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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  Do want to be a beta tester? - 2012 Ford Focus
  By tmod700 - February 6 - 8:15 am

  I purchased this car about 3 weeks ago and after a few days the transmission would shudder when leaving from a stop, I took it back to the dealer and they confirmed what I was feeling was indeed a shudder. The dealer called Ford and Ford stated it was normal. How many potential purchasers would want a vehicle that shudders on takeoff? Anyway so I got a call from Ford Customer Service today if you want to call it that and the only reply I would get from the agent was it was normal. I was told it was a isolated incident that affected some vehicles. Ok so it is a isolated incident only affecting some vehicles how can it be classified as normal?

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  NO START DEAD Battery - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daydreme - February 2 - 4:03 am

  It is a cute car and comfortable if a single passenger is the primary occupant maybe 1 child anymore and its very tight - its not very well designed for a female. no where near enough compartments for all the items we need to carry for our children so everyday needs just ends loose all the back seat. I like how Toyota and Honda has little closed compartments on the dash.

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  Transmission problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Frank Grimes - February 1 - 6:16 pm

  The SportTrac is a decent vehicle and served me well over a five year period. The trucks versatility and mix of luxury and ruggedness allowed it to handle most situations well. The windshield is prone to cracking when operating the defrosters in cold weather. There are a few sensors that have a tendency to fail. However, my biggest issue with the truck came at 95,000 miles when the automatic transmission ceased to function. The truck was well maintained, so the failure was quite a surprise. After much research, and expense, I found that this was common among these trucks. The automatic transmission has design flaws. Beware the blinking "O/D Off" light of death.

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  Fun To Have! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Melissa1 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable vehicle. Has allot of room for children. The drive is a little bumpy at times and takes a little while to get use to.

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  After Driving the Ford Escape, I kept Looking - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Klint Anderson - January 20 - 9:58 pm

  The cargo area is ok in size but the rear seats have no leg room. The front passenger seat sits too high and I felt like I was up against the headliner (Im 511"). Other compact SUVs offer more features as standard than the Escape which drives the Escapes price up fast.

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  Always in the Shop - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Redridinghood - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Focus is a piece of JUNK! Car has been into dealership 19 times 15 of then have been recalls or warranty purposes. Have had 9 recalls already! Car has 59,140km on it. Rear axle assembly has been done, both front stablizer links replaced, brake calipers froze, car shook at high speeds. Springs were not properly in control arms, caused clunk. Clutch spring done twice. Car stalls occasionally, still not fixed. Car RPMs fluctuate when stopped causing car to shake at stops. Two wheel covers replaced, wiper arms had to be tightened. Rear wheel bearings and seals replaced. The list goes on and on. Stay away from the focus it is nothing but hassles.

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  Not bad - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By heaven4 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I am somewhat impressed with my new EB expedition, but I am guessing I should have went with the Denali. No big problems so far just the overall ride is way off, truck is big and feels so in the ride area.

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  A little disappointed - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mary A - January 6 - 6:06 am

  We traded a 2003 Ford Explorer for a 2006 Fusion to obtain better fuel efficiency, however this was a big mistake. We are only averaging about 19-20 mpg with the Fusion, but have sacrificed a significant amount of space. Our Explorer was roomy and held 7 passengers. The Fusion is small and even with buying the V6 SEL loaded, it is missing some of my favorite luxury features. Also, we purchased the fusion in May 06, then in July 06, Ford offered an extended warranty to all the 2006 models purchased after mid July. What a slap in the face to those of us who took a chance and bought Fords first year model Fusion!

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  2012 Ford Focus DO NOT BUY - 2012 Ford Focus
  By westgadawg - January 3 - 1:59 am

  6000 Miles. The car has been in the shop a total of 26 days. The tranny was rebuilt 2 times on the first trip in to service before it was replaced on the trip in. The software for the entire car has been reflashed on both trips to the service dept. The car wont idle at low speeds and the the car will shut down for no reason. This car is a safety hazard and will eventually get someone killed. It is a shame because the car could have been a great asset to Ford instead Ford puts out a piece of crap and refuses to admit they have a problem with this car. Save yourself a headache. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  Quality is NOT job 1 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RK in PA - December 26 - 5:56 am

  I bought my Eddie Bauer 4.6L Explorer new and have been the vehicles only owner. The engine is powerful. The vehicle is roomy, comfortable and stylish. However, reliability has been horrible. The 4X4 and transmission especially have been consistent problems. Ford has been unresponsive. Ford replaced the 4X4 transfer case to correct a defect, but only after being directed to do so by an arbitration board. The differential failed catastrophically after 45,000 miles, posing a safety hazard and necessitating a >$1000 repair. Ford took no responsibility. For a vehicle that cost $40,000, it has been a major disappointment.