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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  The worst of the American Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Saman - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most frustrating car ownerhsip experience. I am talking about both the car and Ford. Due to Fords service own incompetent I have replaced the entire transmission (and it still give me problems) which indicates a computer issue that Ford service cannot identify. I have other service companies who will refuse to touch the care. Overall I have sunk $5,000 in just repairs! Stay away.

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  okay if youre broke - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By chantelle - March 22 - 2:00 am

  not exactly the safest, most reliable or fun to drive car. expect to replace a lot of parts, and dont ever rear end someone faster than 10 mph because your whole bumper will shatter and fall off.

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  My First car - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Special K - March 21 - 2:00 am

  My very first car was a 1990 Ford Tempo, It was the worst thing ever. The car broke down constintly and was always leaking something. It was bad in the summer because the a/c was broke, and Horrible for the winter because the car took half an hour to warm up and it had ZERO traction. One good thing about the car in the winter, it did not over heat because of the cold. Well most of the time it didnt over heat. When I got a new car they gave me $500 for it and they were being nice. Check out my car review of the 1997 Honda Civic HX!

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  no more fords - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By frustratedfordowner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 "Exploder", yes an exploder. It only has 94,000 miles on the OD and Ive had to replace the transmission twice on it. The first time was at 37,000 miles which was 1,000 miles past warranty and Ford only picked up half of the replacement. The second time the transmission guys are telling me that the solenoids werent replaced when the transmission was changed and most likely contributed to the failure this second time. Never again will I purchase from this company because its true Ford stands for FIX OR REPAIR DAILY.

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  Run! Run! Run! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By VeryVeryUnhappy - March 18 - 11:52 am

  Blown head gasket at 60K and now Trans slipping bad at 115K. I cant affort to own this van.

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  Lifetime Ford Tough Driver - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Canadagus - March 17 - 2:00 am

  First Ford truck disappointment after a loyal run. While the look is great, the thing is falling apart around me. I am a low/easy mileage driver and have had dealer returns for brakes, tires, front suspension and seat belts. Disloyalty on the manufacturers part too...hassles on warranty work and the ESP is major paperwork runaround. Low resale value as used truck reflects the lousy truck that it is. Final Ford for me.

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  Needs Work - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By White Knuckled - March 15 - 12:46 pm

  My first and perhaps last SUV. The 94 Explorer handles poorly and fuel economy is non-existent. It seems to have been designed to do nothing very well.

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  Dont buy this car! - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Archer - March 12 - 3:50 pm

  I have a 2015 Ford Focus. After 3,000 miles the transmission issue started, I thought it needed an oil change, but after another 3,000 miles I took the car in to be looked at and was told there was no fix! All they can do is change the clutch assembly and I would probably be back every 3,000 miles to fix the issue again! After the warranty runs out I have to pay for the issue. I looked it up and the 2011-2015 Ford Focus and fiesta all have this same problem.

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  DEJA VU 98 & 02 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By J Eastlake - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Explorer that gave me nothing but heartaches the engine repeatedly stalled. I bought the all new 2002 Explorer and was immediatly impressed on how trouble free it was until I hit 19000 miles. I was driving down a road As the light was turning red I took my foot off the accelerator and at that point the truck accelerated and I was standing on the brake pedal and the vehicle would not stop. I missed another vehicle the explorer did a 360 and I finally could reach the ignition to shut it off. Ford told me the problem was a KINKED accelerator Cable and this is the first time that this has ever happened with this model.

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  4WD Dog - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By bacanora joe - March 10 - 8:22 pm

  The 4WD has gone 3 times. The vacuum hoses pop off regularly. The tranny left at 70,000. The front end is a joke. There is always a shimmy. Service has only been acceptable at a local garage. The engine has been good to here, but shouldnt something last on this doghouse?