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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  Not what I expected - 1995 Ford Escort
  By danguy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car needing something to haul stuff in. While the car has been okay it has not lived up to my expectations. The paint on the rear bumper is badly oxidized and both rear seat belts stopped retracting after 3 years of owning it. Ford was no help in trying to get them fixed. The sprayers on the front windshield wipers wont stay in place. Worst experience has been dealing with Ford dealer and Ford help line. Id think twice before buying a Ford again.

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  transmission troubles - 2012 Ford Focus
  By reedleo - May 25 - 11:10 pm

  I have >9,000 miles on my 2012 Focus with the dual-clutch automatic. I am not bothered by the backward roll on hill starts or the pulsing from dead stop, but it does have some real issues. 4 times now, driving in the S mode, when rolling through a low speed right turn then hitting the gas, all I get are revs and no power. I have to drive in S mode at low speed, because the shift points of the D mode are too low rpm (for max fuel economy no doubt) and the car shudders before it downshifts when given the gas. Also the tranny makes a lot of clatter noise in the 1-2 and 3-4 transitions, while being smooth as silk in all others.

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  Some Good; some bad - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By smokingpizza - May 22 - 3:50 am

  Moved from an Eddie Bauer Expedition to a fully loaded Escape Hybrid. Ford understands large people (Im 64" 300 lbs) and the Escape is comfortable. Mileage is good, but not as good as expected. Ranging 25-28 mpg. Performance with the boost from the electric motor is good, but the CVT takes some getting used to; it revs motor much higher than Im used to on acceleration and engine whine is loud. Handles well for an SUV. Things I had on the Expedition that I miss more than I thought I would: temp control air/heat, exterior keypad on door, memory seats/mirrors/pedals, and storage room. Probably would not buy again for reasons stated under suggested improvements.

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  Transmission Woes - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By wirtaw - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Transmission failed at 48000 miles. Found out that this is not isolated, but have found over 75 people who had the same problem at about this mileage. This is a standard problem with the Ford Taurus model dating back to 1991. The car is well designed and drove nicely until that occurred. Very comfortable, but you need a transmission to drive.

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  Having second thoughts - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By i_ntmid8_u@yahoo.com - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have mixed feelings about my Mustang. Although the car is fun to drive and easy on the eyes, I have not been too satisfied. The auto insurance is sky high. I have had mechanical problems (valves rattling, car would not crank). Ford could never find out what was wrong. The gas mileage is not good. I get about 20 miles per gallon. I have 33,000 miles on my car and I just replaced the tires because they were bald. This is from normal driving. The tires are also very expensive because you have to buy performance tires. Im not trying to turn anyone off from buying the Mustang; just realize that it is a very expensive car to keep up.

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  Overpriced, overhyped piece of scrap. - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Marge Walker - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this car for me, and I was shocked to learn its a $50,000 car. For the engine I got and the styling of the ride, its worth probably half that amount. The Ford hype-machine lives on, and definitely reeled my husband in, hook-line-and- sinker.

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  Sometimes Not So Good - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By RIP - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Taurus wagon for almost 3 years having bought it used. The wipers were bad from the beginning, the alternator was a nightmare. It required frequent repair. I had always heard you either get a good one or not, I believe I was the not. However I loved being able to pile 8 kids in one car. I bought the car with 77K sold it with 105K.

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  Maintenance/Repair Nitemare - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Douglas P. Smith - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major mechanical problems after 70,000 miles. Over $2,044.08 spent on four repair occasions since 2-08-02 (I have receipts). Just had clutch assembly and slave cylinder replaced at 77,012 miles mostly highway miles). U-Joints, Ball Joints, and injectors thermostat and sensors have been replaced. I will never purchase any vehicle maufactured by this company again. I intend to make known to my friends, family and associates the problems I have experienced with this vehicle in order that they not make the same mistake I did. Obviously, Ford trucks arent built tough.

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  Good Value - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cpuuri - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I do most of the driving. Overall it has been a good value (paid less than invoice). Although, we have had a couple of problems with it: seal around the oil pan leaked at under 10k and switch for dome lights, door ajar sensor, and automatic door lock at 5 mph tends to stick. The fit and finish of the interior is cheap, and the leg room for the driver is limited by the wheel well (not a car for tall people!). It also lacks insulation from engine noise.

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  SporTrac - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jared - May 15 - 10:36 am

  Bought the vehicle out of necessity. We just had a new baby and needed bigger trunk space. Unfortunately, I traded quality for price and ended up paying for it in the end. Good power in the lower gears, so, youll get going pretty quickly, but then the power drops off quickly once you get into the upper gears. I always had an extremely hard time passing anyone above 50MPH without hammering down the gas pedal. A lot of plastic interior, comfortable seats for short drives, but horrible on your lower back on drives of 3 hours or more. SYNC feature is horrible! Even speaking slowly and clearly, Id have to repeat myself 2-3 times for the system to recognize what I was trying to say.