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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  $30000 of Poor Craftsmanship - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Warrior6521 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  The absolute worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Fit & finish - poor, performance poor - reliability - poor - I knew the fuel mileage would be bad - but 11 mpg with the 4.6?!?! Problems too numerous to detail. Quality IS NOT Job 1 at Ford - nor is there Quality Care. I couldve spent much less for a Nissan or Toyota and had many less headaches. And to beat all - it isnt worth squat for trade in!

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  Dont even bother - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jbb3y - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car I know of that has probles that even the dealer has never heard occur. The car has a radio faceplate attach with electrical tape at the factory (still not replaced), horrible electical gremlins (like inoperable headlights), alignment issues, will roll downhill while in gear with the parking brake on and 1 or R engaged, trunk come open while moving, seats make even 150mi drives end in a bachache, strange buzzes abound, and the power door lock have failed to work on numerous occasions. Nothing has been fixed in the nearly 3 years Ive had the car, and it has been to seven dealers. Last Dec it required 6 services to fix what the dealer had broken while fixing the alignment.

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  DONT BUY A WINDSTAR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ford Sucks! - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar stayed in the shop for Trans. problems, electrical problems, pwr sliding doors would malfunction, Keyless entry wouldnt work, CD player ate CDs and Check Engine light would come on all the time. Broke down 3 times. The dealership denied all problems, said that there was nothing wrong with the car. When we were in a car accident none of the airbags went off when they were supposed to. The dealership said there was malfunction in the airbag sensors. I will never buy another Ford Van, and I will never buy another vehicle from Berglund In Salem, VA.

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  Look Elsewhere - 2003 Ford Escape
  By American made - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Clumsy seating. Poor console setup. The future of American engineering at its worst. Transmission problems within first 2 months (dealer replaced it, though they were hesitant). Two tires needed replacing, due to bubble developements. Not very happy so far. I should have compared other similar vehicles, before jumping the gun.

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  Car is a piece of Junk - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Goose00 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This car had to have a transmission installed after 50,000 miles and Ford would not budge with sharing in the cost. After 100,000 miles it need another transmission. It has had numerous problems mechanically and I am without heat for the past two years due to the heater is stuck on luck warm and it would have to go back to the dealer to have the dash board taken off to repair this problem. The service engine soon light comes on all the time with a variety of problems, the last one would of cost me in excess of $1,000. I suugest not buying this vehicle or any Ford for that matter as they do treat their customers right at all.

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  Pain in the butt! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By REL - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used with 26000 miles on it.The cushioning in the drivers seat was completely worn down,and I can feel the steel pan whenever I drive.The door ajar light will come on,and the dome light will stay on(theres no off switch on the light).I only get 20 mpg in mixed driving(w/the 2.5 4cyl.)And The mass air flow sensor will malfunction causing the engine to hesitate and stall.Ive owned 2 toyotas prior to this,and will sell this p.o.s and buy another !

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  A $30000 Yugo - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By WARRIOR6521 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 2000. Nothing but problems - brakes, multi-function stalk, coil packs, fuel mileage getting gradually worse...will be the last Ford I will ever own!

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  Poor Gas mileage - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By Derek - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car rides nice, but the seats are very uncomfortable. Leather is not real leather, some type of bonded leather or whatever it is. Lots of issues with the window on drivers side not working. Been in the garage 6 times in 7 months for repairs. Center console very outdated.

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  Ford Cancelled it For a Reason - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Alan Nash - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The Contour has been a complete nightmare. My starter doesnt work, all three catalytic converters are faulty ($3,000). I was only 200 miles over the 70,000 emission warranty and the dealer refused to help. The gas mileage is 17.33 MPG, on the HIGHWAY!It produces a horrific smell during and after acceleration. It has alot of wind noise. The brakes are underpowered. It is uncomfortabable on highway trips. The transmisson slips and the speed sensor has gone out.Ford service is absurd. They will not help customers when there is a problem.I bought this car new and I would not recommend it to anyone, you get what you pay for.

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  STAY AWAY - 1996 Ford Contour
  By ShiltZone - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I had a lot of problems with the car after 60,000 miles. Around 70,000 to 80,000 most people who own this model will need to get a new transmission. The check engine light now around 90,000 is constantly on. I am about to get rid of it and I dont even want to sell it to anyone, I am trading it in for a Honda Civic.