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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  Transmission is horrendous - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Stephen Rust - August 8 - 4:18 pm

  I have had this Fusion back to the dealer 5 times for transmission problems. It sometimes slams into gear, stutters between gears, revs high and fails to upshift, seems like it gets confused between gears and can’t decide what gear it wants to be in. Each time the dealer says they can find nothing wrong. Give me a break. I wrote to Ford and they sent a factory technician to the dealer to check the car. Of course they said nothing is wrong. Now I am stuck with this car. I can’t sell it, since whoever buys it is going to definitely have the same problem. Never again will I buy a Ford.

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  Service Advance Traq - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Gary B. - August 8 - 9:31 am

  I purchased a F150 at the end of the year ( 2015 ) and got a great deal . About two weeks ago my truck was going 45 mph and then locked up and would go no faster then 10 mph . I turned it off and everything seem to be ok for a couple of weeks . Then it happened again and I was almost re ended . I had to drive all the way home at 10 mph . The truck lurches back and forth with the truck screen say Service Advance Traq . This truck is dangerous . It is currently at the dealer and they have determine that the throttle assembly is broken . I think it is many other problems . This is all computer related . The part is on back order ,,,, whatever that means . After the first month the truck started making engine noise and is very weak with not much pickup . The rpms rev up and the truck hardly moves . The A/C is lousy as well , It doesnt seem to work all the time . Back doors are also annoying to open and close . I had a Tundra for 8 years and I needed to get a new truck for my business . I replaced the A/C fan , tires and brakes and that s it . I had 140,000 miles on it . I needed something reliable , this Ford is a huge mistake . I paid 38k for this pile of junk . It lasted a whole 6000 miles . Im currently in a rental Ford Escape , Im so upset .

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  This Truck ROCKS! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Big Dave - August 8 - 2:00 am

  great truck

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  Not for little car owners - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 7th ford - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife had an explorer for 3 years and we wanted to upgrade to the Explorer. Wow, what a great driving SUV. We looked and Chev before we picked the Ford and the drive and comfort is not comparison. This is not for someone who is used to driving around a little Toyo, Mazda or a toy. This is a "Im pulling my 24cabin crusier (boat) and 4 friends and never know it.

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  Marys Crown Vic - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Louis Weimer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is wonderful and I love it. I am getting a new crown vic

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  Lacks Comfort - 2002 Ford Escape
  By walk_texas - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does not have the comfort level to go with its price. A four hour drive in this vehicle amounts to tortore.

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  1st Ranger a lemon, 2002 Ranger a WIN! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Old Car Junky - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2000 Ranger 3.0 that was a lemon. We gave Ford one more chance and looked for a 4.0 5-speed automatic to avoid any more problems. We wanted a 4.0 auto (no sloppy long-throw shifting) and power group (8 turn crank windows?). We couldnt find one without dumb bed rails, idiotic step bars, bedliner/tonneau, but finally found one. Drives quietly, muscular amount of pep and more ground clearance than competitors. Rangers are outrageous at MSRP, many dealers are doing $5000 off MSRP, take your pick of 15. We were picky about color and not wanting a stick, After six dealers, we ended up giving $17,500 on a $24,700 MSRP.

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  Pretty nice car for the money. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Wiserby - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought it over the internet and when I went to pick it up there were a few things wrong with it. Scratches all along the drivers door, brights do not work, windshield washer fluid does not work, spare tire is gone along with one of the tools to change it, the knob on the fan is busted, and a cupholder for the rear seat is completely busted off. So after all the negatives is there anything good about this car. Yes I love the seats, very comfortable. I also love how everything is power. I getting spoiled after upgrading from a 1988 car. Good family size car.

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  Ford has work to do on their cars/vans - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mike McGinnis - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The windstar is a sharp vehicle inside and out. However, the recalls, windows leaking air down the road, very noisy and squeaky brakes tend to drown out the enjoyment of driving a sharp vehicle. The power door seems to never close properly, always having to give it an extra push or pull to get the door ajar light to go off!

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  Good SUV short on "Quality is Job 1" - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By hwydave - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was bought new, for the end of model year vehicle. There are some rust under the car, nothing major but annoying. The dealer wont fix under warranty since it "did not rust through" as require under the warranty criteria for repair. I order the rustproof paint through internet and took care the rust myself. The vehicle got some rattle once in a while; the dealership has been very good at fixing these "recurring" issues. The dealership service has been OK – The dealer does not know what tires are qualify under the Firestone tire replacement campaign; I know more about this issue then the dealership by simply go to the information from Fords company website.