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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  Really disappointed - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Barb Lovell - August 26 - 11:23 am

  SORRY I got it. Noisy, poor dash lights, minimal defrost and heating in north, faulty disc player, electric glitch (lost power steering 3 times), and mileage OVER ESTIMATED! At best I get 27 miles at 40 mph. Also because I wanted leather seats, I had to buy GPS which was not needed, It was part of the package offered.

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  Windstar, why buy it? - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By pro1mt - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is a real loser. Although I have not had many problems with it, The fit and finish does not compare with the competition. It is a very expensive vehicle that does not hold its value. After 2 years, a 29000 dollar vehicle is worth 10000. The passenger side window moter has had to be repaired twice, the passenger sliding door leaked before repaired. The cheap bumper system crunches when tapped in parking lots. I have been a Ford fan, but buy a ford truck instead. You will at least have a great vehicle when it is paid off.

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  Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By james - August 11 - 8:20 pm

  Rear passenger ball joint went at 40,000 miles. 4WD module went at 15,000 miles. Transmission went at 79,000 miles. Gear shifter snapped off column at 79,500 miles. Automatic Idle Control went at 81,000 miles. Power windows sometimes work, sometimes not. Keyless entry key pad works sometimes, not always.

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  Disappointed - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Pete B. - July 22 - 2:00 am

  When Ford came out with the new (2nd. generation) 1996 Explorer I thought it was the sweetest looking truck out there. In 2000 I came across the same truck in the Eddie Bauer trim which made it even sweeter. To my disappointment for the past year and a half even with the extended warranty I have done nothing but dump more money into this truck than Ive ever had in any other vehicles Ive owned. In addition to the reliability issues Ive had with this truck is the lack of and no support I got from the area Ford Dealerships. Even with items they shouldve repaired at inceptions they did there best to ignore me.

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  Dont Do It !!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bulldogskippy - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I own the 4X4 Regular Cab SWB 4.6L V- 8, do not buy this truck unless you want to ride in the most uncomfortable, punishing seats ever installed in a vehicle. Overall build quality looks like it was made by high- school shop class students. Huge waste of money, buy anything but a Ford. Customer Care Center is a joke, they treat you like trash.

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  Transmission Nightmare! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Unhappy with Ford - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 2 years and now have to replace the transmission. I loved driving this but will never ever get another Ford. The manufacturer and the dealerships do not stand behind there product!

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  No more Fords!!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ExFordGuy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  TERRIBLE RELIABILITY. Numerous recalls, intake valve problem, 3 batteries in 3 years, electrical short, power doors broke 4 times, noisy engine, towed 3 times because it wouldnt start. All this and the car is kept meticulously in our garage. It only has 28,000 miles. It will be our ex-car soon!

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  Dissatisfied - 2002 Ford Focus
  By unhappy - June 30 - 5:43 pm

  Transmission started slipping at 20,000 miles. Tires worn out by 30K. Transmission now leaking fluid. Low gas mileage.

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  Windstar is Bad News - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mike Harper - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is the wordt vehicle I have ever owned. Ford has really designed and built a stinker and will not stand behind this piece of junk.

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  The Worst Vehicle I owned In 24 Yrs. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By vs - June 25 - 2:06 pm

  Bought 09 Flex on 1/21/09. From day one the truck was a nightmare. The truck spent more time in service than any car I driven in 24 years. The truck has a problem with its trans seals which leak. Brought it in to have it fixed only to have a worse leak. My husband had to bring it back because he said it could catch on fire. It has a problem with the brakes which make a noise and feel like something is wrong when braking. At first I was told that this is normal for a Ford but after insisting that it be rechecked. I was told to use my emergency brakes if I couldnt stop