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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  Dangerous transmission - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cheryl - December 28 - 2:08 pm

  I bought a 2012 Ford Focus in November 2015. I was very happy because my old car was a 2000 Ford Focus. It is very sporty and nice looking. I was driving on HWY 30 from the grocery store when it just stopped. Everyone behind me was honking and whizzing by me. I was scared to death. I didnt know what to do. I prayed to God and then I got the idea to shut it off and re start it. It was very slow and I got a notice that I had a transmission malfunction and to fix it NOW. I could have been killed. Ford please take care of this problem.

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  Well,so far............................. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jdfrmky - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I really do not need a truck which is what I found out about an SUV and this fresh looking vehicle seemed the place to start to see if truckdom will work out.If it does not at least it will have some residual value come time to sell.Ive not had it long enough to tell any tales yet.My first Ford and based on the wifes experiences with her 2 Escapes Im more concerned with customer service and support which has been miserable for my wife.

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  Poor Brakes, poor quality! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ken - December 26 - 6:42 pm

  I have owned this Ranger for almost two years. I have faced continuous problems with the braking system. Continued maintenance required that is charged to "clean, adjust, lubricate, inspect" the brakes. Pad on disc brakes continue to hang up. Too many issues with the entire braking system for me to be satisfied with this vehicle. If you live in a climate where there is snow and/or road salt, do not buy as you will have to pay for the brake service at least once a year ($80+). I have had mine done three times because normal driving on highways with snow, road salt, sand causes brakes to hang up. Would recommend looking at foreign made trucks such as Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma instead!

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  Aerotank - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Jason - December 24 - 3:41 pm

  Weve had this thing for 5 years. It has served us great. Weve gone from coast to coast with no major problems. All the kids fit with enough space to keep them from fighting. Take out the seats and it will haul ANYTHING. We did a complete move with just this van. It is built very solid. She took a hit from a deer last year and kept rolling with no serious damage. My wife seized the engine by letting it overheat and it fired right back up after it cooled off. Ive had a few odd-ball electrical problems, but this is normal for Ford. Other than that Ive only dealt with routine maintenance issues. The old girl has 210,000 miles now and still runs fine, and the AC is still cold.

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  noisy car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MIKE - December 24 - 11:03 am

  it has had 1 recall so far, for the heated seats. i think a car like this should get better than 30 mpg. but it wont. it is also very noisy on some roads.

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  Piece of junk - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jak Pine - December 24 - 2:54 am

  I bought the Focus in June of 2005 brand new. The car rides, drives and handles great. The seats are a little uncomfortable when youre in them for a while, it also lacks leg room. The car has 49,000 miles on it and has been in and out of the shop since the 15,000 mile mark. Extremely unreliable! I cant afford the repair bills anymore and just traded it in. I paid $18,000 for the car a year and a half ago, the most any dealership would give me for it is $6,500. I DO NOT recommend a Ford Focus to anyone.

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Charlynn Smith - December 21 - 8:41 pm

  I bought this vehicle to avoid nickel-and-dime problems that were starting to appear in my 2000 Sunfire. Little did I know that Id have the Focus in the shop four times over the last seven months. This has quickly become the most unreliable car Ive ever driven, and Ill never buy a Ford again. Ill be trading this car for what I knew I should have bought in the first place - a Honda Civic.

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  on the road off the road Im going to get there - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sheri owens - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  Tinted windows, tilt wheel, Elec code door lock, Cargo storage on top,Bucket seats. New radiator,water pump,idle pully,Alternater,thermostst housing,Septine belt and no body damage.

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  This Truck is a Hazard to life and limb - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Thingriz - December 15 - 6:53 pm

  The front left tire has fallen off three times due to ungreasable pressed in steering components. All Ford replacement parts and all of poor quality. One control arm didnt last a year. That was the time I had just finished driving to work at 65MPH and as I pulled in the hospital parking lot the wheel fell off, blocking the entrance. Real nice. Yesterday the brakes went out...period. The thing goes through coils at the rate of one or more a year. The hood latch broke. I had to take the spare tire out to replace the shocks - that stupid system was broke right from the factory. The 4wheel drive is broke, I dont know why yet. I suspect an engage motor. I could go on but no more letters to use!

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  good car for the money! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By D V Clark - December 14 - 10:00 am

  went to trade 99 honda accord ex in on anouther accord ex v6 coupe dealer would not work at all on sale went next door got white v6 premium coupe auto.ride is better than 99 accord but not as good as 03.03 accord v6 auto has better pick up for sure.interior build quality of honda is better.but got 3000 rebate 500 cash back 1500 more trade in 1000 off sticker.sold!!