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:

• 

  5 stars...out of 100 - 1997 Ford Escort
  By snowdozer - November 3 - 4:59 pm

  This car is a piece of junk. We went through not just one, but two cars: 97 Escort wagon, white. Same problem: the engine seized! Oil level was checked religiously. All preventative maintenance done. Welcome to the Ford family! Have I mentioned that this car is a piece of junk? Propriety prevents me from properly conveying my complete and heartfelt disgust at this putrid broken-down bucket of bolts. I would love to level both barrels of my indignation at the pinhead engineers that designed this car. Have I mentioned that this car is a piece of junk? Treat yourself right for once and DONT buy this money-burning horror show! Not one but TWO cars, both donation material now

• 

  Good car but having buyers remorse. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Sandburg - October 23 - 11:32 pm

  I am about 5 months into owning this car. I have put a little over 6,000 miles on it and it is already going into the shop for the second time due to the transmission issues. The automated manual transmissions in these focus are horrible, in my opinion. It jerks and shifts hard to the point where I hear metal grinding. This car is new. I should not be having these problems. Very disappointed in Ford to put out a car like this. I do love the look of the car and interior. The engine performance is great but its hard to enjoy the ride when your car violently shakes off the light. Would be a wonderful car if a conventional automatic transmission was used.

• 

  The Real Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Peter Farell - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Toyota Avolon but my wife has the worst 4 year old For Explorer. Ford has a bad everyting. Except while where here in Hollywood Beach, Florida it is good in the snow from when we drove it to Coldorado and it broke down 15 minutes north of us. We came back down with a rental and drove the Avolon which now has over 73000 miles on it and is brand new. The Ford is also brand new too. Our Honda Accord lasted 26 years and our old Avolon lasted 17 years . The Accord is still working with 64 millon miles on it since I used to go from Spring Lake, New Jersey to New York City everyday. The Toyota had 74 thousand miles on it.

• 

  Avoid - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By trbgensmoke - September 6 - 4:57 am

  Avoid at all costs, transmission had to be serviced 5 times in 2 years, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine has many problems. Owned for 2 years, 19,000 miles. Will NEVER buy another Ford again. I wouldnt take one if they paid me to.

• 

  run away from this truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By frank - August 20 - 12:16 pm

  I owned this truck for 12 months. It has constantly been in the shop. I will name some of the problems. INJECTORS quited, broke down on way to work, had to tow in. Shifter locked up. could not shift out of park, towed in. Fuel line cracked, had to wait two weeks for parts, TRUCK is rusting on rear panel dealer repair was just bondo. No call back from Ford customer service. every now and then truck turns off while running. I recommend waiting for the new toyota tundra this summer. or looking at Nissian. Ford is Ford and It is going the way of Montgomery Wards, Eastern Airlines, Service merchandise.

• 

  Transmission fixed 5 times! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Sue - July 30 - 4:35 pm

  I really wish I could rate this with ZERO stars! I bought the car with low mileage and was informed the transmission had a recall, but everything had been fixed! That was a total lie! The car now has a little over 60,000 miles and the transmission has been fixed 5 times! The dealership keeps giving me the run around and saying its fixed or that there is nothing wrong with it! A car shouldnt grind, shudder, jerk, etc. Just going down the highway! This vehicle is absolutely horrible and I would advise everyone to STAY AWAY from it!! Not to mention the seats are seriously uncomfortable on long trips!

• 

  Never again - 2014 Ford Focus
  By C Wayne - July 8 - 12:49 pm

  My Focus is currently waiting for its second repair of the all-too-common transmission shudder issue. The first fix (which was performed when the car was in the shop for an exploded A/C compressor) lasted about 1 week and the issue came back. I just lived with it until the other day when the car revved up and stopped moving while driving. Luckily I got into a parking lot where I checked everything I could look at out and restarted the car. It drove normally to the closest dealer who couldnt see me for days. Went to another dealer today and found it needs a new clutch and TCM. Dealer has no idea when the TCM will come in so the car sits....oh, and when the parts are in its only gonna cost $1500 to get it "fixed". Ford should be ashamed of themselves for this transmission and lack of support.

• 

  Ford Quality None - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Telrider - June 27 - 3:26 am

  My girlfriend and I both bought 2000 Ford Windstars and the front tires failed on both around 20k due bad front tire alignment from the factory. It turns out the camber control is under the engine pan where it can not be adjusted without a $175 slotting job to the pan. The dealership, Ford "Customer No Service", and the Ford area rep said that it was not covered under the 36k bumper to bumper warranty. "Ford-Ethics None"

• 

  Useless worthless piece of Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Joe monti - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  More than 10 recalls on it as of today. One problem after the other one. Had more than 10 trips to the dealership. Nothing but trouble. Will never ever even think of buying another Ford product.

• 

  Its a very expensive pile - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By abstrakt101 - June 6 - 4:36 pm

  Who would pay $30,000 for an underpowered piece of junk? Sure, theyre pretty, but where does the $30,000 come into place? You can get a BMW for the price of a Mustang. Come on people, stop wasting your money