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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  Not Reliable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By len - December 24 - 11:46 pm

  We got our car Christmas of 2004 and ever since then, weve been fixing it bit by bit. Right off the bat we had to have the CD player and trunk mechanism replaced. Also, noticed a problem with accelerating from a rolling stop. That was a computer problem they didnt end up fixing until Christmas 2005. Also, got a dash bubble. That was replaced. Then the reverse sensing and memory seats went out. Now theyve been replaced. We have had enough however Ford will not replace our car. It doesnt quite fall under the lemon laws and they wont do what is ethically right and give us a replacement. We dont know what next will go wrong with the car.

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  What could have been.....needs improved! - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Alvin - November 23 - 7:47 am

  I was initially excited to try the Fiesta of the FOST fame, and it handled really well from a handling perspective in taking turns and being zippy. It also got excellent gas mileage (over 42mpg highway) for one of my trips, and overall was a comfortable ride. The challenge with the vehicle was the horrible powertrain; between the engine and the transmission, it couldnt figure out what it wanted to do. This was especially horrible for a stop-n-go or heavy traffic situations such as one would face in a daily commute, the engine kept revving and the transmission kept changing, it was very indecisive. Overall, decent car once it has a refined or improved powertrain, until then avoid for your own sanity.

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  I hate my car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Leigh Ann - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus gets nothing but rave reviews through website articles. However, anyone that owns a 2000 Ford Focus will tell you otherwise. My car has been serviced for 47 different things. Thats it 47. For example, my radio has been replaced twice in the past two years. Now it is malfunctioning again and Ford told me that they would no longer pay for service on the vehicle because I have 36,250 miles on it and the warranty is up at 36,000. Well if they would have fixed it in the first place I wouldnt have this problem.

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  Not a Good Buy - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Irony - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have replaced the front brakes including rotors every 3 months approx. 3000-4000 miles. Ford told me this was normal wear for this vehicle. The price to have this done at a Ford Dealer averages $800. The tires wear out quickly on this Van as well.

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  Ford Suck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By pieceofcrap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Could not be more Dissapointed with This truck. It rattles like crazy Ride sucks Overall quality is horriable Have 6 year old Pick-up that rides smoother. Paid 38k for a truck that I cant stand driving

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  Hunk of Junk - 2002 Ford Focus
  By milleragain - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Focus for nearly three years. I have replaced the tires twice. I have had two brake jobs. The wheel bearings have been replaced on every wheel. CD player was replaced, steering rack and steering pump replaced. Now it sounds as though the frame is falling apart. I am so fed up with this car, I am going to trade it in. Oh yeah, resale value stinks!

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  not a good car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Stepan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  has a weak engine, no interior room, bad suspension, ugly exterior design, and is not manueverable at all. Whats the point of a 2 door SUV?

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  Worst Vehicle Ever Owned! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By noseylarge102 - September 14 - 4:03 am

  First of all do not buy Ford brand vehicles; Mercury is a way better bet. The interior of this vehicle is very uncomfortable with the nylon cactus seats, and it hurts with shorts on, Second the flex fuel v6 stinks with gas mileage and power, third the trim is very cheap; it has black handles on a silver truck and all black trim - my 1992 Sable looked better than this truck.

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  Tauras worst car ever owned - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By mms - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Tauras SE is the most uncomfortable car Ive ever been in. My back actually hurts from sitting in that brick hard seat. Pick up is horrible, I would never try to pass on a two lane highway. I get stuck behind a school bus and I can just plan on staying there. Sound system is pitiful. It rides horrible, you feel every bump and its loud. I have a GMC Sierra truck that rides smoother and is much more comfortable. I hate the tauras and try not to drive it as much as possible.

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  Costly Mistake - 2001 Ford Focus
  By MeganRC - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Mom & I bought "foci" & regret it. I’ve replaced my ignition @30K mi; my moms was replaced twice @ the same mileage. My check engine light is on & dealership didn’t fix the trouble; they reset the light. A week later the warranty ran out & the light came back. I won’t take it to Ford due to disappointing experiences @ 2 shops in 2 parts of FL. My mechanic said this trouble could cost 150-500 depending on if it’s a leaking hose or a defective valve. My moms is having this problem (still under warranty)& the dealership said it didn’t cover this & it would cost her 300+ to fix. The fabric on the seat has worn all the way through in places-I‘m 120lbs