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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  2013 piece of crAP - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Dee - April 28 - 11:45 pm

  Please save yourself a headache stay away from Ford. Have a 2013 Ford fiesta on the 3rd catalyst converter Radio doesnt work had software updated worked 1 day On my 4th set of tires also having throttle replaced who knows whats next. Spare yourself the trouble.

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  Defective Car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Sandra Cisneros - April 28 - 11:23 pm

  I would not recommend this car to anybody. I bought a ford fiesta 2013 two years ago and since then it has been at the dealership for the transmission clutch. This is the 3rd time the clutch will be replaced. It hesitates and shutters. Overall, I feel like I threw my money down the drain, I bought extended warranty but what if I didnt buy the warranty? I would be paying some dollars to fix it. I dont understand why Is Ford isnt doing nothing to fix this issue. Us consumers are losing money.

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  Piece of junk!!!!!!!! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Petty - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The first and LAST time I will ever own a Ford. On average it goes into the shop every 3,000 - 4,000mi. Transmission went bad at 25,000mi, and then two more times after that. Ball joints replaced 15 times, 2 leaf springs broke while driving down the road. Numerous electrical problems. Tailgate doesnt open properly. not enough room to list every problem! NEVER BUY A FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have owned 3 Subarus, and I never have to fix a thing.!!!!!!!!!!

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  DONT BUY FORD - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dustang - March 3 - 8:25 am

  First and last FORD Ill never buy a Ford again! I agree with everything the editor said in his review about the mustang, its a really nice car for the first 5,000 miles or so. Check out the TSB service bulletins for the mustang before you buy one! Many problems, engine misfire, water leaks by the buckets from dashboard, auto tranny failures,cant fill gas tank,and Ford is the worst at fixing the problems. They give it the sunshine treatment for the expensive problems until your warranty is up. I have replaced the trans, a/c comp, alternator, 3-batteries, power steering pump, and more!

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  My Back Hurts - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Joe - February 27 - 3:47 am

  The "drivers seat is a nightmare" compared to sitting in my 2010 model. It is comparable to sitting on a wooden box and I am uncomfortable even on short drives. The adjustments do not help. The seat cushion is about 6 inches to short which leaves my legs in the air and puts pressure on my back. I feel discomfort almost immediately. What a shame that somebody thought it was a good idea to ruin the excitement of having a new car. I dont even care about the other options. I cant get past how uncomfortable it is. What a mistake.

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  Dont get caught in the trap - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By thisismyreview - February 25 - 10:00 am

  O gosh, here it goes. Ford...fixed or repaired daily. Ford...found on road dead. Could these cars get any worse? As you can see i dont drive that much. Its a 2000 with 23k miles on it. I drive to work and the kids around sometimes. Random lights start blinking at times, the car just stalls. The mechanic said its the battery...yea right. The mechanics have no idea what they are doing. The cars little lights on the dash go off and on all the time. Electrical problem Ay? The transmisson gives me neck snapping volts that give me headaches. Dont invest your money in these cars.

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  Last US truck I will ever own - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By LA24 - February 20 - 5:05 pm

  I got this truck with only 6000 miles on it. It has been nothing but problems here are some. Wheel bearings 10000 miles, endless ignition problems nobody can get it to run right 4 different shops, hubs 29000 miles and i rarely use 4 wheel, front u joints 60000 miles, steering wheel locked up, electrical problem, brake seal 65000, sensors relaced, heater stuck on hot, always some sort on electrical problems. This truck is junk. Dont buy.

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  Reliable as an 85 Hyundai - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Justin B. - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 Mustangs, a 00 V6 which had no problems, and a 01 GT which was towed 7 times (in 1.5 years), had the T45 trans replaced (trans seized at 50, which shattered the clutch. It felt like Id jammed the brakes on at max strength, Im lucky I wasnt in traffic. Warranty was denied cost me 4500), the car refused to start 5 times (in 4 of the cases the engine wasnt turning over, battery only died once), torque converter failed, a fuel pump gave out, brakes (disks) needed to be replaced. Also note the steering wheel can lock in such a way that a pin blocks the key from turning, if this happens to you try turning the steering wheel until it lets you turn the key.

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  MORE TROUBLE THAN WHAT ITS WORTH - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Amanda H. - January 28 - 10:11 am

  You will have to take this vehicle to the dealer for repairs numerous times. I have had to take my car in at least six times in less than two years. It has several recalls and needs several other recalls done to make it safe to drive. The transmission computer module reset had to be done on my car several times, Ford reset it twice and replaced it three times on my car. It is in again with transmission issues that was not part of the recall by they are replacing it free of charge. Parts for this vehicles have been on back order numerous times leaving me without a car for several days up to a week without a vehicle. I have several children and this car makes me afraid to transport them in the car. It will not accelerate when you need to at times. I have been getting onto the highway, pushing the gas pedal as far as it will go and it refuses to go. This car is a DANGER TO THE OWNERS AND ANYONE ON THE ROAD. There are very few good qualities about this car so it is not worth the hassle and risk. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AND TIME ON THIS CAR!!!

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  Transmission will kill you - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Tony - January 23 - 2:12 pm

  The redesigned transmission for this model is completely flawed. Been stuck on the freeway and unable to even shift my car into neutral to move it two separate times. The Ford delearships have refused or been unable to permanently fix it. The resale value of the car is now garbage and i will have to eat the cost for trade-in. My car was bought certified pre-owned with 6k miles on it and had transmission problems from the beginning. Ford has lied to its consumers about this car and its going to get people killed. Dont buy and stop considering this car..