dealer and found other vehicle to be smoother. When idle increased 25 to 50 RPM, smooths out to normal. Dealer says Idle can not be adjusted. Had several 4 cylinder vehicles and all idle smooth. Dealer says thats the way Rangers are, it can not be fixed. Looks like I am stuck with rough running new vehicle. Should have purchased Japanese.

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  Had problems - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rob - January 4 - 12:37 pm

  I leased my 2004 Escape LTD in Feb. 2004. Two years later, at 20,000 miles, the car had a "complete failure of the transmission" (the dealerships words). The whole transmission had to be replaced. I have also had problems with the sun roof not opening correctly. Also, sometimes when I start the car the treble on the radio comes on but not the bass, and I have to restart the car to get the radio to work correctly. Plus, in cold weather the driver window squeaks horribly when you roll it up/down. I owned a 2001 Escape for three years and loved it so much I went back for the 2004 LTD. The problems Ive had with it, especially with the transmission, have soured me to Fords.

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  My First and Last Ford - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmax_sucks - January 1 - 2:14 pm

  After dealing with numerous recalls and technological glitches, I am finally throwing in the towel on my 2013 C-Max (Ive had it for a year). As others have pointed out, the MPG was grossly exaggerated by Ford. At the moment, Im dealing with relatively minor issues (i.e. entertainment system sporadically stops working, center console wont close, trunk lift gate doesnt work, warning lights randomly go on and off). It is both inconvenient and frustrating to take the car in for repairs all of the time. My last straw - last time I took it in, I returned to find the dealership showing my car to prospective customers (literally sitting in my car with my personal belongings on display).

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  Electrical - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drsnowball - January 1 - 6:00 am

  In July my newly leased, left over 2013 C-Max had a dead battery after sitting overnight. The clock on the dash said 8:38AM. Road side assist came and jumped to start. I called the Ford service center and was told "You must have left something on." I was certain I had not. On, Sept. 14, 2014, I came out to find my car dead again. The clock (coincidence?) read 8:38 AM; however, after the jump start the clock failed to run. Thought! For about 10 days continuing, the unlock button on my key was slow to open the passenger door and trunk lock. Perhaps an indication of the battery voltage decreasing? Tomorrow the service dept. will try to find the problem. Ill let you know.