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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  Same as every one elses reviw - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Arnela - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Dome Light Stays On Door ajar Light stays on Check Engine light came on three times in four years ($270 to fix sensor EACH time) Latch on armrest compartment broke at 2 years and 15,000 miles non replacable part, armrest is $$$

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  Disappointing Highway Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lanthony2020 - August 14 - 1:29 pm

  After 7600 miles, the highway miles run between 33.5 and 37.5 at 80, 70 and 60 MPH respectively. At 55, not much better. This on a know stretch of flat interstate with no wind. City mileage is OK if I cruse at 25, I can get 50 going slow in town. Traded in my 2010 TDI. The TDI got much better on the highway at those speeds. I could get 50 if I wanted to drive 55 MPH.

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  Do Not Buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DoNotBuy - August 12 - 10:30 am

  I love/Hate this vehicle. It drives great it handles very well and it looks good. But I am sick of things going wrong. The AC lasted a month. the back glass dam near fell off. The child locks would trap people in the back seat. An engine sensor died. the passenger window whistles. An idler pulley bearing went out and threw the belt. The drivers seat is loose and the dam black panels between the side windows are fading out. If I would have know this I would not have purchased this vehicle.

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  Regrettful - 1998 Ford Contour
  By sucker - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a couple years and have had nothing but problems. Now the Check Engine light stays on, despite a few dealerships checking it inside and out. It occasionally smells like gas, dies from time to time, and feels like its jumping when you are stopped. The worst part about all these problems is that nobody can find anything wrong! They tell me there is nothing to fix!

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  Initially impressed... currently a lemon - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By keith1walk - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this new in 1999 and was initially impressed with the powerful 5.4L engine, looks and comfort. Always dealer serviced. I thought by buying new and dealer maintained, any issues would be resolved early. What a surprise. It developed a rough idle and after 3 trips to the dealer, convienently after the warranty, a blown head gasket was diagnosed. $1800.00!!! The dealership paid half but that was still $900.00 and the other trips that totaled $500.00. Now ABS light is on. A $38,000 vehicle shouldnt have these problems. Next car will be a Toyota Sequoa. Tried to buy american but...cant afford to.

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  gave up my aerostar for a suburban - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By tara - August 7 - 2:00 am

  What a mistake that was. My van had 145,000 and still ran strong. I wanted something newer and biger. So we bought a suburban, had it one month and it broke down. should have kept the aerostar. bought it with 105,000 miles and only changed the belts and a starter motor . I never even got an oil change,

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  tragedyinoregon - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By exxfiler - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My father bought it. Was decent but later began to have problems overheating, traction control disingaging Would bring it to Ford to have them fix it only for the problems to return within weeks They had terrible customer service and charged us every time He demanded they fix something that should have been fixed, they agreed When it was supposed to be ready one day he was told it wasnt. My father was forced to drive his 68 coug to work. On his way home was killed in an accident The police told us had he had an airbag he most likely would have lived Had ford cared about their customers, he might be alive. They finanly fixed it though.

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  Time for a change! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By newlyweds - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Escape to replace another Ford vehicle that I had also purchased new from my dealership. The first few months were great...lots of compliments and a really smooth ride. However, Ive needed to take the beast in countless times to rectify transmission problems particularly concerning the master cylinder. I was beginning to return to the dealership so often that many of the technicians and salespeople recognized me and knew me by first name alone. You know its bad when that happens. Currently trying to dump our lease and get into a comparable vehicle with another company.

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  2000 Explorer Sport - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By 5150 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  If youre going to by an Explorer, you may want to opt for the 4-door instead of the 2-door sport model. It doesnt take corners well at all and the suspension leaves a lot to be desired. It drives like a pickup truck. Weve had ours for 4 years. The engine has been fine, with only a sensor going bad. Also, the brakes had to be replaced at only 21,000 miles.

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  Swallows gas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Una - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My major complaint is the gasoline consumption. Gasoline goes very fast with this car. Not a good car to commute to work. You will dry out your wallet. Also, tires are extremely EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!! Cheapest tires I have been able to purchase are $100! >>> EACH!!!! Expensive! Interior >>> not roomy at all. If you are tall, I dont recommend this car for you.