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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  Second Guessing My Purchase - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Fran C. - October 12 - 10:46 am

  This is about the transmission shuddering issue. Otherwise beside the interior not having a lot of storage space I really love my car. I bought my car last May and have not even reached 10k. After a few months I noticed this noise the car was making. Clunking/Clicking when Driving/Acceleration. I brought it to the dealer I got it from and had to wait 3 days for them to test drive to verify my claims. It took a few days to fix and all seemed well until this morning when I thought I heard the noise start up again. Not bad but enough to make me worry. I am due for my 10k service so I will talk to them about it. I heard through websites and other sources these cars are noted for transmission issues. I will update this post if anything changes. If you are having the same problem do not wait, bring it in and have them fix it. Transmissions are $$$$$$$$ !!

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  extremely unsatisfied - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Magdalena - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I would never buy a Ford again. I have had three and I have learned my lesson. The catalytic converter went out on my 2000 Ford Mustang and it was very expensive. Ford did not replace any parts to it and I would not recommend anybody struggling with any Ford vehicle. Prior to that I had a Taurus that the transmission went out on it. They are the worst and unreliable cars that Ive had.

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  Problems with Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By amwinston - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ranger for almost 2 years and am very disappointed. The initial purchase seemed like a good on, but the quality of the vehicle is no good. I have had the truck in numerous times to have various things fixed under warranty. Some things to be fixed more than once. The service was great to have the vehicle fixed, but this does not make up for all the time it had to be repaired.

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  ford exploder - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By vickiw91 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  If your planning to by a family vehichle, this is not the one to buy. We named my truck the exploder because as soon as you fix one major thing another happens. If you have lots of money and nothing to do with it this is the vehichle for you.

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  SUV that rides like a truck - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Rnak - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been the most problematic from the start. The dealer was horrible at purchase and the service was deceptive and expensive. Buy the extended warranty it will help you out. Things that occurred three recalls, failed radiator resulted the failed electronic plugs, failed ABS sensor that resulted in the brakes prematurely wearing out thus had to buy new brakes for $650 for all new brakes not covered on warranty it is an maintenance item, and new brakes are nearly worn again dealer installed soft brake shoes. SUV bounces like a truck does not have a smooth ride. Gear shift rattles while driving.

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  Id better buy a Kia or a Lafa - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Windstart victim - October 1 - 2:00 am

  An awful car, weve gotproblems with : - electric accessories - brakes - transmission - engine We bought this car last year with 80K miles and there is no week without a failure somewhere. We tryied to sell it, but it seems that now the Windstar is well known now for these problems. Nobody wants it :-(

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  Recall Car of the Year - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Zoom - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Fails to meet all the hype of car of the year. The numerous recalls took all the fun out of driving a fairly progressive vehicle design (among domestics).

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  not reliable car - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By bad car - September 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is 4 years old and is tearing apart inside.

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  1995 Ford Taurus GL - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By jfreier - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Probably the worst car Ive owned. Radiator went out, electric fan motor went out, transmission feels funny and makes a huge jolt when going from park to reverse/drive. I would not recommend this front-wheel drive car to anyone. Do yourself a favor... buy a Crown Victoria or Chev Lumina.

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  Lousy Car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By phil34209 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble, constant repairs including major ones, lousy ride, terrible fuel economy.