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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  unfortunate buy - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By dissappointed - August 25 - 7:56 am

  poor ergonomic design, poor comfort, below average reliability

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  I will never buy an American made auto again - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By bearls1017 - August 19 - 7:34 pm

  I purchased this auto with 26,000 miles. At 30,000 the check engine light came on. After taking it in to the dealer 6 times, they finally realized the heads needed rebuilding. It had over 36,000 miles on it then. After the fight, they rebuilt with no charge to me. Now, at 70,000 it needs it again. This is a piece of junk and I will never buy an American made car after all this.

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  No More Windstars - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Glembi - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Minivan started off great. At 10,000, both automatic doors stopped closing. Got constant engine knock. Lots of minor things happend but all covered under warrenty. At 40,000 miles, things really started to happen. CD player ate a CD and would not give it back. $300 to fix. $400 to replace. Upper manifold gasket went. Another $500. At 50,000, six seals around the bolts that attached the lower manifold to the engine went. Another $500. This week, the heating system deflector door went. $300 to get behind the dash. Another $350 to replace the part. Never have I owned a car that had as many problems at less that 60k miles.

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  Its O.K. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jdc690 - August 8 - 8:14 pm

  Im not a van lover but bought the Windstar so our son and his family could all fit in for short trips. Former owner obviously was not much interested in washing, waxing or vacuuming but it cleaned up pretty good and since I paid a pretty reasonable price Im happy with it so far. Big gas hog (16 mpg) but so was the pick-up it replaced. The grandkids love the video player and after I bought headphones for them its O.K. for us too. Still not a big fan of vans but I like this one as well as Id like any. Ive always had my best luck with Ford products.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By grady572 - July 31 - 4:10 am

  The transmission went out at 38kmiles, I called Ford and they replaced the transmission after I paid $125, the brakes had to be replaced under a recall, the heated seats quit three times and the third time it was out of warranty so they still dont work, the cd player quit it was repaired,right front wheel bearing and hub replaced at 39,000 miles, dealer repaired n/c The air conditioner quit and I had to pay $294 Ford paid $883.Replaced the power steering pump@ 106k, miles. At 36k replace the Pirelli tires. At the time they were the only ones that made the size for my car, Limited AWD put on Mich HydroEdge@68k mils still look nw @113k.Rpld 2convertors n fuel pmp @ 95k batt repl @ 80k

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  serious saftey concern with shock rod - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Pauli - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a brandnew ford exporer from WESTWAY ford late saturday night in IRVING TEXAS. When we brought the explorer home that late night and then that early morning when we prssed the liftgate blue button on the remote the liftgate glass went up automaticly. And then the shock rod seperated from the glass fell resulting in it falling hard.Luckily no physical injuries. Addresed these concerns to FORD. People could seriously get injured , especially children. Also noticed defects in the rear left window.

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  LEMON - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Lorraine - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Ford Focus for 2 yrs now and I WANT to sell it. It hasnt been too bad but still 4 recalls, plus sensors needed replacing and now the front end sounds like its going to fall down. The cars no longer under warranty either. This is my last Ford. It definately has been somewhat of a lemon.

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  Agree with Edmunds Short List - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TomKM - July 26 - 4:55 am

  of Pros and Cons. I like the car and in general think it should be a 4 star. However, at this level, and with several option packages loaded on top of the XLT model, it can be some of the non-critical factors that adversely affect the rating. The packages included Technology, leather seats, and a few other add ons. It is a great road car for freeway driving. I like the radar that warns of crossing traffic when backing into street. I like the looks, and I have been a fan of Ford Trucks and SUVs for a long time.So heres what I dont like: A bit ponderous and big-feeling for a 9 foot wide single garage door - I felt more at ease entering the garage with my Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban. The foot-kick sensor to open the tailgate functions eractically, making it pretty annoying if not useless. Plus, when I walk behind the rear when the vehicle is parked in the garage, but at least 12 inches away and in now way kicking or swinging a leg towards or under the bumper, the tailgate periodically beeps its warning and starts to open - if not for the beep it would engage the still-closed garage door, but with the beep I can lean on the rising tailgate and force it to reverse itself and close. The touch screen controls too many functions, less than ideally intuitive: talk about distracted driving when trying to figure out to modify a setting, particularly one not used frequently. So I recommend reviewing/setting all the touch screen controls you are likely to use during a trip moving out of "Park."

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  Donkey Kong - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MiStang - July 24 - 10:23 pm

  Had my car for 4 days and drove it twice before I noticed a knock from the wheels as I made some hard turns, any direction will do, from a stationary position. I was told that the manufacturer was aware of this "ping" but doesnt know how to fix because they dont know where its coming from. Since this unknown "ping" is from the steering, I guess Ill have to pray real hard for a safe trip in my new car.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ford - July 22 - 8:13 pm

  This vehicle was purchased to tow small trailers and it performs fine. Gas mileage is not acceptable as it is well below the advertised sticker quote. Workmanship is poor. Have had problems from paint and loose body parts to major mechanical problems. All were promptly taken care of by the dealer, but some are reoccurring and the vehicle is no longer under warranty.