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:

• 

  I GOT A LEMON - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By frank defrank - December 25 - 10:00 am

  WHEN MY 2002 EXPLORER REACHED 30,000 MILES, THE FOLLOWING WENT WRONG WITHIN 6 MONTHS: 1) BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT TOOK 5 VISITS BEFORE THE PROBLEM OF NOISE AND VIBRATION WAS DETECTED. 2) THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. COULD NOT PUT TRUCK IN PARK. 3) BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. 4) REAR DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A LEAK. 5) PLASTIC ON REAR DOOR CRACKED TWICE FROM COLD WEATHER. 6) WHEEL VIBRATED AND HAD TO BE CORRECTED. ALL WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE UNDER "LEMON LAW"

• 

  What a Disappointment - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Phil R - December 18 - 1:40 pm

  I bought this V6 5 speed as a replacement for a 2002 V6 5 speed that I really love. (I still have the 2002, now driven by my son.) The 05 is a huge disappointment: the drive train constantly knocks, clunks, growls, and whines. (The 02 does none of this). The dealer agreed that it is bad; replaced the transmission with no improvement, and now tells me its normal and Ill just have to live with it. Maybe the automatics are better, but DO NOT buy this car with a manual transmission unless you like lots of noise.

• 

  Blackies been a good boy - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lcattivera - December 18 - 1:26 pm

  i have always been a GM man, but after repeated fuel pumps and little gremlins in my last three Chevys, I stepped into my first Ford truck. I loved the design and looks from the start. Nice smooth ride compared to S-10 Blazers. Love the smooth shift while accelerating. Has good power when you are stupid enough to floor it and watch the fuel gauge drop. Overall, Blackie has been good dependable truck. Good styling, handy 4 doors, great stereo/6 cd changer, and love to open that rear window. I have 87,000 miles on him. I keep him garaged and drive him daily. I have had problems with repeated engine light, brakes, uneven tire wear, rattles.

• 

  2003 Ford Exporer XLT 4.0l 4x4 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JBGrant - December 17 - 10:00 am

  2003 Ford Exporer XLT 4.0l 4x4 Delfi Automotive employee fleet vehicle 1 year old, 33,200 miles Problems/Repairs: -Tailgate cracks down the center. The tailgate on this car is of exceptionally poor, weak design. Hairline crack expanded with heavy winter. Entire tailgate rebuilt. -Defective Differential Differential was whining loudly between 45 and 65 mph. Differential replaced. -Noisy shocks Have not had this checked out yet; when shocks extend/compress, a squeak and vibration is produced from at least 3 of 4. -Door tensioners lose Door tensioner (both sides) bolts were not properly torqued, had to be tightened.

• 

  Great car, Sync 3 sucks - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Larry L - December 1 - 8:00 pm

  Were getting older and the 2014 Fusion was just too hard for the wife to get in and out of. The Escape Titanium was a perfect fit for her and even me at 64", I have zero issues getting in and out. Leather seats are comfy and it doesnt hurt to drive it any distance. The Sony stereo system sounds wonderful although the controls are a little much. While some of the controls are on the steering wheel, youll want to set the radio before you drop it in gear- trust me. Ride for the size of the car is decent, no apparent body rattles. It is not a quiet ride but tolerable, depending on the asphalt youre driving on. Brakes work great. The 2.0 EB engine is a power house in this platform. Great acceleration. Gas mileage for the first run was a little over 30 at speeds from 65 to 85 hiway in rolling hills. I would strongly suggest the Blind Spot monitor. There is a huge blind spot on the drivers side but the monitor is fabulous for letting you know theres a car there you wont find in the side mirror. Our biggest complaint- Sync 3. All we use is a phone- no data, no texting, no streaming, just a phone yet our Smart phones wont work with it, we have to buy new, certain model phones for it to work. Ford has a list of compatible phones that we now have to go out to buy. Hands free phone in Texas is a requirement, not an option so until we buy new phones, we cant use the same phones in this car like we did in the 2014 Fusion....kinda stupid on Fords part. Had we known this, we probably would not have bought the car. So if you are buying, Id check out your phones compatibility before signing a contract. Research "Sync 3 phone compatibility" which will give you a Ford Sync website with the list.

• 

  Ford Warranty Sham - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By No_More_Fords - December 1 - 3:05 am

  So after purchasing a 2016 Mustang GT, the paint on horozontal surfaces was found to have numerous defects resulting from an unknown source and was reported to the dealer within several days of the purchase. Two months into ownership Ford has taken the position the paint is not covered and has rejected the dealers warranty repair plan. This vehicle has only 400 miles on it and Ford is playing this game. Needless to say, having purchased approximately 18 new vehicles in the past 20 years, Ford can now forget about getting any more business from me and my family. I would encourage anybody purchasing a new car, go with any OEM other than Ford!!

• 

  REAL truck wanted - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By CityslickerFramhand - November 30 - 2:00 am

  An OK mom-mobile; kids in a true back seat with room for an antique chest in the toy-sized bed. 4.0 L engine: disappointing 16-17 mpg even with the 5-speed manual tranny, especially considering my 1991 5-spd Explorer DID get 20mpg. Still annoying: Fords windshield washer first wipes dry glass, THEN squirts fluid. New annoyance: Fords making AC cycle in all positions except heat-to-floor; no "fresh air to face."

• 

  Dont Buy Unless.... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dont Buy Unless - November 19 - 2:46 pm

  I now have 17,624 miles on my 2004 F-150 4x4 quad cab with Lariat package. I would not suggest buying one unless you would enjoy: 1. At 6000 miles hearing the interior start to rattle like its coming apart every time you go over a bump. 2. Having to replace the brake rotors at your own expense at 12,000 miles because they get warped and the dealer says you must be "driving it too hard". Actually you have to upgrade the rotors to vented ones at a cost of about $800 or the problem will keep coming back. 3. Getting an average, per the vehicles own computer, 13.5 mpg. 4. Feeling underpowered when towing less than half the trucks stated towing capacity.

• 

  The mother ship - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By teacher man - November 18 - 10:20 am

  This car is old fashioned boat anchor technology but it cranks and goes reliably every time. Fuel mileage is respectable for the size and weight of the vehicle 18-20 city/suburban 22-27 highway. They dont build them like this anymore and for that we should be both sad and grateful. Sad because it is a very reliable car and great on long distance road trips. Grateful because this car is navigated more than driven and is a festival of squeaks and rattles. Resale value tanks early so if you buy one plan to drive the wheels off it.

• 

  Great Deal - Poor driver comfort - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rel7997 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I got the SE model without the adjustable petals. I find that the seat, pedal distance, and pedal location all add up to make my ride uncomfortable even for short distances. There is just something about it that isnt right. Maybe it is my height (I am 58) but still, it doesnt seem that it was designed to completely put the driver at ease. I have to prop my thigh up with a small towel to give me the distance and height that I need. Besides this, I do feel that the car is a great deal. You get a whole lot of car for not much money. You may not get the performance and build quality of others cars, but it is worth the price.