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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  Great car but dont buy! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By sla - September 4 - 1:37 am

  Loved this vehicle until electrical problems started that dealership had trouble fixing. Then we found out the hard way that Ford Expedition and trucks in 98 and 99 have major engine defects involving the cylinder heads. Now needs new engine. Ford wont acknowledge but it is common knowledge.

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  Try again - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Chad - September 2 - 12:43 am

  I will never own another FORD again. Where do I start. The motor is flat and lifeless, the transmission is sloppy with bad programming no wonder it gets terrible gas mileage (18-20mpg highway). The brakes are soft, the carpet is cheap, the rear is noisy on the highway, the rear floor is more uneven than my lawn. After spending 6 months with it and reading additional reviews, I realize I made a bid mistake buying this van. It is the highest cost to own minivan out there. I would not recommend it to anyone. Save your money and buy something good.

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  Loved it at first... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By JDD - August 31 - 5:27 am

  Purchased my Mustang with less than 20 miles and enjoyed it until I hit the 40K mark. I have taken great care of my car hoping it would last a long time, but it hasnt made a difference. I have owned the car for over four years now and in the last year it has been literally falling apart. I have had problems with the brakes, the passenger door, the power side mirrors, the a/c, and the transmission. The car still turns heads as I approach but the loud engine kills the mood. I did not get my moneys worth and I will not buy another Ford.

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  Economical but a bit cramped inside - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Suzi - August 31 - 4:33 am

  Its too bad that you dont get more for $25k.

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  FAULTY THROTTLE BODY!! BE CAREFULL!!! 8400 miles - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Adam from NH - August 30 - 7:14 am

  I NEED to post a review with the rest of the people that have experienced this issue and Hopefully Ford will finally do a recall!! The same issue happened to me this weekend when my family and I (5 people) took a 4hr drive from New Hampshire to New York City. About 2.5hrs into the trip all of a sudden my 2016 Ford Explorer with 8400 miles started sputtering and running rough and I when I pressed on the gas nothing happened and the wrench light, check engine light and air bag light all came on. I had to drift over the breakdown lane on the highway! Luckily it happened where it did, there was a big enough breakdown lane, there are big stretches of the highway that only have jersey barriers and NO breakdown lane. If that was the case a major accident could have happened! So here we are stuck on the side of the highway (Saturday) with basically a brand new SUV, calling AAA and finding a ford dealer that is open. Called about 6 of them and finally found one that was opened past 12:00 noon. Luckily they told me to tow it to them (45mins away) and they will bring it right in because they knew exactly what the issue was since there fixing a lot of them. They said if they cant fix it right then we were pretty much screwed because all the rental car places close at noon. So basically we would have to rent a hotel room and wait till Monday! After waiting on the side of the highway for for AAA to tow the truck, we also needed had a cab pick up my wife, daughter and boyfriend because the AAA truck can only carry 2 people. The cab came first and got them after an hour and my son and I waited the additional 2hrs for AAA, (3hrs waiting). While I was waiting I looked online to see what the issue is and read everybodys review on the same experience happening to them and still NO recall. The dealer ship was able to replace the part (in 15 mins) and get us on our way. This was at 5pm when we should have been in NY by 12:30 so the whole day was ruined. How do I know this wont happen again? The same part was installed not the recall part! The 4hr drive back to New Hampshire was the most stressful i think i have ever been not knowing if my truck will just shut down with no notice on the highway with my family. This experience could have killed us or someone else. Please tell every 2016 Ford Explorer owner you run in to..

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  Good fuel economy - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Nate - August 28 - 9:45 pm

  The transmission has gone out twice and the alternator once, but it gets great gas mileage and is pretty fun to drive.

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  Marys review - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Mary dore - August 27 - 6:48 pm

  This car fails to meet normal wear and tear, it starts at about 5 years old. First the engine check light come on and no can fix, except for 250 dollars, then they can turn it off. Next, continual problems with the wheel, axles, bearing, alternator assembly replaced alternator, water heater, timing chain, and last but not least the transmission is shot -- every time I turned something was wrong with this vehicle. What a piece of junk, I will never buy anything again that says Ford or Mazda since my car has a Mazda transmission in it. Need to have over head light in the middle of the car you cant see in the back seat when its dark.

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  98 XLT 130k - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By moviper - August 26 - 11:26 pm

  This is our third Explorer. I just love them. This one has 130,000 miles on it but it run and looks great. I wish I had gotten the V8 this time but only because I tow a trailer. I have put a air bag module on it and a Clutch fan. Other than that and some new tires it always goes.

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  Rattles Abundant - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The major problem Ive had with this car is the plastic on the doors make terrible noises with going over rough roads. Its the noiseiest Ford Ive ever owned. Ive owned quite a few Fords and Mercurys and this is the least acceptable.

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  Constant Repairs - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Terry Dullaghan - August 22 - 1:12 pm

  Purchased with 29,000 on it. Vehicle now has 65,000. In 36,000 miles we have replaced the front axle once, the transmission, the ABS system, various electrical systems and the head gasket. I purchased this for my daughter and her three children and it is the most unreliable vehicle we have ever owned. It appears Ford products start self destructing right at 55,000 miles and beyond.