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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  Yellow Focus Looks Like, No, IS a Lemon! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By NoFocus - November 1 - 8:13 pm

  My 2001 ZX3 was the latest of 8 Fords Ive had. At 500 miles the engine was acting like it wasnt getting enough fuel. It ran rough between 2300-3000 RPMs. I felt this most in 3rd gear. I went to the dealer and they didnt find a problem. I returned to the dealer at 750 miles and they said this was a known problem with the onboard computer and as soon as a new program was available they would "Flash" the new program to the computer. 9 months later, still no fix. I just filed with the State of Texas for assistance under the Lemon Law. I like this car, but if Ford wants me to keep me as a customer they need to replace this lemon. If not, Ill be on the waiting list for the new Mini Cooper S.

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  Get a new trans! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By TJ351 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Have had problems with the trans from day one! First two times to a dealer they say they cant find a problem. Third time I find out there is a TSB to replace the torque converter etc. That lasted all of 3,000 miles before the trans started to act up again. (very poor shifts, slippage, noise from trans). Oh yeah, and the vibration at 75mph is a pain after a few hours on the highway.

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  Poor Quality Ruins An Otherwise Good Product - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Lovecars - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I wanted to be among the first in my neighborhood to get the new 2016 Explorer and so I did. Now I will be among the first not to get another one as my lease is up soon. Here are the problems Ive had which are driving my decision:check engine light goes on at 300 miles, take to dealership, they say its fixed, then it goes back on again. Take it back to dealership, they get it to turn off, then it goes back on again. Now it has remained off. Side auto retract mirrors are a great idea, unfortunately they now creak like haunted house stairs when they retract. Power windows chatter when you press the down button. Dashboard periodically whistles and its not the a/c, its something else. Out of the clear blue, when you lock the door, the drivers seat moves to a fully reclined and fully lifted position, the mirrors move to a weird setting. Lastly, the seats suck. Very uncomfortable and cheap-feeling leather which is showing a lot of wear after only 25,000 miles. It feels like you are sitting on instead of in the seats. Very poor thigh support and I am only about 6 feet tall.

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  Contour (Recallour) - 1998 Ford Contour
  By zx2 - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Our contour is a gl v6 sport. This car is the king of recalls and is very unreliable. Check engine light is always comming on. Transmission shifts to abruptly. Sunroof most of the time does not work. Ride is to harsh and too much engine noise. Engine is always making growling sounds especially at low speeds. Duratech does not feel as powerful as its 170 hp rating. Paint scratches easily, flimsy car. Drinks alot of gas. Really glad they dont make this troublesome model anymore, think early 80s american car. If yours runs good you probably have a 4 cylinder or hardly drive.

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  Blown head gasket, etc. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Trading it in - October 30 - 2:00 am

  1st year: Dealership ripped me off: water pump, fuel pump, 2 starters (defective parts), keyless entry DOA, various hoses and the coin holder is holding the previous owners pennies hostage. Dealership had it longer than I did the first month. 2nd year: Since then: replaced radiator, 1 starter, replaced 1 brake light, a/c died, radio is losing it too, blown head gasket and 2 other leaks, at least one of us has carbon monoxide poisening, tranny is leaking, 6 mn. old radiator leaking. Dealership has it now and for me to repair it will turn it upside down! Consumer reports did not say anything about a defective head gasket!

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  TYPICAL FORD - 1999 Ford Contour
  By MC2775 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The only good thing about this car is the V6 power. Other than that its a typical Ford, 7 alternators in the last three years, squeaky doors, faulty fan/ac switch, and terrible night vision with headlights. Its obviously a another cheap disposable car except for the good reliable V6 engine. I wont buy another Ford car ever again, a truck maybe.

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  Big Eddie - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By L. Redden - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 97 Eddie Bauer Edition. Its never failed to start...unless it gets wet. The 5.4 pulls strong. I have had MORE than enough problems out of this SUV. Leaky sunroof, leaky windshield,the rack and pinion squeaks when turing, the "premium" stereo isnt premium,the amp for the rear sub no longer works, the AWD system engauges hard, the steering absolutely SUCKS, I have replaced the shocks, A arms on the front, brake rotors, window regulator, and my keyless entry/alarm doent work anymore, and a new rear wiper motor, my power mirros no longer work either. All these problems and ONLY 75K Ive always owned Honda products and never had any of these problems.

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  lemon - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Browns - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a 98 Ford Taurus that I have put over $2k in already! I just found out that the head gaskets need to be replaced which would run me another $1k! For only having 62,000 miles on my car, I shouldnt be having this many problems. I am very unhappy with the quality of this vehicle!

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  not again - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jay jackson - October 22 - 2:00 am

  this truck rides stiff and makes alot of noise will not own another ford.

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  Looked good.. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Michael Nevettie - October 19 - 4:48 pm

  Traded in my 2015 Focus SE (sometimes lagging downshift acceleration, poor stereo) for a 2016 Titanium Hatchback. Persistent pull or drift to the left at times exacerbated by braking. Had grey goo on my sunroof, broken piece of plastic found in glove box on unknown origin. Slight squeak upon starting, rattle in in right front, sunroof buttons too small to push, tire (hum) noise, drivers seat is power but the back will not independently recline (no lever), Sony stereo needs more precise mids & highs adjustments.