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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  didnt even get 70,000 miles - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ed C. - January 26 - 9:16 am

  Ford puts out another horrible product. This is my secnd ford explorer, my mistake, first one 1998 engine failed 70,000. Culdnt afford repair so took advantage of a special offer and purchased a brand new 2002 one. Well after paying it off and enjoying only one car payment in this economy, after only 67,551 miles this engine died. I will never purchase Ford product again. Reliability terrible Ford service terrible, ford customer service center.. terrible.

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  Heap Of Junk - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Chilly - January 8 - 9:17 am

  This Model Ford is a piece of Junk. Every issue that everyone has with this car we have had. Bought it used, we have had to replace the radiator twice now. The lurching problem with the transmission fixed twice(36k) and now the breaks at low speed breaking make an awful noise, oh and thats right after ford installed new brakes. All service done at a local ford dealership and they seem clueless as how to fix there own car! We were honda faithfuls but thought we would try a FORD (buy American... right). Stand in line call me an idiot later. Car now has 76k another radiator to buy. I think Ill take this hunk out back and put it out of its misery! STEER CLEAR OF THIS JUNK!

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  Expensive, hard to get-Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Stephanie - January 5 - 6:37 pm

  My transmission went out at 75,100 miles. Ford is the only supplier of that particular CVT transmission. No other company can get it. Its $5000.00

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  Do use as a Drivers Training Vechicle - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tracey Barrett - December 24 - 11:29 am

  First off I love the look of my 2014 Focus SE Hatchback. Its a beautiful car, comfortable to ride in, fun to drive, that is until the transmission started acting up at a couple thousand miles. I took the car to my dealer and he explained to me that the car has a manual as well as automatic transmission. He said when you drive a manual transmission the car will roll back and hop until you finish shifting. I told him that I know how to properly drive a manual transmission and I dont hop around when shifting. I have to keep apologizing to my students that its not them thats the problem, its the car. We teach the kids how to do maneuverability for their driving test and after about 10 minutes of driving forward and backward through the cones, the car will no longer go in reverse and the transmission overheats. This if my 4th Ford and my 3rd Focus and also my last if something is not done about this issue. I have had it in and it has been "reprogrammed: 4 times in 2 years and I finally have an appointment this month to finally fix the clutch. I loved my 2010 Focus. It was one of the best cars I have ever owned. Ford really got me this time. As soon as I am able I am trading it in even though I will probably take a loss on it.

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  Power Seats! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By NOTAFORDFAN - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my second EB EXP and the power seats/heated stopped working at 50 miles! It took FIVE tries to repair/replace and I finally filed a Lemon Law against Ford. They settled ASAP. When does the Quality go in? I thought it was BEFORE the names goes on! Too many problems, read the ownership boards. Ford is not in this family anymore, they couldnt care less about loyal customers. I even sold my stock and most of my family has gotten rid of their Fords. Guess we have to go to the foreign market for a dependable product.

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  Ford Explorer - poor design and quality - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By TKenn - December 7 - 12:07 pm

  1. Roll-over alarm goes off at 20 mph on straight road. Dealership said it was a "short" in the system. 2. Both Vanity Mirror covers broke off allowing the light to stay on and drain battery. Dealership replaced with visors having cuts in the fabric. 3. Tail light assembly missing both attaching screws. 4. Eyelash (decorative trim at wheel area) pulling away from body. 5. Oil changed - but the oil indicator was not reset. Found out the oil indicator only tracks mileage and time - not actual oil life. Second Explorer - same visor problem. Paint failure. Technicians failed to reset oil indicator.

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  HATE IT!!!!!!! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Andy - November 22 - 11:11 pm

  I bought this suv with 20,000 miles on it and it drove good, until the rear window wiper broke, passenger handle droke. Also the radio button is broken and cant turn it off. The windows shake when you roll them down, and it makes a weird sound when you go over rocks and bumps. The lock in the back of the suv broke and now makes a load sound when you lock the doors.

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  RECALL**ALL Mustang Airbags could kill if deployed - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Unimpressed with Ford Safety Recall - October 29 - 4:02 pm

  Ford informed all Mustang (and potentially other makes and models) owners in June 2015 that the airbags need to be replaced. Since, I have been calling to see where they are at on this situation as I do not want my children in the car, let alone myself, where the very function that is supposed to help you in an accident, "could result in serious injury or death" (as stated directly in the 2nd recall letter I received last week. I called Fords service division to discuss what they will be doing for their customers, and they said nothing but simply having us "wait another 6 months for the part to slowly come in." As the service lady stated on the phone to me. I think this is very irresponsible on Fords part. Having their customers drive around a car that could put them at greater risk in an accident than the very accident itself. I feel it is unfair as a customer to be forced to drive under these conditions, or choose to sell or leave the car in the garage knowing the risks of driving it. Ford should allow customers who bought cars to return them or provide us with safer vehicles in the meantime until these issues are fixed.

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  Useless gas hog - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Steven - October 12 - 4:02 am

  Purchased brand new 2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 ecoboost. These vehicles run expensive and have no idea why. Car runs nice and quiet but would I recommend it? Only if I didnt feel pity for you. The 280hp turbo engine is underpowered always need to step on the throttle to go up steep hills and the fuel consumption isnt geat either, averaging 18.7mpg on road trips. Thats pretty pathetic for a four banger. It does however have an intelligent 4WD system but whats the point if the bumper clearance is only like 2 inches? This car was engineered by a bunch of morons. Dont come with roof racks. Also when a phone is plugged in charger phone screen is displaying not letting my change radio stations or anything at all. Resale value on these isnt great either do expect a 20k price drop after 3 years or so. Dont be fooled with fords ecoboost system its another expensive system when it breaks down making good business for ford. There are better rivals out there. Youll regret like me if you dont look else where

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  2015 f150 Platinum 3.5L, disappointed... - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Dave - October 10 - 10:18 pm

  Owned the 2015 f150 Platinum 3.5L Ecoboost for 9 months/14,000 miles, 3/2016 sold 11/2016. Being 65" could never get comfortable compared to the previous 10 f150s and 2 f250s owned. Lane departure stopped working 2 months into ownership, front rotors have gouges, right side of windshield had a waviness blemish between plys, engine developed an oil seep, seat backs are thin, you can feel all of the controls, wires etc. for the massaging seats in the back and they squeak. Cooled seats stink, heat works well. Drivers seat leather starting to fade and all seats are so slick that all contents end up on floor under moderate braking. AND the aluminum body, forget it, it actually looks like it has dents/ripples all over IMO, creases around door handles, poor fit and finish and the hood actually bounces going down the road due to min stiffeners. Using adaptive cruise control on the highway, around corners, can be tricky if there is slower traffic in the lane next to you, the FLIR sees the traffic as being in your lane and clamps on the brakes, not a warm and fuzzy feeling. Ride is horrible over rough roads and the back end is so light it feels dangerous but man is she quiet inside if the sun roof rails arent squeaking (requires several opens and closes to "reset" it. When standing in the bed you can hear it bend, moan and groan, I am only 215 lbs. MY BAD for dropping 49k on the POS! live and learn. Traded it in for a 2013 f150 5.0. LOVE the 2013... LEDs are way cool though, thats about it... I am in aviation and pay extreme attention to detail and baby all of my vehicles. Again, Im a Ford guy for life and thought "stepping up" to the Platinum I would be ecstatic, boy was I wrong.