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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  00 Ford Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By owltruck - February 26 - 8:06 pm

  Id avoid this vehicle and all FORD products. Apparently theres an issue with blowing spark plugs which costs upwards of $5k to repair including replacing the head unit. Always seems to be one issue after another, odd repairs have put our vehicle out of service roughly 30 - 40 days in the past few years.

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  Ford has many Transmission Problems. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By David lee - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford and 2nd Winstar. Ford is not reliable. Real gabbage. So many litte problem. Especially TRANSMISSION problems four of five cars.(two 93 Taurus within 24000 miles, 2000 Windstar 35000 miles, 96 Widstar 130000 miles). Other one(95 Taurus) calibers problem in the rear wheel just after 36000 miles cost me many hundreds miles and came out same problem again 90000 miles. Try not to buy Ford. Many Ford Rebate brought me to buy these cars but I was penny wise dollar stupid.

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  Fords Junk - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jerry - February 15 - 11:03 am

  Warning do not buy this vehicle. I have driven Fords for years. Never again. replaced fuel pump and fuel tank and now I am being told I need to replace the clutches. on a vehicle that has 50,000 miles on it.

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  My lemon Ford ...and Im not talking about a color - 2014 Ford Focus
  By cinncy.ohio - January 24 - 5:08 pm

  I have had repeated transmission issues with the Focus. The third time is certainly not a charm :( Both the dealership where it was purchased, and papa "Ford" do not stand behind the product they sell. Turn away now and run...dont look back, just keep running. This is not a safe car and once they have you hooked...its your problem and not theirs. This is an update post Since writing the previous review. I was almost seriously injured in this car, when changing lanes and accelerating. The car jumped forward, then shuttered and almost stalled. The truck from the opposite lane just narrowly missed hitting me. I took the car to a different Ford dealership, since the last one was less than honest. The transmission module and clutch were replaced (note this is now the second clutch replacement) and reprogrammed it. Then about 2 weeks later, I receive a notice from Ford regarding the transmission and potential failure....just a wee bit late...and a 10 year extended, transferable warranty. Although the new dealership had much better service, the problem continues to persist. The car has been reprogrammed about every 2-3 months. I really dont want my problems extended for 10 years :( Ford doesnt care about customer service or satisfaction. (Oh, and now there is a recall for a door latch issues.)

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  Never buy a Ford again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Chris - January 19 - 10:34 pm

  I grew up in a Ford city and a Ford family. Locks and doors dont work consistently, Check engine light is on constantly despite several thousand dollars and trips to multiple dealers an independent finally told me Ford used inferior parts in the intake manifold, Ford is aware and has published tech bulletins but wouldnt offer to help. The dealers dont care anymore. Do not buy a Ford. I also bought a Lincoln LS, I got tired of visiting it and traded it for a BMW which has been extremely reliable.

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  Beware - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jc - January 8 - 9:55 pm

  I traded in a 97 Silverado for this truck. It was a serious mistake. I went from a 5.7L engine to the 5.4L and my mileage was 1/2. The power was much greater in the Silverado, and the ride was outstanding. The F-150 shakes at each stop, even with that big V8, the defrost and a/c seriously effect the engine. The plastic in the interior is cheap, and the seats are uncomfortable. My truck has the tow package, and with pulling a small Boy Scout trailer the trucks performance was greatly effected. My truck only has 63,000 miles on it. Best suggestion, look to another manufacturer for a better truck.

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  Junk Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sst338 - December 5 - 6:27 pm

  I have 71,000 miles on my truck and it is falling apart. Have gone through 4 sets of tires. Have had to replace both front rotors and calipers, rear also (the right front exploded on me when I had to hit he brakes hard on the freeway) and Ford wouldnt not warranty them with 21,000 miles on the truck. The 4WD part is terrible off road, it might work in the city but stinks in the real world! Plus the motor wont pull anything, and the transmission has been slipping since 40,000 miles. The dealer says it normal and nothing is wrong.

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  JUNK - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MAURICIO MARTINEZ - December 2 - 2:00 am

  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY. THIS IS A TRULY PIECE OF JUNK. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHIN THE FIRST 5,OOO MILES. OXYGEN SENSOR WENT OUT TWICE. REAR AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACE AFTER 20,000 MILES. VERY LOW QUALITY INTERIOR TRIM. PROBLEMS WITH HOOD, SEATS, TIRES, SUSPENSION, BRAKES LOTS OF NOISE, BAD GAS MILEAGE, NO POWER.

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  Throttle body died, keep away from this car - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By JY - November 8 - 8:48 am

  My 2016 explorer throttle body just died today on a busy highway. Car speed dropped suddenly from 60 to 20 mph. It was so dangerous. The car has only been driven for about 7,700 miles. Tolled to a dealer and was told there are almost three weeks of backorder for the part. I guess there are a lot of cars that have the same problem. No loaner car was given and I had to pay for my rental car.

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  Very Disappointing - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Fooled Only Once - November 6 - 2:00 am

  The transmission went at 27,000 miles, had to be totally rebuilt, was without car for 4 days with no loaner. Tires were down to steel belt and had to be replaced at 27K at my own expense (not covered under warranty). Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, my electric door locks and windows would not function, the handle on the back (inner deck of wagon) fell off (screws were missing, never put on in factory I was told), but again had to be without transportation while being fixed. I purchased this Ford because I thought at the time Ford built a quality car...and I would have reliable transportaion, I was sadly mistaken.