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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  Disappointed - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By PikesPeak - December 1 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought our Explorer 18 months ago from his father, who owned it for six months and who knew the owner prior to that. The point is that we are familiar with the vehicles history and know of no abuse. The vehicle has almost 111,000 miles on it. Today we found out the transmission has to be replaced, so we are very disappointed. We never have been overjoyed with this vehicle - the ride is very rough, the automatic climate control doesnt work well, and we cant seem to get comfortable in the seats. Were debating on unloading it and getting something else.

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  Pretty good - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Monifa Johnson - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car could be improved by Ford. I dont think they gave it their all.

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  expedition eb - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kcchiefs - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had electrical problems and I think the quality is poor.

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  transmission - 1999 Ford Escort
  By mess - November 30 - 2:00 am

  transmission went out on my 99 after 78,000 miles. It was well maintained.

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  Not for the long haul - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Nrmltowngrrrl - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car ever, and it will be my last Ford. Looks cute and is fun to drive, but quality is poor. Stuff keeps breaking: clutch master cylinder (at 20K), ignition switch (stranded at 40K; not fun), brakes (at 45K), cd player/radio cuts off for no reason (even after being sent for fixing), leaky radiator (66K), wiper speed is never right, makes weird crunching noise over speed bumps, brakes always squeaky! Plus, dealership service is not helpful. Takes forever to get recalls fixed, sometimes they dont even order the parts. I cant wait to get rid of this thing and would not recommend the Ford Focus to anyone.

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  Brakes continue to be an issue - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By deegers - November 25 - 1:03 am

  I just turned over 17,000 miles on my 2010 Transit. and, I just got my 4th front brake job. I am averaging between 4k--4.5k for each brake replacement. I cant believe that there are not there arent other reviews here bringing attention to this matter. I know several other Transit owners ( we are all dog walkers), all with the same exact problem. What gives? Its a great van otherwise, perfect for the job. I would love to continue with these vans, but it doesnt make sense.

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  Escape to a Minnesota Winter - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Minnesota Mark - November 23 - 12:33 am

  I purchased the Escape Hybrid AWD for two reasons - exhaust emissions and fuel economy. I will assume the emissions are meeting my expectations. The fuel economy? Nowhere near the ratings of 33/29 for city/highway. During this mild Minnesota winter I am only getting around 23 mpg. Granted itÂ’s better than the 16 mpg I got in the winter with my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ, but the Hybrid is much less of a vehicle than the Trailblazer. I will say that the Escape with its front-wheel drive tracks better in snow than the Trailblazer. For my first hybrid vehicle the Escape is adequate.

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  Limited Slip Differential Problems - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Never Buy a New Ford - November 17 - 12:50 pm

  Ford just rebuilt the 373 differential. Loud whine existed. Supplier was back ordered so must be a problem. Fords lack of interest in helping to get this taken care of tells me that Im done buying new Fords. (This is my 60th Vehicle! - not all Fords) Seating position is excellent but seats are rock hard making it difficult to go more than a few hundred miles at any one time without stopping to stretch your legs. Friends with the Lariat have had leather on seats replaced numerous times due to discoloration. Also having problems with sunroof system. Think twice before buying a new Ford Pickup!

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  It likes lots of attention..... - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By Tempo Owner - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the radiator hoses blow on me twice, the air conditioning has been repaired, the brakes have had work. only two of the four power door locks work, the trunk spring doesnt hold up the trunk, the heater core was just replaced as it was filling the passenger side floor full of antifreeze, oh and the cruise control went two weeks ago. The engine just goes and goes though and it has only stranded me once when the radiator hose blew (I was able to repair that myself) I bought it for 750 and Ive put about that much into it in repairs in a year. I think that the next time it screams for attention Ill send it to the bone yard instead.

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  "Taurus" Cant get much worse - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By shootingstar - November 17 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Taurus started its life as a half way decent car, but at about 6 months into ownership it was one problem after another. It might not be "Fix or Repaired Daily", but it has been averaging repairs about every other month. No other car I have owned in the last 20 years, domestic or foreign, has been as unreliable as this clunker. If you buy one, be prepared to have the breaks replaced about 3 times or more a year, along with some other expensive surprises. JUNK!!!