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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  Problems - 2006 Ford Focus
  By April - December 10 - 1:11 pm

  I bought this car used a year and a half ago, because I was going through a divorce and need something that wasnt a gas guzzler and compact. Since the purchase it has needed a new transmission, a new fly wheel and I just replaced the starter. When I bought it the back passenger side strut was already squeaking (and still does). Luckily the transmission and fly wheel were covered by the warranty. However, it cost me $460 to replace the starter. I know there is up keep in buying a car but geez...

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  Reliable to a Fault- Just keeps running! - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By FestivaFan - December 9 - 11:14 pm

  Bought this car as a temporary replacement for my beloved wrecked 89 1/2 Mustang. Seven years later, I still have it. Getting fantastic gas mileage is addictive. It is also a great city car, no self respecting car thief or jacker will mess with a lowly Festiva. Not a great car to be in during an accident, but it is nimble enough to avoid situations bigger cars couldnt. After all, are we all going to be forced to drive SUV Panzers to be safe from the SUV bullies. I hope not. The Edmonds pricing for the Festiva is a joke, I can sell this car for what I paid for it tomorrow. They are revered for their reliability, storage, and mileage. All the same reasons I will keep driving it until it dies.

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  Great For Price - 2006 Ford Escape
  By DetAk - December 7 - 11:18 am

  Bought for family car. Has been a great little SUV and now with economy as terrible as it is and fuel so high I feel smarter for the choice I made back then. Heard clunking noise in front when I went over bumps, so I took it in and had it bar replaced, under extended warranty. Gas peddle sticks all the time and is starting to worry me. Hopefully it is and easy fix.Average about 22 miles to the gallon so it has been great on the pocket book.

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  Better but still has flaws - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Steven SF - December 7 - 1:50 am

  The only thing that I really have to complain about is the ride quality. I have driven a lot of cars with "performance" suspensions. This Taurus rides a lot like an SUV. Ford, you need to do some more calibration work. Shock rebound is weak. Roll stability under road undulations is just like an SUV. If the target market was to satisfy an SUV owner, you hit the mark. If the target is to reach buyers of a Honda, BMW or Mercedes, you are far off the mark. Rest of the car feels a lot like the Volvo S80 platform. Good European feel but not up to the best of Germany or Japan. Dont get me wrong. This is the best Taurus Ive driven. Its at 9/10th ready.

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  Meh - 2000 Ford Escort
  By bawbi - December 6 - 11:22 pm

  This was my second car bought for me for my 17th birthday. It had 8 miles on it, i loved how peppy it was and it was fun to drive, but not very well built. I honked the horn after owning it a few months, and it stuck, the horn wouldnt stop honking i had to pull the fuse out. I kept getting flat tires every few months on the back passenger side and the interior shook SOOOO badly when idle especially when the AC was running. it was actually really embarrassing to have ppl ride with me they thought the car was about to explode!

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  Big Mistake - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Chuck B. - December 6 - 8:55 pm

  I drove a number of different vehicles before making this purchase. I was impressed with the ride and liked the slightly larger, 3.5l motor that this car had. Unfortunately, the 3 versions of the car that I tested all had navigation, which I did not get. Heres the first problem. As someone has already pointed out the radio display is really awful. In addition, much of the information in the drivers information center thats available in other cars is not available on the Ford. You also have little choice with exit/entry lighting, etc. The car was delivered with a vibration making quality suspect. I kept the car for 10 days, then sold it at a big loss because I knew Id never be satisfied

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  Terrible - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - December 6 - 8:12 pm

  Bought this truck close to a year ago and Ive had nothing but problems with it. I bought it, found out the ball joints needed to be replaced. A dealership cannot legally sell a vehicle that is in bad mechanical shape, so I called them and they agreed to pay the cost of the ball joints. Then I found out that I needed new cylinder heads and a head gasket, they paid half. Then the wheel bearing went and so did the hubs. Used hubs are hard to come by as you need a special tool to take a hub off this ranger without breaking it. I keep getting failing idle control valves as well. My boss use to own it, he put $3000 into it. Truck has 246000 km on it, but it shouldnt be breaking this much.

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  Quality doesnt = American anymore - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By RG - December 6 - 1:31 pm

  I never owned a Ford before and I will probably never own one again. American cars are unreliable compared to Japanese brands. No big issues with the car so far, but the Engine light has gone on and supposedly it is a problem w/an oxygen sensor, spark plugs or vacuum leak. Trying to fix it yourself is impossible and Dealer wants $90 just for diagnostic! Guzzled gas before and now with sensor/leak problem its consuming $10 a day just to drive around the corner! Not a lot of road noise, but the vehicle shakes terribly. It feels like its going to break apart on the highway. Doors are quirky and wont unlock w/keyless when too cold. Ill buy a Japanese or Euro make at trade-in.

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  1997 Crown Vic 141k Miles - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By plymouthfury58 - December 6 - 12:44 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago for $1400 from an exchange student. The lack of maintenance from the previous owner caused the radiator to fail, the transmission to slip and the engine to overheat. Hit a curb at 50 mph going down a hill, no damage from either at all. Drove to the shop just fine. Cost $450 to do all of the neglected maintenance at one. No permanent damage. A true testament to its durability. The intake manifold needed replacement. Last owner took care of that. Even when in disrepair, it ran smoothly and beautifully. Steering is tricky and jittery but not too bad. Fuel efficiency is not fantastic but can be improved and is an even tradeoff for the safety and durability.

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  Nice Little CarÂ… - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Don - December 5 - 10:17 pm

  Shes a nice little car, but lately shes been trying to nickel-and-dime me like crazy. Ive got an oil leak somewhere, warm air is intermittent, the Airbag light intermittently flashes, the left side stereo speakers dont work 99% of the time.