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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  I hate Ford cars - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By shanna - January 17 - 2:02 am

  Too many transmission problems in one year. Heat went out in the middle of winter. Main antifreeze hose broke while driving. Does not like to start on first try in cold weather.

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  Where did quality go? - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mike Noel - January 14 - 10:23 pm

  After owning foreign-made cars for several years, my wife and I thought wed give American-built cars a try; so we bought Fords - an Escape for me and an Expedition for her. We hardly can keep them out of the shop. Ive had a rattle in the dash that is now in for its 4th fix this year. Also, each morning when I start the car, there is a "screech" of metal on metal that my Ford dealership tells me theyve never heard before. They are trying to fix it. For us, no more American-made cars. We are going to go back to Toyota and Honda.

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  A Ford so good I just bought a Toyota. - 2000 Ford Contour
  By JimP - January 13 - 11:04 pm

  Having evolved from a European design the Contour has better handling than other American cars its size. Unfortunately they cheapened the quality for the US market. The car has been a major disappointment. The dash top curled up like cardboard. The gas mileage is terrible, never more than 21-22. The plastic gas tank warped and burned out the pump (repair cost $968). The speakers are the cheapest junk I ever saw. Its impossible to remove the oil filter without spilling oil on exhaust manifold. Rear drum brakes dont adjust reliably. Ford took what was an excellent car and turned it into another typical piece of American junk. Never again.

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  Basic Transportation, Noisy on the Road - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Ken H - January 11 - 9:25 pm

  We bought this car for our daughters use while at school on the east coast. It spent three years in Philadelphia, crossed the country three times ending up on the west coast. The car has 101K miles on it currently. Weve had two major engine repairs. One involving an internal governing device in the engine and the other was a head gasket that had to be replaced at 80K miles. One thing that does stand out with this car is the high road noise especially at freeway speeds. Only other item that is an irritant is the seat belts are attached well behind the front seats and are very difficult to reach with the doors closed.

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  Why did I buy this? The Worst - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By msqvc513 - January 11 - 7:11 pm

  First complaint is the two doors and how you have to get out to let people in and out theres no way around it. Kinda stinks when its raining you know? Then you gotta be a bit of a contortionist to get back there and out, and they dont give you much space for this. Crummy little windows in the back make you claustrophobic. Okay and THE GAS MILEAGE is horrendous. That car eats better than I do! The rusty side steps, its just unacceptable and embarrassing. Its stuffy in there, no way around using the air vent and the A/C and heat are always either freezing or baking you alive. The roof rack paint is peeling. What else? The rusty drums that had to be replaced at 50k miles, the way it stalls in the cold.

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  Taurus not too user freindly. - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Jim - January 10 - 11:42 pm

  Taurus not bad riding, except for exterior noise that dealer or Ford wouldnt address. Problems with noisy front end had to bushings replaced twice. Brakes wore out quick and never were smooth after dealer replaced. Car became second car quick. Had 1987 Ford Taurus much better quality. Wouldnt buy again.

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  1995 Ford Bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Gene Barnes - January 7 - 10:47 am

  I purchased the 95 Bronco new from the dealer and have driven it for 11 years (9 of those years were daily 50 mile commutes) without any major mechanical issues. I pull a 21 Kenner Center Console and on occasion a lowboy and tractor. The truck has the 302 V8 (5L) with the 5 speed manual (5 gear OD) I replaced the clutch assembly in 2003, but other than that only normal service maintenance and tires have been required. The vehicle averages about 14-15 miles per gallon. I still own the vehicle and am currently rigging it for a flat tow behind my motor home. At 17000 miles to-date, I kind of wish there was a comparable Ford vehicle on the market now.

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  Focus a Lemon...Last Ford for me! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By RFMiller - January 5 - 6:21 pm

  I bought a 2001 Ford Focus in 2003 after hitting 185k on my Escort. I thought it was a cute car with great gas mileage (which was important because I commuted 1 1/2 hrs to graduate school everyday). The brake pads and rotors had to be replaced 3 times (Im not a fast driver, Ive only replaced the brakes once in my 99 Subaru). A spring in the front rusted out and for some reason wasnt included in the recall. The trunk latch was recalled, but no Ford dealer has the part. To make matters worse, the car all of a sudden started stalling and slipping gears. Now it wont go up hills (great to have in New England!) or accelerate. The car is useless for city driving. This car is a LEMON!

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  Great design terrible quality. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jim - January 3 - 9:27 pm

  Engine wire pulled loose while driving car stopped running and had to be towed. Engine sensor broke car would not run over 30 m.p.h. Tires worn out after 25,000 miles over $120 each to replace (Ford used a non-standard size). Rear brake pads worn out after 30,000 miles. While replacing pads, discovered bearing hub cap was never installed on one side. Tailgate wont stay open. CD player ate CDs and then stopped working (twice). Screws to open CD player require a special tool to remove. Ignition switch broke at 30,000 miles - key would not turn, could not start- drive car. Ford refused to pay for fix, despite dozens of owners reporting similar problems on websites.

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  2000 Ford Taurus decent auto - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By peter - January 2 - 5:30 pm

  I have had this car for 5 years it is a decent car. My main gripe is lousy gas mileage in the city -- around 16-18 mpg. The mechanical reliability is ok, but it seems that there is a lot of normal wear and tear, such as struts,tie rods etc. I have the v6 with 153 hp. I wish I had purchased the more powerful engine as sometimes the car seems that it cannot get out of its own way. I like the safety features front and side impact air bags, 4 wheel ABS. It is a really good looking car and overall have no regrets buying this car.