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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  What a piece of junk - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Paul the Ranger Hate - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck has got to be in the running for the worst vehicle I have ever owned! The 2.3 L 4 cylinder doesnt provide enough power to get this thing out of its own way. The transmission routinely grinds going into 2nd and thats with a new clutch. The thing is reasonably reliable, but its miserable to drive due to the lack of power. I have lost track of how many times the rotors have been cut and yet theyre warped again within a couple of months. I have other Fords and am quite satisfied with them, but this Ranger is a dog. Avoid it if you have a chance.

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  Bad transmission - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Aleene Varnadoe - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out without any warning. Ford Dealership wants $3067.00 to repair the damange. Too much money for a low milage car. I have taken very good care and serviced the car every 3000 miles. Dealership said something broke in the transmission.

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  Lemon they missed - 1995 Ford Contour
  By ray man - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Owned vehicle 3 months. The service interval was up did the maint. The trans filter is a JOKE.The speedo cable was snapped. On vacation, the timing "system" broke. Yes everything had to be replaced. Dealer noted this to be a common problem. The car was great for a month. Now it runs when it wants. It will run great, turn it off lucky if it will restart. Other hand, run like garbage and die when you pull out from a lite crank 20X it starts. (If it does)I dont trust my family in it any more. The dealer says "It seems perfectly fine to me, drove great" As we leave the lot, we almost get killed the great car died. $1400 parts replaced with no improvement. Its got to go.

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  Left of Side of Road - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Willie - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been major problems. We had to replace the timing belt which has not been right since. It has left me stranded twice in the last 3 months. And now the mechanic says, "It has a major engine problem. It we cant get it started without a major investment in a new engine. I think you should maybe get something different." FORD - Found On Road Dead. We have owned 5 different ford cars, and will never own another one. Buyer Beware!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By burnside2000 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Stay away from this one at all costs. Typical FORD (fixed or repaired daily) and rides, handles and looks like a brick. I think FORD must be paying all the other reviewers here.

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  Think twice - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Linda K. - May 6 - 1:11 pm

  The transmission has been giving me trouble since I purchased it 7 months ago. Ive had it in the shop several times and Im going to take it back again this week. The dealership said if I drive it 5,000 miles the trams issuing would get to know my driving. Its been over that and still hesitates or slips when I pull out. He said they had about 60 with the same problem. Then why sell it? Ford Focus hatchback 2014.

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  NOT A GREAT CHOICE! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Hajr - May 6 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS THE GREATEST GAS GUZZLER I HAVE EVER SEEN. 7.6L ENGINE WILL SPIT YOUR GAS OUT IN AN INSTANT! I AGREE ITS SPACIOUS, BUT THE RELIABILITY IS VERY LOW JUDGING THAT AFTER 2-3 YEARS OF USE, THE VALUE OF IS GOING TO DROP LOWWWW. STICK WITH A SEQUOIA AND TRUST TOYOTAS ENGINE....AND AFTER ALL...ITS A FORD!!!! ITLL BREAK APART SO FAST YOU WOULDNT KNOW WHAT HIT YOU. IM NO FORD HATER BUT USING REAL EVIDENCE OF FORDS RELIABILITY, I CAN SAY THAT IT IS VERY POOR.

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  IN THE SHOP - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By intheshop - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I LIVE IN THE REPAIR SHOP WITH THIS CAR! SO MANY RECALLS - PROBLEMS WITH BOTH FRONT AND REAR WIPERS, INTAKE VALVE, LEAKING ROOF, ALTERNATOR, TIRES AND JUST POOR PERFORMANCE. THE DEALER IS NEVER A HELP AND IT USUALLY TAKES 3- 4 VISITS TO GET A PROBLEM RESOLVED. CANT WAIT TILL I CAN TRADE IT IN FOR A TOYOTA!

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  thunderbird faults - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By ralph - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I am always reading of how great these cars are, well I see differently than everyone else. To begin the ford defects that they never admit to, such as the clear coat,transmission, interior trim,brakes , and the modules in the steering column that go bad every other year. After dealing with this car since it was new I will never purchase a domestic again.

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  Poor me - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Cary Loren - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I just started to drive this car in March. Since then it has left me on the side of the road four times. We just dont know what seems to be the problem. Everything in the car is new so it should not give me any problem but it does. I dont recommend this car to any one, unless you enjoy walking home or taking the bus once in a while. It is alway leaking fluids.