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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  More bang for the buck! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nfshp - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just leased the GT premium, and its a monster off of the line! If you are just looking for 0-60s, then get this car (better buy than the Pontiac GTO)! The new Mustang is a huge improvement over its predecessors...but when comparing it against the 350Z or the RX8, you just dont get the type of handling like those cars. GT will smoke the 350Z, RX8, and maybe a WRX STi; but it doesnt handle like them. GT is also gas, and be prepared to stop at the pumps frequently! I also had trouble with the front wheel barrels twice since i got it...but they fixed it for no extra charge (under warranty).

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  Dont waste your hard earned money - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michelle Younger - April 20 - 6:59 am

  Ford made a bad car and knew about it when they put this out on the market. Ford has a class-action lawsuit against them right now for the transmission going out before 80,000 miles, also can go out while driving it. This car was bought new off the lot in 2007,and has been in the family and taken good care of, the transmission started a "helicopter" noise at 79,000 miles drove it till just over 80,000 miles when we figured out it was the transmission. BTW (80,000 miles it when the warranty expires on it.) Now at 82,000 we take it in to the Ford dealership we purchased it from and they "never heard of this problem" yet Ford has a Class-action lawsuit on them for this problem. I have always been a Ford person, I now I have No trust in the name or the people that work for them. All that could store my trust in them is that they do the right thing and replace all the transmissions that are affected, and the other problems with the car. Over all the car was a nice ride, luxury car for Ford, but since I only got 80,000 miles out of and purchase price of $30,000 dollars I give it a low review.

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  Disappointed 2 - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rollo - April 20 - 2:38 am

  Very disappointed in this vehicle. The EGR valve has went out several times. The automatic ride control including the compressor went out at 90k miles. The estimate from the dealer was $1,500 to fix (I had the the air shocks ripped out and put regular shocks and new leaf springs on it for $500). The climate control went out at 110k miles costing over $1200 (heater box and actuator). Antenna doesnt go up & down, cant unlock the hatch with the key and cant lock or unlock it with the back switch. Cruise control on the steering wheel broke off and the hood wont stay up by itself. Many other small repairs have been needed. Now I cant even sell it for more than I have in it in repairs.

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  What goes bumpity-bump in the dark? - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By a. sandor - April 17 - 1:24 am

  My Thunderbird is small for comfort in long trips (over two hours!). No space behind front seats, no trunk room. Bad design for rain. Drips inside if window is slightly open. Blind spot both sides. Cheaply done interior. Car has zip, is reliable, but would not purchase another one.

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  Bad Taste in My Mouth - 1997 Ford Probe
  By lrivers - April 15 - 2:21 pm

  Heard for years to steer clear of Ford transmissions. Now I know why. Bought this car thinking it had a Mazda 626 engine so would be safe. Didnt realize Ford was providing 626 engines for several years. Bought used with 130K on it for daughter. Within a month it developed a slow leak in transmission fluid, she didnt keep up with it and it died in the middle of the road at midnight on a Sunday night. Cost $1500 for a used unknown, $1800 to rebuild. Find out that consumers were wailing for a recall because failure was typical starting at 60K. Too bad. Car is nice looking.

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  Not what its made out to be - 2002 Ford Focus
  By charlie - April 14 - 10:50 am

  I have had my car in the shop more than in my driveway. I have had two recalls already and the car had to be brought back in because of very poor gas mileage, tranning problems as well as problems with the engine. certainly not a good buy.

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  Not for little people - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pmm - April 13 - 3:30 am

  Bought this car from my sister for my husband. He was happy driving to work and home. My primary vehicle blew a rod in the engine so I had to drive this car for six months while I saved for a new car. I drive a lot and I am only 5 ft. tall. This car has got to be the most uncomfortable vehicle made. It has been very reliable but I need to be put in traction now, plus the $75-85 weekly gas bill I could have just skipped the experience and paid a car note (minus chiropractor bills) instead.

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  highway diring - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Ron Dahl - April 10 - 8:45 am

  Not to be driven at high speeds, good from cursing up to about 80mph after that maybe will be a performance car

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  Never Again - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By shires - April 8 - 5:39 am

  Nice-looking, comfortable car. The only problem was that nothing worked right. Had to replace the transmission - the transmission folks told me this is quite common - and the heater fan. The heating block cracked and had to be sealed. The air vent system never did work right, despite replacing the fan. The stereo didnt work right, and the turn signals worked sometimes, and sometimes they didnt. Gas mileage averaged around 20 miles per gallon, which was not acceptable to me. Finally, the Taurus got smashed in the side by a pickup and was totalled, but I walked away without a scratch - so it is a nice safe car. Otherwise, a complete turkey.

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  My last Ford Purchase - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JRT1 - April 7 - 12:21 am

  I have had the clutch replaced because of a loud squeaking sound. Took 9 trips to dealerships to get fixed. Vehicle does have problems when trying to start. Have to continuously grind it to get started. Will never buy another Ford. Ford Motor Company refuses to do anything with the problem I have with a fender that is dulled off and has lost its metallic finish. Also, they say there is nothing they can do regarding the paint overspray on the left front fender. So much for help from the home office!