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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  Time to move on - 1996 Ford Contour
  By kitties6 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  As a commuter car (500+miles per week) my contour has held up well. I have had problems with the sensors (too many to note), transmission (111,000), air conditioner, and wheel bearings (70,000 and 120,000). At 145000 miles I never thought it would last this long.

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  Very Pleased - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BABs - August 3 - 4:50 pm

  Ive had my Escape 3 weeks know. Traded in a 2 door coupe for more room and more comfortable seating. The Escape has plenty of room and the seating is very comfortable. I very happy with the MPG so far - 27.4 MPG (mostly highway driving). Love it!

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  Best overall - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By J.Diamond - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I use this for family, towing, Vacations and everyday. I drive alot, and I use this in winter conditions and lake stuff. I cannot live without this car.

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  Ford Taurus Wagon - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By grandad9 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Taurus Wagon has been an excellent car--except for a MAP sensor that had to be replaced. No other problems. I wonder about the power antenna that goes up and down every time the radio/CD is turned on or the engine is started and shut off. How many times will that cycle before failure--it seems unnecessary. The car is roomy, can carry bulky items with no problem The 24V 3.0 is a good engine, it has good pickup and responds well in traffic--no complaints. Good gas mileage for a mid-size wagon--about 26 highway, 20 or so city.

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  Happy Camper - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By cwiltz - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The only problem that I have had is that the timing chain was making a rattle on my V6SOHC engine. Fun to drive and great for a small family. I definately will consider the Explorer with 3 rows when it comes time to purchase again. They could improve slightly on the drivers seat having a little more room. Also the rear wiper seems to be in a spot where it can be bent easily.

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  Just another flawed design - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill Wilson - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Over $1200.00 in repairs to figure out that Ford changed the valve covers causing oil to be sucked into the intake manifold and ruin all the seals and gaskets. Lots of electrical problems w/ lights that come on from short circuits. Very bad design flaws. Slider doors dont stay lined up. To many bad things to list... stuck with a worthless, badly designed lemon.

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  2001 Ford Mustang Conv - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MCSD - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Love the convertable. Easy to use. Wind noise is noticable, but not bad for a convertable. No problems so far with the car (about 38,000 miles on it). Gas mileage is ok ~ 24 miles/gallon on average.

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  Love this liitle hatch! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By eap - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The SVT Focus is an amazing car, especially for the money. It is the best handling car I have ever driven. The inside isnt luxurious but its well done and all the controls are in just the right spot. Its the perfect mix of fun, value and practicality.

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  great car - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By bjankowski3 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  its just the best

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  What a disaster!!!! - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By David M - August 2 - 8:40 am

  The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport is AWESOMELY fun to drive and is as comfortable as it is agile. I like the active dampening compared to my 2015 Ford Fusion, but oh how I miss that car compared to this one. Ive called Ford Roadside Assistance 5 times in less than three months to deal with electrical issues with my vehicle, which has less than 3000 miles on it. Finally decided to take it into the dealership yesterday, couldnt get a loaner, and sat there for several hours. But alas! The problem wasnt the battery as I suspected but instead a measly fuse that has been causing unwarranted drain to serially kill my battery. Great! Until I hop in my car this morning and it wont start... What a joke! Shipped from the manufacturer with a lemon of a battery or potentially worse - electrical problems. The dealer claims they cant replace the battery until it fails on the rotunda, and they say it has "passed" their specs. Whats truly troubling is how much I love driving this vehicle but what use does a car have if it sits in your driveway without being able to turn on? Dealer wont fix it in a timely manner or to customers satisfaction. I likely wont be purchasing another Ford again, and I certainly cant recommend the brand to any of my friends or family.