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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  BIG BLUE DULL BUT RELIABLE - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By TMR - April 14 - 2:00 am

  My desire was for high visibility and easy access. Couldnt afford an SUV so bought a basic Ford Ranger. Im 63" and the cab and bench seat give the comfort of a full-size vehicle. Should have gotten speed control for longer drives (legroom is barely adequate for me) but Big Blue is a city truck and llong term comfort and fuel economy isnt a concern. The truck has had one major tune up and regular oil changes. Nothing else. The 97 2WD 4cyl Ranger is reportedly a reliable vehicle and has been so for me. No electrical issues. Its not been driven a lot but regularly and has never failed. Its a solid and dependable basic set of wheels.

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  Build Quality an Issue - 2001 Ford Focus
  By MattrSIU - April 12 - 2:00 am

  2001, bad year for the Focus. Build quality issues. Simple things like rivets and screws, failing or missing entirely. 36,000 mile warranty not near enough for scary quality issues. Fuel economy is not as advertised. Expect 20-25mpg, not 30+.

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  Average car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By francisco de Paula - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, Economy and Fun to drive could be improved. Good Reliability.

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  Cheap! Dont buy! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Jeremy Fish - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Worst investment weve ever made. The engine sounds horrible, weve taken it back 5 times now to have them fix the dome light because it decides to come on and go off when it wants to, and they still havent figured out what it is. The radip has quit multiple times. The bass gave out after a year, and the steering wheel has faded after 1 month. The roof rack shouldve come with a warning that it was only there for DECORATION since we put something on it and it broke! The cruise control quite after a week!

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  Its a Ford - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By CoveredWagon - April 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought our explorer with 35k and it now has 109k. It creaks, squeaks, rattles, and bangs like a covered wagon. Interior fit and finish is horrible. Door handles break off, the sunroof leaks, pwr windows stopped working. However, as long as you run super unleaded and do regular maint it hums like a sewing machine. The normal mech repairs were cheap to accomplish and it is plenty roomy. It has gotten the job done with very little excitement but also at very little cost.

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  Watch out for the transmission - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By unhappy Callifornian - April 6 - 3:00 am

  My transmission shop call the truck the "exploder." He loves them, because they bring him so much business. According to this mechanic, Ford used the Falcon transmission with the six, and a better transmission with the 8. My truck is a six. I have had one entire rebuild and a major repair for a cost of approx $3500. The transmission is going into fail safe again. Dont know how much it will cost this time. Truck has 190,000 miles. This works out to a major transmission repair every 65,000 miles. The ventilation system doesnt work properly. The truck will get stuck 4 wheel drive low. It will be a long time before I buy another Ford product.

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  Engine Dies at Highway Speed - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By steveou - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I was going 30 mph and the car totaly died. No steering, no brakes. No control of the car! Luckly, I was not in heavy traffic and did not crash. Morally, I am better off selling the two air bags, relatively new tires, battery, sterio, and getting $50 from a scrap yard too tow it away. If I was on the 405 freeway (Los Angeles), I most likely would be dead. I would not buy any Ford car based upon this engine. Your life or a kids life, is not worth taking a chance on this problematic series of Ford cars.

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  Should have bought the Highlander - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Disappointed - April 4 - 9:33 am

  I read all the reviews, drove most vehicles in this SUV/truck market and bought the escape because of the mileage and tales of better performance. Im not getting it, only 25 mpg. Im here to tell you buy a Toyota Highlander IF: you live out west and travel faster then 60, you want more cargo space and a better interior with more convience or you have anything to tow or haul. The 4 cyl gas engine and weak electric just dont cut it, it has to run at too high RPMs above 60 mph to deliver the mileage; in Montana the limit is 75! Last trip at that speed I got 22 mpg! Very disappointed! Everything else I read about it both good & bad has been listed by others; especially plug it in.

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  Extreme disappointment - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By disappointed - April 4 - 1:20 am

  I have had nothing but problems with the vehicle performance. I am sure I was sold a lemon. I love the looks of the Sport Trac, but the rest of the vehicle is another story. Very hard idling, almost stalling, sputtering down the road, malfunctioning windows, turn signals and seat belts. Hope all of you have better luck than I.

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  Excellent purchase, until... - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ephus - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar ran flawlessly for 5 years, since then the transmission was replaced twice and the engine once. After the engine was replaced it has been impossible to keep the A/C charged and running well. Otherwise, the past 2- 3 years have been relatively problem free. Its my wifes car. Now she says: No more Fords.