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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  Stear clear from ford my friends - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By leisa - July 22 - 6:54 pm

  This was my first new Ford, I have always been a Chevrolet girl. I have to go to the dealer ship every 6 months to have the computer chip reset so my truck will continue to drive properly, Ford motors says there is no solution for my problem. I have gone to the dealership with the same problem 4 times since I have purchased this lemon! The gear shift sticks and will not go into gear, the gas cap was bad and caused the engine lights to come on. A 2 year old truck, whats up with that, I have has other car for 10 years and never replaced a gas cap! This is a brand new truck and no one should have to go through what I go. Ford motors is not a reputable co. And I will never purchase another Ford

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  Buyer Beware - 2009 Ford Escape
  By BADCHOICE - July 21 - 10:50 am

  One month ago I purchased a 2009 Ford escape from a local dealer. Before the first payment was made, it was un- driveable. The vehicle started but there were no power locks/Windows/radio/cdplayer, and the emergency brake light was illuminated on the dash yet the brake was disengaged. The shifter would not move, it was locked in park. Apparently its a faulty computer module that is a widespread problem with the 2009s. So widespread, in fact, that the part is on back-order from the mother-ship in the states, and they have no idea when its going to be in. Could be 6hrs, 6days or6mons. The seal on the module leaked water and the components completely corroded inside. Good work Ford, I will never buy another!

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  Yikes! Don"t ever purchase! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Jim - July 19 - 7:27 pm

  Last September my wife and myself purchased one of these dang vans, well folks in been nightmare after nightmare. Well put a whooping $5000 in repairs in the van to this point. Oil cooler lines and cooler. transmission, oh and another thing the three back spark plugs where ceased in the motor. And they where the original plugs. And then was the brakes. Another nightmare and another $1900. Yeah, if youre rich and want to get poor fast, then purchase on of these crappy, money taking vans. But dont say I didnt warn you. Run. If the dealer trying to sell you one. Fast! Are you running yet!

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  No Thanks - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Lizzy B - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  This is the 4th Escape/Mariner Ive leased (03, 05 ,08). Fuel economy for the 4 cyl is very disappointing vs. my 08 4WD. Performance is definitely worse. Driver seat fabric cover seams began to rip open within 1 month of owning the car. Dealer kept the car in the shop for 3 weeks to complete the transmission recall service. Service bulletin claimed it would be a 1/2 day repair. Have driven 12k miles in 4 months and cant wait for the end of the lease!

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  Will never buy a ford - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By rich - May 30 - 10:12 am

  The power Windows work when they want to. Replace starter/ replace front springs and struts.

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  99 Taurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Alex - May 27 - 11:45 am

  I bought this car around 07 with 84,000 on it about 10,000 miles later the head gasket blow. I fixed it in about a week then 5000 miles down the road while I was getting a brain tumor removed the motor blew on the highway leaving my wife all by herself with no help at night. This car is awful do not buy one dont even think about it get something else avoid at all cost.

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  Going to the Junkyard - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - May 4 - 12:48 pm

  Recently, the front driver side strut failed and the coil spring broke which in turn punctured the tire. This is just one of many costly problems with this vehicle. What is interesting about this situation is that the vehicle has less than 100,000 miles on it and has been lightly used over the past five years. After the suspension failure I found that the 1999 Taurus had been recalled for the possibility of faulty front coil springs. I guess Ford did not want to recall the 1998 model despite the fact that it is identical in every way to the 1999 model. Needless to say, I have put as much money and time into this vehicle as I am willing to bear. This Taurus is headed to the junkyard.

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  Hate It - 2008 Ford Focus
  By wichita kansas - March 29 - 6:21 pm

  What is it about the tires? Very angry on the third set of tires, not the most comfortable car actually awful! Never, never would I buy another one!

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  Piece-O-Junk - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By James - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Here it comes!!! Window sticks, tail light plug breakes, handle on driver seat breakes off, engine skips (new plugs/wires= no change) TRANNY Stinks!, hard shifting into rev & 2-3. (Changed fluid w/ synth & additive= Helped for 2 months but back to same!, Drivers rear wheel bearing went out 64K mi, ($489), Squeaks in front suspention all the time, Radio cuts itself up (I do not have steering wheel cntls), Cds will not eject=New radio from ford=Warranty=Same problems, Dampers broken under dash that work airflow=plastic pieces broken=fix w/drill & metal nut bolt, overhead cnsol fell off=again plastic mount broke=Epoxy repair. Tire sens bad

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  Stay Away From This Car - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By James - February 3 - 11:13 am

  After only 70,000 miles, the transmission of our 2004 Ford Freestar broke down. I was in the middle of traffic during rush hour with the car suddenly driving backwards after a brief red light. However, it didnt stop there. My car was towed to the dealership where they neglected it for a week. In total, they said that it would cost $3,600 just for fixing the transmission AND that didnt cover rental costs. All in all, I would definitely not recommend this vehicle to anyone. Buyer Beware.