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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  94 Ford Thunderbird V8 Cross country - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By ashlyk - December 30 - 11:45 pm

  I have had my Ford Thunderbird for about 4 years. I got it from its first owner. My mile counter broke about 3 years ago. It had 175,000 on it when it broke. Since then I have driven it back and forth from Texas to Florida 4 times and recently just drove it from Texas to Virginia. It is the most dependable car I have ever had! I have had a couple of small problems but it is worth the money that i put into it. I have gotten well worth my money out of it with how many places this car had taken me.

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  Ford KNOWS the transmission SUCKS! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By glowmomnmy - December 30 - 9:54 pm

  This is a dangerous, nightmarish, horrid and horrible vehicle. Broke down yesterday in the middle of a major highway intersection- slipped out of gear and would not get back in gear. Took 20 minutes and a lot of praying to pull it off the road. Its in the shop AGAIN- just had to replace the tranny less than 2 years ago at less than 60k miles and replaced cam shaft sensor as well just a year ago. There is a class action lawsuit out because of the trannys- but like most of my fellow co-owners, who among us has the $$$ to get the lawyers Ford has at its beck-and-call. There was no warning- just accelerated through intersection and it stopped- the motor was still on, but no gear! SCARY!!!

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  2008 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION LEAK - 2008 Ford Escape
  By mjk13 - December 30 - 2:32 pm

  Ford has changed and the corporation is focused on $$$$$ and NOT the consumer. Read reviews on the internet- they are EVERYWHERE. I just got screwed by Ford on a recall that they will no longer honor. Called Customer Service and they said to will cost $800.00! READ before you buy. I never would have said this before today, but Im now looking at a Toyota or Nissan. Its too bad Ford has gone the way and we are forced to buy non-American products. FORD you should be ashamed of what you have turned into.

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  Happy - still learning - 2011 Ford Edge
  By airdalechief - December 30 - 10:44 am

  Buy 1wk ago. Not expert, but fairly tech savvy. Fun learning MyTouch etc. Love it. Works like a charm. After 3 years driving Rav4 (V6) its a pleasure to feel solid vehicle under me again. Two complaints: 1: GPS gives only 1/10mi verbal advise of turn. INSUFFICIENT! This is a dangerous thing. Its accident waiting to happen. They need to fix this. Example: An aftermarket Magellan that I had in Rav4 gave verbals at 2mi 1/2mi & approaching. Thats how it should be done. 2. To change active phone for Sync must acccess account in PC. Not the same as Primary phone for MyTouch. You need to understand the system to know what Im saying. Simple cure, make changeable from vehicle. See Fav Features

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  Gas guzzler - 2000 Ford F-150
  By homerrocks2 - December 30 - 7:39 am

  The truck is awesome to drive and I like the high riding feeling. It also has quite a bit of power (especially when you floor it, sounds like a racecar :D). The thing is it uses gas like its water. It seems like every time we go somewhere, we stop at the gas station.

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  RIP 97 Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By homerrocks2 - December 30 - 7:34 am

  It (to me) was a very ugly car at first and I thought it was a piece of junk, but the style grew on me. I didnt realize how comfortable and nice it was until we lost her and got a ZX2 (talk about small, haha)

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  OK (at times) - 2001 Ford Escort
  By homerrocks2 - December 30 - 7:29 am

  Awesome to drive! I like the zipping around feeling from the little car and the manual transmission is the only way to go! Bought the car about 2 years ago and it is not aging well...found numerous times we have had to put patch work on it. I will say Im not sure about safety, it doesnt seem like it would hold up well in a collision but i dont know.

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  Gotta love it - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mrfilter2u - December 30 - 12:23 am

  I bought a 2001 extended cab 4x4 (fully loaded) for my daughter, after she had about a year behind the wheel. She had been driving a 2009 Mazdz 3 and was scared to drive the taller 4x4. I am hoping that she will soon learn to love this truck as much as i do. I runs really well, has every option, well kept extended cab with the 4.0 motor. CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT. WHY WANT SHE DRIVE IT? SHE WANTED A JEEP AND A 4X4 PICK UP IS THE NEXT BEST THINMG.

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  Beware of Transmission Reliability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By huemeister - December 29 - 7:32 pm

  I and my family have been avid and loyal Ford customers for many years until now. Bought the Explorer new. I was alarmed when I went to the web and the government site and saw many customers complaining about Explorer transmission failure. I called Ford Customer Relations and was met with indifference and no help. I asked for a goodwill repair or discount and they flatly refused. A transmission specialist said that Ford built a very bad transmission during that time and it is a surprise that there was no class action against them for a poorly designed transmission. I am not going to say Ill never drive another Ford, but I will shop with their competitors. We now own a Honda CRV.

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  Fords leak water - 2009 Ford F-150
  By fordsstink - December 29 - 12:21 pm

  At 40K miles rain leaked into both back doors and dribbled across the roof of the car, dripped down behind seats and puddled up their. Called the dealership and Ford, both parties said since its after 36,000 bumper to bumper the diagnosis and fix of the problem regardless of a design flaw would be the responsibilty of the trucks owner. So they want me to pay money to a Ford dealership so they can tell me how Fords design of the vehicle is flawed, then they want me to pay for the repairs. This makes no sense to me. Both the dealership and Ford did nothing to help with this situation and handled it poorly. Wouldnt buy another Ford.