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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  slytaurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By sly - December 11 - 2:00 am

  transmission terrible, bad on gas. very popular car for the price

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  Ticking Bomb Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Slee - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My first impressions were overall good though the fit and finish of the car when new bothered me a bit cause it was kind of shoddy from the carpet to plastic mouldings all around in the interior. Had to replace front brakes at 29,000 miles. The electrical system from the interior lights, doors and ignition have been problematic since the beginning and the transmission kinda of thumpy. I feel since am just out of warranty very vulnerable to the historical tranny problems and weighing my options. Overall quality and relability issues experienced first hand want me to sell ASAP and reduce losses.

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  Short range, poor shifting troublemaker - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ToddfromKY - December 9 - 2:00 am

  12 gallons of fuel and 20 mpg to make this the poorest range of any vehicle I have owned. These wont go over 50,000 mils on a transmission. While it is roomy and rides well, it is noisy and the poor fit of interior components makes for lots of squeaks and rattles. Buy it cheap, drive it hard, and sell it before it needs a transmission.

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  My lemon-Ranger nightmare - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By lemon_ranger - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its always in the shop. The compressor turns on and off so fast that it makes a loud rattling noise. The inept Ford mechanics have no idea how to fix it..Ive had it to multiple dealerships. I sued ford and they settled... now it has problems starting. Im never buying a Ford again. Beware...buy an import itll hold its value better and be more reliable. Toyota would be my next choice.

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  Overrated - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Gary - December 7 - 8:43 pm

  The milage ratings are overstated. 19.5 mpg is the best it gets. The lightness of the aluminum body lends to instability, both in the wind and during towing, along with being easier to dent. I was a Ford person for most of my life (owned more than 10) but owned a Dodge and a Honda since my last one. After owning my current F150, I am reminded that poor quality and unreliability is why I switched and todays poor quality is why I shant own another. There are just too many good vehicles made today to put up with Fords petty and persistent failings. At less than 23,000 miles, the speedometer quit working. Cruise control same story. The Dodge had almost 200K miles and the Honda 268K and none of the chicken s#@+ things happened like this Ford has had. Uncomfortable and hard to maintain the cleanliness of the cab (the fabric stains easily) is also annoying. All in all, (as you can see) I am not happy with Ford.)

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  Done at 3 years & 75K - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By smi6375 - December 7 - 10:56 am

  Lots of problems. Transmission lurches, rotor failures, rear hatch latch, poor CD player, dashboard electronics failures. Now electrical problems causing the car to die hard on the road. Took the dealer 3 days to find & fix a number of electrical problems due to worn/corroded wires & contacts. Yikes! This after only 3 years & 75K on hwy and in garage. Selling it while I still can...

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  If I knew then what I know now - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sasha - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love/hate relationship with this car. Its been at the dealership 15 times for all kinds of repairs. I cant get rid of it, since its resale value is really low. I am stuck with a car I dont want. Ford put a bitter taste in my mouth. I think newer models are much better.

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  If I knew then what I know now - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Sasha - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love/hate relationship with this car. Its been at the dealership 15 times for all kinds of repairs. I cant get rid of it, since its resale value is really low. I am stuck with a car I dont want. Ford put a bitter taste in my mouth. I think newer models are much better.

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  Quality and engine disappoints - 2001 Ford Focus
  By doorg_reater - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven over 25k miles in my ZTS. Problems so far included: squeaky dash replaced at 5k, squeaky rear brakes replaced at 17k, broken alternator at 17k, seized rear wheel bearing at 23k. Current problem is with too low idle - engine almost died a few times. Persistent problem is weak engine in hot-dry weather.

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  The not so reliable F-150 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By rdleisey - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my F-150 new in 02/97. To date I have spent over $4000.00 in maintenance and repair costs at my local ford dealership. After sinking $2800.00 in the truck over the last 40,000 miles and then having starting problems I was told that the head gasket on the truck was blown and it would need a new engine at a cost of 0ver $3500.00. So, buyers beware, not all ford F-150s are created equal.