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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  pet peeves - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By josie - March 19 - 1:36 am

  The designer does not factor in peoples needs: no hand hold for driver. Placement of gauges. Lack of gauges (oil). Lack of mechanical odometer and trip meter. Need larger gas tank for one fill up per day on trips. Ride not as good as my long wheel base F-150. Seats should be upgraded.

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  Too high expectations! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Moms taxi - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Eddie Baurer Expedition. I was so psyched when I purchased it b/c I loved everything about the interior.- space between 2nd row captain chairs, 3rd row fold down seats, DVD. HOWEVER, I have had too many problems in the last year- new brakes at 23,000 miles, loud clicking sound going from 2WD to AWD(cant find the problem), over- hauled transmission(car was in the shop for 3 weeks I might add). Plus Ford doesnt give out loaner cars. Bummer considering all of the problems I have had in the last year. And we paid $45,000!!!

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  Not what I expected - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Joe - March 13 - 9:35 pm

  I had the truck back to the dealer 5 times for the rear and transmission making noise. They could never duplicate it the last time I took the mechanic out and we had to get towed back. They finally fixed it but I should have gone with a Tundra.

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  Not bad but not good - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By rambo76098 - March 13 - 5:16 pm

  This car is a decent car but is not good at anything. It is somewhat comfortable but has bad gas milage, can go fast easily but takes a while, works usually but often will have many minor problems, drives ok but often rattles, shakes, vibrates, Braking system stinks as i have replaced entire rear system and it has broken again. Car has good trunk room but seats dont fold down. Transmision occassionally clunks and misses shifts, etc. Overall its not a bad car, however usually a car has one thing it is good at stopping, going, gas economy, comfort, quietness, or something else, but this car is just mediocre at all of those things.

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  Not bad for a Ford! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Rodgela - March 12 - 5:21 pm

  Its been a great vacation vehicle for us. There are a lot of storage cubbies to put a variety of camping items like flashlights, utensils, and other sundries. Theres a lot of space inside plenty for our family of four on a 2-3 day trip. It seats seven when were visiting friends and grandparents, aunts and uncles so that we can travel to our destination in one vehicle. We have not had to repair anything in the two years we have owned it. Were the second owner and we bought it from friends that did not have problems with it either.

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  No more Fords - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Melissa - March 12 - 2:29 am

  I bought this vehicle used in 99 from one owner. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone! Mine was in the shop more than my own garage. Replaced hoses, sensors, valves and had the engine rebuilt from the crank up at 75,000 miles! Replaced head gaskets and they blew again within 8 months. Ford doesnt have any concept of customer service. The Explorer was my third and FINAL Ford (owned an Escort and Mustang previously with very similar problems). Sold it as fast as I could and bought Japanese, with no problems to this day. Save yourself the headaches and stay away from Fords!

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  Not what we were hoping for... - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By JennS - March 11 - 6:36 pm

  Ford hurt my feelings with this car. Have had lots of trouble with my Taurus. Thought it would be a nice, economy car with a long, worry-free life. Wrong! Lots of little annoying problems, like the door ajar switches sticking and making the lights stay on, numerous sensor problems, rotors, etc. Replaced the head and gasket at 80,000, radiator has "gunk" in it even after numerous flushes/cleanings. Can hear the "water" running when you turn. Now it is missing, again, after replacing spark plugs/wires 3 different times. Afraid the transmission will go any day. Other than that, I like to drive it and it is a comfortable ride. Just wish it was more dependable.

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  I hate Ford. No more American cars. - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gantnerg - March 10 - 1:07 pm

  This car was great until around 50,000 miles when the transmission started acting up. It surges between 2nd and 3rd gears. It still works with no repair but still surges. I can deal with that. But now at 65,000 miles I had to have the intake gasket replaced at a cool $1,000! I was even sort of ok with that but now the 4WD HIGH and LOW lights are flashing. I am sick of trouble codes with this SUV!!! I knew I shouldnt have given up my Camry. Why cant American car makers build a reliable car like the Japanese?

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  1999 Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By 1999 ranger - March 5 - 2:22 pm

  Im really unhappy with this truck. Transmission went out at 37,000 miles when it was out of warrenty and cost me $2,500 to repair. I bought a new truck so I wouldnt have to incur expenses like this. Again at 89,000 miles I put yet another transmission in at $2,500. Ill never by another Ford and Im stuck with this one till I can save up to replace it, shoveling out huge amounts of money to keep it running makes that hard to do. Beware of Ford trucks.

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  A large step down - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kimberly - March 5 - 3:40 am

  After owning an Explorer, I decided to move down to the Escape. Over all I was unimpressed. I expected more from a Ford SUV and loved my Explorer. I wanted something a bit smaller and was hoping it would handle slightly better. What I ended up with was a lot less room, and an SUV built for someone who could not afford a real one. I would not reccomend this to my friends.