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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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By caliny - October 17 - 8:05 pm

  I loved the CMax on sight. I happily looked forward to the awesome 47mpg promised on the sticker. I drove off the lot a convert to Ford. I got over that quickly. 33 days to be exact, when a tire blew out. Then a few days later, a second tire blew out. Ford said I hit a curb. I didnt. They said it was Michelins fault. Then came the recalls, the USB connector that wont stay anchored inside the console, the audio that doesnt always work (they blame my iPhone), lame SYNC services, and the lies about the fuel economy. I am getting 41-42 MPG. Nice from the 25 my last car got, but I live in fear of tires blowing out (no spare/donut). I would trade it in if I could afford to.

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  I got a lemon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By DR - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Im 18, purchased my first car last year, a ford escort, hunter green. First thing I should have noticed is that the last owner had a rebuilt engine, no biggie I thought, then it cost me $3500 in pure repairs after one year, the car has a new engine, transmission, radiator, alternator, brakes, a/c system and cooling fan, all replaced by me out of pocket. The car will cause you problem after problem and when you do finally catch up on the payments from the repairs it will break on you again and again.

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  I want OUT!!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By JAD2 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  My steering rack blew two weeks into my having the car. Then the transmission started leaking. Then I had to have my rotors and pads replaced at 19,ooo (a VERY common, and expensive, problem for the Focus). Ive heard I have this to look forward to every year. This morning my calipers got stuck and melted my brakes. Too many problems in too short a time.

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  never again! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Lucia - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Door handles/panels/cup holder have been reattached several times. Seatbelts get stuck so they cant be pulled out or remain pulled out and wont go back. All inside plastic comes away from attachment anchors. Cd player- replaced. Shifting from park to drive now difficult. Sun roof has gotten stuck open, had automatic door locks fixed, can not always use remote entry, doors no longer lock when car is in drive. All plastic covers for seat bolts have broken off. Makes SLOPPY turns. Handles horribly in bad whether. Dented door closing it & got a dent from a carwash! Both side mirrors broke when knocked into.

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  Piece of trash - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lenzius - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I had to replace the original engine at 100K. The head warped on this new engine when the heater core, the fan, and thermastat all went out! No AC, no heater.The gas tank cracked and had to be replaced. The drivers side seatbelt motor locked up mid track. I have done extensive front end work. Oil has leaked out all over the floorboard. The sun visors both broke off. There are no left side speakers. And now the UV joint or transmition or clutch or something is about to go out. If you think this car is so great I will sell you mine.

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  Dont buy this thing - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Pirate - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Transmission probles all over the place. Ford just kept on saying that it was normal !!! Sold it. Never buying a ford again.

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  Piece of Junk!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Dissatisfied - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Transmission rehauled twice (43K and 93K). Head gasket bad at 42K. Air conditioning problems (twice). Engine mounts went bad 93K. Struts bad at 80K.

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  Piece of Junk!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By dissatisfied - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Transmission rehauled twice (43K and 93K). Head gasket bad at 42K. Air conditioning problems (twice). Engine mounts went bad 93K. Struts bad at 80K.

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  Wish I had my TAHOE Z71 back - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Sandra Kemp - October 1 - 8:13 pm

  I purchased the hybrid solely because of the price of gas; approaching $5/gal. I was driving a Tahoe Z71 that had a 25 gal. tank that I had to fillup every 5-6 days. I came from a Cadillac to a geo. When I accelerate up a hill it sounds like a cheap sewing machine; unbearable. The interior carpet and leatherette seats are cheaply made. I had to brake quickly the other evening and slid sideways. No traction.

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  Better buy GAP insurance - 2000 Ford Contour
  By lynb - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Alway in shop..never know whats wrong paid more to get fix then to but