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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  My 1997 Ford Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By w4abw - April 5 - 9:53 am

  I bought my 1997 Eddie Bauer 4WD new. It was great for about 4 years. I had put 16,000 miles on it when the factory warranty expired and had zero problems. After the warranty expired the SUV went nuts. Heater quit because of defective blend door and blend door motor. Rear lights went out because of defective wiring (can you believe) and the check engine light would come on and go off as often as a US Senator sticks out his hand for a contribution. On top of that the Ford roll over problem appeared with both Ford and Firestone pointing fingers at each other. When the SUV was about 6 years old the dash lights began to fail one at a time. Now the dash lights are mostly all out. Hood now fails.

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  Dont buy an Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Headache - April 1 - 6:39 am

  Our rotors warped four (4) times with in 10,000 miles. We had trouble out of the transmission, and various other parts and components. Im pretty sure that we will never buy an Explorer again. We had nothing but a headache and terrible fuel economy (14 miles per gallon). We eventually had to go through the Dispute Resolution Program and won against Ford Motor Co. They had to buy the vehicle back.

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  Need Improvements - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Brian - March 27 - 4:20 am

  Loved the truck at first, now with only over 11,000 miles I am beginning to have problems. The transmission clunks in 2nd gear and shakes in 3rd between 50-55 MPH. The rear window started leaking slowly, and the A/C is causing moisture to build under the carpet on the passenger side. Until all of this happened all at once I was completely satisfied.

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  Aluminum Body F150 Not all its cracked up to be! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Dan - March 23 - 12:01 am

  Every few years my boss will replace my company truck with a new one. He is a die hard Ford fan going all the way back to something GM did to him back in the 70s. Because of that I have gone through the last 3 generations of the F150 (2003, 2010 and now the 2015). My job requires a truck, but it doesnt require me to use it to haul much very often. About once or twice a month I will move product around in excess of 1000-1200 lbs and maybe as much as 4000 lbs including a trailer. My first trip with a load was with 1200 miles on the odometer. It was a personal trip from KC to Ohio to pick up a car I purchased. It was an old Monte Carlo (3300lbs) and I used a dolly to pull it back. 99% of the trip was across I70. Within just a few miles of picking up the car I got my first scare. I was on a two lane going about 50-55 mph and came around a gentle right hand corner with a group of trees blocking my view all the way through the corner. Part way through I realized there was a raised RR track coming up and I needed to slow down. I probably had a half mile but was taking it pretty easy getting used to the feel of the car and dolly behind me. I applied the brake to start slowing up the truck while still coming around the corner slightly. The truck felt like the back tires came of the ground! It pushed over to the left as if I was on a patch of ice. My first thought was that I made a big miscalculation and the car was to heavy for the truck. The tow capacity for my truck is supposed to be 7600 lbs as optioned though. The hole trip home was a bit nerve racking. I got used to the trucks response to the weight behind it and figured out that the biggest issue was turning. The rear suspension is so soft that any side load pushes the truck in a manner that would make you think you have two flat tires on the back. It a straight line, it feels much better, although still very soft. I was not filled with confidence and conceded to the fact that I was going to be making a slow trip home in the right lane with the cruise set at 60-65 mph max. It was very slow going anytime I came into a city or road construction. I had to make sure to give myself plenty of room so as not to need to make any emergency maneuvers as I was positive the truck would not tolerate it. I ended that trip wondering if it was the car, the trailer, or something else that caused the truck to be so squirrelly. Since then Ive used the truck a few time with and without a trailer to move different size loads round KC for work. On one occasion I had a new Honda Rubicon fourwheeler in the back. What Ive learned is that anything over 300, maybe 400 pounds depending on how its loaded in the bed of the truck, and about 1200 lbs trailer weight turns the truck into a big mush box. It is always fine in a straight line, but feels like it wants to slide out or tip over if you go around a corner that gets a little tight on the highway. My feeling is that FORD has worked so hard to make the F150 a comfortable daily driver that they have gotten to far away from the truck actually being a safe truck to use for work. The suspension is tuned to be soft and that makes it weak when you put a load on it. The ecoboost engine (2.7) that I have is very strong and responsive if you call on it to provide that. I was supposed to get something like 18-19 mpg overall. Not even close. The Ford gauge likes to tell me Im getting 17, but it is incorrect. If you calculate the mileage, you typically get between 1 and 1.5 mpg less then the gauge states. My current overall average of mixed driving is 16.3. If you really work hard at it, and I mean work hard, you can squeeze out 18mg out of a tank. The aluminum body is noisy. The roof makes all sorts of noise in the wind on the hwy. Sounds like a metal HVAC duct popping as it heats up when your heater turns on in the winter. Except it isnt one pop, its multiples. And at around 10k miles on the truck, the bed starting making a popping sound when I drive over and uneven surface such as pulling in or out of my drive. The F150 is no longer a worthwhile truck in my opinion. Its loaded with neat features and the cab is comfortable. There are more electronics then every before that I am concerned about based off of previous experience (Ford electronics seem to have a short life expectancy for some reason). The cost of this truck compared to others was quite high. Insurance cost went up about 25% because of the aluminum body. If I was making the decision and it was my money, the truck that replaces this one will not be a Ford.

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  Ill Never Buy Another Ford - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By FordNeverAgain - March 22 - 11:39 am

  Bought my Explorer with 32,000 miles. At 42,000 transmission blew. At 58,000 transmission blew again. At 72,000 needed ball joints upper and lower both sides, wheel bearing right side tie rods, rotors, brakes, shocks, and tires. I can go with the brakes, shocks and tires -- normal wear but the suspension, no way. At 86,000 head gasket blew and is in the garage again. When it comes out it will be traded, I will not buy another Ford. This vehicle sees all highway. no city. No off road. I really like the Escape but too scared to go through the expense again. 2 transmissions $3200, front end work $2000, now head gasket $1100, coupled with the price of the vehicle I could of bought a Lexus.

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  poor workmanship - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dissappointed - March 21 - 5:28 pm

  The engine has inferior parts. Most people have problem with the check engine light coming on and it will run anywhere from 500-2,000 dollars to repair this problem, depending on if your dealer knows what they are doing. Ford knows of the inferior parts and flaws but will not step up to the plate and say we messed up, lets fix it. Ford needs to step up and take responsibility for this problem.

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  very dissatisfied owner - 2001 Ford Focus
  By very unhappy owner - March 21 - 10:00 am

  i have had nothing but problems with the squeaky breaks since the first week of buying this car.i have had several sets of these put in. i have had to have a oxygen sensor put in and just this week have put a new battery and had my alternator redone. i wish i could say it is fixed but no,i find out now that there is a break somewhere that the fire isnt getting back and forth from the alternator to the battery. needless to say the car is now running on the battery only. so now what? help!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Hangin in there. - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Chazman - March 20 - 12:36 am

  Had a rough start with this vehicle as we had to chase some electrical issues (check the ground for the trouble lights on the steering column). Its been reliable since except AC just went out. V6 with 5 speed is a blast to drive. Ignore the "check engine" light as dealer and others cannot figure out cause. Runs fine. Good driver in the snow.

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  Dont buy a Ford Probe - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Matt - March 18 - 12:00 pm

  Its a fun car to drive but reliability isnt great. Ive replaced both cv joints, alternator, catalytic converter, two distributors, and to top it all off, right after I bought it with 29,000 miles on it, the electrical "brain" that controls all electronics crapped out. Even with the extended warranty that came with the car when I bought it used it still cost me 200 bucks to fix it! RIDICULOUS! Thats why Im going to buy a Toyota.

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  Former Ford Employee - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - March 17 - 8:57 pm

  Some minor dashboard build issues, especially the cover for the passenger airbag and the instrument panel -- only stopped getting loose via lock-tite. Seats are basic in the XLT model, but this is a small pickup sufficient though. Initially I turned the cigarette lighter thinking it was the volume, several times switched it to 4X4 high trying to increase the volume as well, took a little getting used to. Base stereo is very good, no issues with any CDs. When I worked for Ford as a Service Writer people complained that it would not play certain CDs must say Ive had no problems, even going over good sized bumps in the road -- no skipping.