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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  F 150 junk - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cchfd - September 21 - 6:44 pm

  No more Fords for me. Truck has extensive work done to it from transmissions to exhaust manifolds. Not reliable and would never own another one.

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  Am I the only one with a problem? - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Trouble - September 19 - 9:36 pm

  The Ford Freestyle has given me nothing but grief beginning 2 weeks after the purchase of my car. I have already had the transmission and electrical wiring replaced within 1 month of the purchase of my vehicle. The car doors dont shut properly, many time the car wont start, or will shut off when placed in gear shortly after start up. Car constantly hesitates. Grinding noises when I cut the wheel.

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  I have a lemon - 2008 Ford Escape
  By sandy - September 10 - 9:30 am

  I bought my 2008 For Escape in Jan 2008. First 2000 miles was good I had no complaints. Then a rattle started in the back hatch. The rattle would get worse until the back hatch would work its way loose and the light indicator on the dash would come on that I had a door open.wWuld stop the vehicle get out shut the hatch. Ive had it to the dealership 11 times for this. Now it leaks when it rains in the front drivers floorboard. Ive had it back 3 times for the leak, still none of the problems are fixed.

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  New Transmission at 36,000! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ken - September 7 - 10:32 am

  We got this van because of the great safety rating and our growing family. However, it needed a new transmission at 36,000 miles...just after the warranty ran out. The Ford dealership and national Ford office were no help at all. This is the LAST Ford I will ever buy! Even though Im very patriotic, Im looking to the Japanese car companies now, as their quality and reliability are so much better. American Car companies need to get with the program and make some quality cars!

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  Its the quality, stupid! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By The Parkers - September 5 - 7:08 am

  We purchased our Eddie Bauer in September of 03 and have absolutely loved it, except for one thing...the QUALITY! This vehicle has been nothing but pure junk from the minute I drove it off the lot. It came from the factory with a bad moonroof seal. Wind whistled in for months, but I was afraid a trip to the dealer would make it worse. Of course, when water started pouring in at ~38K miles, they wouldnt repair it. Had documented problems with rear end at 32K, 41K, 60K and finally at 71K the rear end failed. Ford and dealer refused to help out even though I had receipts to document the problem. $900 out of pocket for a problem that began in warranty. Been a Ford man all my life, no more!

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  Fun car but not reliable - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Julie - September 2 - 10:45 am

  I bought my Contour in 2002 because it was a great deal. I enjoy the V6 engine and the low end torque, but thats where the fun stops. The car has had so many problems over the years - if it werent for my handy father, I would have sold it years ago. The major problem that the car had was that the wiring harness got fried because it was placed too close to the engine without heat protection so the wires overheated and fried. Then, shortly after that, the power windows stopped working and dad jerry-rigged the wires and now they work sporadically. The car has also recently started to "eat" oil and I need to put almost one quart of oil in every two weeks.

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  Found On Road Dead - 1999 Ford Escort
  By NoMoreFords - August 30 - 10:36 am

  This car seemed to work alright up until about 65,000 miles...then I found myself in and out of the dealership/repair shops every few months. I would not buy a Ford again, lesson learned.

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  Never again! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jeffrey - August 26 - 2:53 pm

  A year ago I traded in a Toyota Camry for a Ford Explorer, a mistake I will not soon forget. Explorer was fine for about 6 months. Since then, Ive had a check engine light, ABS light, and Battery Light come on all the time. Dealership has "fixed" the issue twice. Also, there is a noise and vibration coming from under the drivers seat and the dealer cannot figure it out. The leather Ford used in the XLT model is awful - I have cracks everywhere. Also, my wife has a Buick Rainier V8 suv and she gets better gas mileage than I do in a V6...go figure? I will never buy another Ford product, nor do I recommend them to anyone.

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  ford quality????? - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By daniel lipps - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchases my 2002 windstar this year and found what i thought was a simple defect. I soon discovered that Ford takes responibility for its mistakes! If one looks at the 2002 windstars back right wheelwell there is no covering or protection to the elements. the other three are covered with a plastic sheld and rust preventive. i found that ford will make no effort to fix the factory defect and will insted let my $30,000 van rust!!!! I find Ford utterly noncompliant with my service needs and dismissed my concerns as understated.

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  Regrets - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By paola - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car and fun to drive however extremely unreliable. My car broke down 4 times (fuel line) and wouldnt start. I had it towed a total of 4 time before it hit 15000 miles. The first time it broke down was at 5000 mile. It didnt qualify as a lemon. This car is junk. The base stereo system is poorer than my old cavalier