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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  owner - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Ramirez Daniel - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is in great performance and runs real good. Its 4x4 And has power.

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  focus lx - 2000 Ford Focus
  By senko5 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i miss my car.i ask my self if it is may car or not.beside fuel pump and other recalls latest problem is any time i press my brakes hard its shot down.whoever sad that is good car i will gladly sell to them.

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  1996 Ford Probe - 1996 Ford Probe
  By blaster91yamaha - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very reliable and fast car. This car has one of the best fuel consumption ever. I made it to Wisconsin and bak on $60 on gas. Thats like 33 mpg!!!

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  Cheap, but tough - 1995 Ford Escort
  By brewster - March 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car since new, and it has become the car I love to hate. The hatchback/wagon design is immensely practical (why dont all brands have one?) and the mileage, at nearly 40mpg on the highway is great. Also, I agree with other reviewers that the drivetrain is as reliable as a hammer. Unfortunately, the interior noise level, complete lack of power, very weak brakes, and uncomfortable seats make this vehicle miserable to drive for any real length of time. Also, the quality of assembly is clearly lacking--doors dont fit right, wiring was faulty from new, etc.

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  FOMOCO warranty next to worthless - 2002 Ford F-150
  By excop - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has had rear end whine since new,caused by irregular gear wear. Ford has been unable or unwilling to successfully fix vehicle. The whine continues to get louder with mileage. I am now faced with taking the financial loss of Fords defect because they refused to.

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  The Owner of a Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By burnt on ford - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new and paid around 25000 dollars for it and I has been a nightmare. Not only did the dealership try to screw me out of the rebate the transmission has been replaced 3 times in 55000 miles and the thermostat has been replaced 4 times in 70000 miles. Ford has been absolutly useless in helping me. I tried to trade it in and of course they didnt want it either. I will never buy another ford I will buy foreign first.

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  "F"ound "O"n "R"oad D"ead - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By NO MORE FORDS - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Explorer new for my wife. Front bumper was out of alignment when we took delivery. Got hit with the fuel injector recall, after 3 trips to dealership for the "clunk" under the drivers feet they found nothing and we went to another dealership...missing transmission mounting bolt! Just paid it off and 6K miles out of warranty the transmission slips between 2nd and 3rd...$900 bills later! That new Sequoia is going to look good in my garage...bye bye Ford

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  DON - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By jennyl - March 1 - 2:00 am

  purchased because of comfortable, roomy interior... everything Ok for SHORT while... it is costing a fortune to own it! Head gasket replaced ($2500) which Ford would not cover... transmission...door ajar alarm stays on all the time while driving (it does go off though if you drive over 25mph, with the lights off- go figure- trying to trade it, but nobody wants it!!! DON"T BUY!!!!

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  Ford Unfocused - Another Defect - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ghg102 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  On April 4, 2002, I parked my Focus in the Hospital parking structure. When I returned after work to leave, my ignition key would only go in half way. Locksmith repleace ignition lock / key. When I went to Enterprise Car Rental Agency, I was told that this has been an on going problem with their Ford Focus rental car fleet. When the locksmith commented that this is a common problem with the Focus and he has done 100’s of them. When I contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I was told Ford has issued technical service bulletins regarding this problem.

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  Focus on Pain - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mafitz1 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is an agency car that I drive on trips of at least an hour each way. I have never driven a car with a more uncomfortable driving position. I am by no means unusually tall or short (59"), yet there is no way to position the seat where I can comfortably reach the steering wheel without having my knees at my throat. The car has excellent handling and a great stereo, but every time I get out of the car I feel like I need to see a massage therapist. Unless you are prepared to sit in the engine, I would strongly discourage purchasing this car. And thats not even taking into account being the second-ugliest vehicle on the road today!