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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  Wish I owned stock in ford parts dept. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By pritchett642 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Before 53,000 I had front axle seals,brakes and rotors,iap sensor,oxygen sensor,intake manifold gaskets,transfer case,power steering pump,and lower balljoints replaced. All of which the dealership said was normal. Granted this is the same dealership who recommended this vehicle for ease of maintenance.I am currently getting ready to trade it off as the dealership has offered to give an exceptional deal after showing them my full maintenance list.

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  My Review - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By sdw1363 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable seats a family of 4. Plenty of room for luggage.

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  Edge sport. - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Jacob - August 23 - 3:36 am

  Only owned 1 month has been in the shop 2 times the headliner had to be replaced for improper installation and rear bumper from a hole cut from factory being to large

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  Wont buy another one - 2003 Ford Escort
  By De - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 ZX2 jerks when going slow such as a slow take off or stop n go on the frwy. Service Mgr told me thats normal. Feels like it wants to stall. Taken it in 7 times. No leg room in back seat and if youte tall your head hits the top of the car. Air conditioner stopped working at 35,000. Good on gas, reliable. Great take off. The jerking has turned me off. Can feel like Im learning to drive a stick and cant balance the gas and clutch. Other than that - its okay.

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  DONT MAKE A MISTAKE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus2001 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO $PEND MONEY ON MAINTAINANCE BECAUSE IT STARTS TO BREAKDOWN ONLY AT 20K MILES!!! SO OVER ALL....ITS NOT A GOOD CAR TO HAVE IF YOURE ON LIMITED BUDGET NOR BUSY LIFESTYLE BECUASE YOU WILL SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SERVICE DEPT RATHER THAN GOING ABOUT WITH YOUR LIFE!

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  94 Escort - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 94fordman - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is not a bad car to drive

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  99 Ford Windstar LX - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By chirpy1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Windstar is a nice looking mini-van, but in our case not very reliable. The van has been plagued by engine and transmission problems. After this 2nd bad FORD experience, we are afraid to buy a domestic made vehicle again. Have had bad luck!

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  Transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By kimgross12 - August 18 - 6:06 am

  My car is a 2006... It has almost 180,000 miles on it. For the most part this has been a good car however, I still feel the transmission shouldnt not be going out. As I read other reviews and notice the same car and year has all these transmission issues is a sign of a test car. Is it fair now that my transmission has died and I have to get another car...NO! My expectation was to keep this car for along time.

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  Ford Taurus, Mistake - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Moz - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Since the day I purchased this car I have problems. Starting with dealership, they played with numbers. wrote Ford a few times made several calls but useless. They do not cooperate have no control over the dealers. A few months later the keyless entry failed, AC fan making noise. The car sometimes hesitiates to pickup. Recently a dealer said it is a fuel filter, cost about $70, but it was not the problem. Complain to Ford again, customer service is polite but dealer again did not care what they are saying and what you are saying. Devalue more that 50% in less than 3 years with 25K miles. I would never let anyone buy Ford if I can.

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  99 Ranger XLT 4WD - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By FLSTS - August 16 - 2:00 am

  In short... this is a pretty tough truck. It out tows any 4.3 Chevy I have owned. And does well in the snow. The rear seats are useless as well as the rear doors. It handles well but eats brakes and front tires. I would strongly suggest an extended warranty if you looking to buy one of these used.