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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  Missed it by that much... - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Mr. Coke - July 27 - 1:47 pm

  As all new car buyers, I was looking for safety, quality, manufacture reputation, and price. My wife and I have found almost all of that in our 2009 Escape XLT. It is a good vehicle, very economical, and meets all of our needs, but I wish that it caused a little more excitement. It is just a plain, simple, vehicle. The exterior styling is fine but the interior reminds me of fish scales, and everything is made from plastic. We chose to upgrade to the leather package, but still feels like you are sitting inside of a childrenÂ’s toy. We like Fords, and will continue to buy their vehicles in the future, but just feel like Ford slightly, missed the mark with this vehicle.

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  Frustrated - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Frustrated in Iowa - July 27 - 1:25 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2005 with only 23,000 miles on it. One-owner who passed away, sold by the children to me. At about 50k miles a number of things began to go wrong with it. Every 5k miles I was repairing something (and very expensive). Finally traded it in at 70,000 miles when the parking gear started to stick. I got alot of use out of it for what I paid for it, however repairing this sucker cost me a pretty penny. It was a beautiful looking car and many people just assumed it was newer. The body style is very nice. It was great on mileage (26mpg for me), but it was terrible in the snow. Timing chain busted.

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  310000 miles & still going - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Stan - July 25 - 5:59 pm

  Have owned this truck for approx 12 years. Has 310,000 miles on it and still purrs. No AC now and other than typical maintenance no problems.

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  Love my pony! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By ponygirl - July 25 - 4:11 pm

  I bought this used in 2000 with 18,000 miles on it and it now has 112,000 miles. Just a few minor problems. At random times, it didnt want to start and after several attempts at trying to figure out what the problem was, it turns out it was in the security system. About a $300.00 fix..The only other issue is the headlights which develop a white film..I am a multi mustang owner and love this 99. My daughter now drives it and also loves it. Very fun car and comfortable for smaller individuals. All cars should be this dependable.

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  Horrible Car... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By lifeon29 - July 25 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 01 Focus used it only had 48k on it, 8 days after having it the front axel snapped, my fuel pump went out a couple months later, my timing belt went out after about 7 months both back windows motors went out after a year, the car idles and feels like its trying to die and not one mechanic can tell me why, I would never recommend this car to anyone, it is a horrible car and has left me stranded with my 3 children atleast 5 times. its poor quality for the price you pay.

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  Evap Emmisions Problems - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Rick Lovelady - July 25 - 1:01 pm

  My car has had the check engine light come on at approximately 30,000 miles with a code of p144c, Evaporative Emission Control Purge Valve. This was fixed under warranty. The same problem happened again at 61,000 miles. Thankfully I have an extended warranty. This is becoming a recurring problem. If this same issue comes up again I am not going to be a happy camper.

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  Escape the problems - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Ralph Genova - July 24 - 1:02 am

  Very reliable vehicle. Didnt do anything other than routine maintenance for the entire time I owned the vehicle.

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  Not so good - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jct - July 23 - 1:22 pm

  I bought my car in the fall of 07 6 months after i bought it, it started making a noise when i started it and turned the ac on....well i took it in to the dealer they said it was the belt so they changed it. the noise stopped for a week then came back..i took it in again they told me they couldnt figure out what was wrong...so i took it to another dealer ended up having to leave it for a week to have my tensioner pulley and ac clutch pulley replaced and my motor readjusted....a year later its making the same noise...not please with the vehicle should have keep my 05 altima way nicer car..

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  My Review - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By matt96b - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has performed quite well. I wish that it got a little better gas mileage, but it is an SUV and I get better gas mileage than I expected.

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  Good car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By crazyfocus - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is exactly what i expected for the money i spent. Good looking, fun to drive, enough interior room. No problems to report yet, after 5ooo miles.