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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  Very disappointed - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jimmy D - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Explorer would be fun to drive, if we could ever drive it. In the 14 months we owned the vehicle it was in the shop 13 times. Lets just say it is now someone elses problem. Also, the dealership was not helpfull an all around bad experience.

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  junk - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cgn49 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  replaced transmission at 58,000 miles, a/c at 45,000 miles, fuel injectors. every week something else went wrong. car is crap never again will i buy american garbage

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  Will never own a Ford again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By hate ford - August 21 - 2:00 am

  this is my second ford, and the last one. the windstar compared to the taurus doesnt have as many minor continous problem (thus the name Fix Or Repair Daily) but I had to replace the transmission twice in 50000KM, a/c electrical problem, BALL JOINT, Tie Rod every spring...How can Ford be in Business.. Just bought a 2003 CRV bye bye Ford

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  Phila - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bizz33 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Constantly experiencing stall out problems

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  Disappointing Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By waikhew - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Too many thing gone wrong on this "new" vehicle. It is like Ford has never build a vehicle before. This is something I would expect for a Hyundai or Kia!

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  not gooood - 1998 Ford Escort
  By LikesALittleMonster - August 16 - 7:06 am

  man i got a 98 with 50k and all ready MAIN Body Frame rusting (inside under Fenders) engine loud as hell, drive is horroble, inside look - looks like from a STONE AGE when ppl live in caves, seat are SUPER UNCONFTEBLE my back hurts from 10 min drive in em, its got a nice out side look ill give a + to that and the rest is horoble a sport car with 130 horse and inside looks like crap

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  Piece of crap - 2002 Ford Escape
  By loulou - August 14 - 2:00 am

  An insightful warning to anyone considering purchasing this vechile..... dont do it. I bought brand new and have had to replace the engine, the steering column (twice) the door locks, repair the air conditioner, power outlets. The chip has been reprogrammed too many times to count....... and it still has problems. This thing is a death trap.

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  Never AGAIN - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jghg - August 13 - 2:00 am

  WOW...I see people writing good things about the escort....SHOCKED....The WORST car I have ever owned. I did the maintance, took care of it and what happened problem after problem after problem. Until the engine went with 85,000 miles. Talked with mechanics and was told that is just how the ford engine is made not to last!!!

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  Passable but not the best - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rjh - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket leaked requiring complete re-do, fortunately at Fords expense as it happened one month before their extended warranty on this known problem would have expired. Dont buy this year unless this problem has been taken care of and then still be leary. Ride was ok and not unpleasant though not as good as my previous 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan. Brakes require more attention than on other vehicles Ive owned including losing brake fluid even after complete brake job. Shakes, leaks and noises of undetermined natures (probably suspension and engine) left me unsettled on the reliablity of the vehicle.

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  Terrible Brakes - 2003 Ford Focus
  By T. Egan - August 6 - 12:03 am

  I bought this car from dealership with 17,000 miles (a previous rental) and had to bring back to dealership several times. Back brakes continuously squealing. After 4th time, still noisy as ever. Finally told, well thats just how the brakes are on the Focus. The doors are very hard to open. Ive had this car more in the shop than any other vehicle Ive ever owned. Very hard to squeeze your hand down on side of seats to get to levers and I have very small hands.