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:

• 

  bang for your buck - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By txbowhunter - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Interior quality/ergonomics somewhat lacking. Exterior workmanship is poor. body panels shake easily and start coming loose. Still needs work on IRS reliability and strength. suspension and drivetrain very clunky.

• 

  Poor Comfort Front Seats - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Gary - May 31 - 11:47 am

  I and several others that have rode with me find the front seats very uncomfortable. It actually feels like your sitting in a bucket. The power seat doesnt have enough lower adjustment on the fron portion of the seat so a lot of weight is under your legs and thighs with the hard seating bolsters on the side. The other major complaint I have is that the door seals dont seal well enough and allows dirt sand snow etc to be thrown up under them...really shoddy workmanship. I have to believe Edmunds and others must get incentives to write the rave reviews they have given this car. Also with cheap gas its no big deal but my I-4 Turbo has good power but will not get even close to what is posted on estimate. Then if you figure the mileage longhand you will find its even worse than what the trip computer says. The 28 mpg posted must be going down hill with a tail wind. Count on 21-23 real world running 70-75 mph

• 

  Best selling model, but poor vehicle - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Kentucky - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This was a best selling model, and the sleak look and line of the 1994 Ford Taurus still looks good. But my vehicle simply did not stand the test of time for reliability. 3 transmissions and steering column issues later, I would not purchase another Ford Taurus.

• 

  4.2 6 cyl. not the best ford has made - 2000 Ford F-150
  By bob cracthet - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck over all. At 48k the motor blew. Spun bearing, bent rod, and bent valves. Ford put new one in and it blew the same day under their care. I have had the third one in for about 1k and no problems yet.I have had to put a new catalytic converter and the cross member on the trans.The gears need to be lower especially in 1st. But if I buy another it will be v8 and auto. Good truck, still rather have a GMC!

• 

  Buy if youre a mechanic - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By JWyatt - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Big, roomy inside, comfortable vehicle. Good stock stereo and fine build quality. Good paint. Now the negative. I hope Ford changes those automatic trannys. I maintained mine but still went out at 130K miles. Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler, Isuzu Trooper and Toyota use the same AT which is much more reliable. Explorer has poorly designed brakes and rotors. Its also too heavy which causes tires to wear out to fast. The alignment seemed to go out often. Until Ford makes some changes, I expect to stick to Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler. Its ashame because I used to be into Fords.

• 

  Good but unreliable - Really bad service - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By BradMoore - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a nice driving vehicle but my particular vehicles transmission had problems at 35,000 miles. I took the car in to see if I could get it repaired but Ford said there were no problems. The transmission completely went out at 40,000 miles. Ford would only cover 80% of the costs even though the problem was first reported at 35,000 miles. If you are considering a Ford as a vehicle (which I made clear to Ford that I would never buy another vehicle from them), make sure you get the extended warranty because of the unreliability and service.

• 

  Not as bad as it could have been - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By flower mom - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Well, the car is only OK. The head gasket problem, allegedly fixed by the 1996 model, is not fixed it will need replacement at about 80K miles - a surprisingly consistent benchmark. If you buy a used one, make sure its already been replaced. And the speedometer breaks. And the ABS. Luckily, the brakes themselves still work fine. Nuisance stuff.

• 

  Found On Road Dead - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By GACop - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a ford man, but this truck really stinks. Bought it slightly used at the dealership. Have had the transmission worked on a total of 3 times since i got it. Had the alternator replaced. The harness for the headlights burned out. The lights in the dash quit working. EGR valve replace way too early, Twice.

• 

  WORST GAS MILEAGE IVE EVER SEEN! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 7774u - May 23 - 2:00 am

  We have the V-8 XLT in 2WD and it seems to only get 8-12mpg (if we are lucky). The ride is stiff and unpleasant for long trips. Over taking a car on the California freeways becomes a chore with this SUV, it makes more noise than it speeds up. Most of the plastic trim on the interior seems to look cheap as the dash seems to not fit together after a while. I will admit I like the trunk. It does give you more than enough space with out folding down the rear seats. The rear heat, air, and stereo controls are perfect. Head room is also a plus. The feeling of the brake pedal becomes one with you giving you a sense of great stopping power.

• 

  Not a fun car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By jillers - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car and cant wait to trade it in for something else. I have had it for 3 months now and thought that it would grow on me. It doesnt. I get passed on the freeways all of the time cause it has no power. For some reason the exhaust goes into the car when you turn on the aircon. What is with that? It looks like a sporty little zippy car but it is not. I am going today to trade it in for something else. I hate this car.