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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  Found On Road Dead - 1999 Ford Escort
  By JBL - June 4 - 9:40 am

  From the beginning - TROUBLE! Strange noises and lots of vibration. Transmission always a concern - dealer said everything ok (while under warranty). Repeated Check Engine Lights - sensor replacements and $$$ Cassette player went out. Hood latch broke, nickel and diming me to death. Lot of brake problems. The latest found on road test diagnosis - major valve & seat damage, went through and damage the piston, block, and cylinder head - needs new engine at $4,000. Dealer maintenance shop keeps telling me there are never any trouble with Escorts. Yeah, right.

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  Brakes are insufficient for weight of vehicle - 2014 Ford F-150
  By sam cassidy - May 15 - 9:00 pm

  The rotors warped when the truck was new and with no wear on the brake pads. Dealer turned the rotors and they warped again. Ford refused to replace the rotors. i took it to a repair shop and they installed better rotors and I have had no problem since. Cost $1400. I had other warranty complaints as well. Very poor warranty. Dealers response was we fixed it like Ford told us to. "Not my problem, talk to Ford." Thats Freeway Ford in Denver. Stay clear. buyer beware. I am adding this in 2018. The work I had performed (upgrading the rotors) solved the problem. Ford nor the dealer did nothing to help.

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  The Worst Car EVER sold - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jaki - May 13 - 10:02 pm

  I bought the car with 60,000 miles on it. I have got to admit now that I was down in the dumps when I bought that Ford nightmare. The next day as I was driving to work the Ford nightmare had a fuel pump problem, and then the timing belt literally exploded and then oil leak and then fuel leak and then the AC broke down and then the water pump broke down and then the back power windows broke down and the car stereo broke down -- I had to hit it hard with my fist for it to function several times and then the Ford nightmare is a noise box and then and then and then. How many times did I say "and then" - I have lost count. Mayday Mayday Mayday DO NOT EVER BUY a FORD EVER Please...

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  transmission or motor - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Diana - May 12 - 2:32 pm

  The transmission and motor are both unreliable and poor after a certain amount of time and the air bag light with out a reason

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  Ford has FAILED their customers by ignoring safety - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Frank Dugger - May 8 - 8:39 am

  I ordered a custom 2016 F150 Limited in January and it arrived in May. Since then, it has been downhill. Most recently, the brakes completely FAILED at about 3,000 miles. The worst part of this FAILURE is that they, FORD, has known about the defect for YEARS and has FAILED to solve the problem. We arent talking about a turn signal not working, we are talking about THE PRIMARY SAFETY FEATURE OF EVERY VEHICLE ON EARTH...THE BRAKES!! The recalled hundreds of thousands of 2013, 2014 and 2015 trucks for this problem, but yet it continues....why? Actuaries which do the numbers and it more cost effective for Ford to repair the trucks and settle any litigation that comes from it rather than going back to the vendor and repairing the causal factor for the failures. I will never buy another Ford product in my life and am more than happy to tell everyone I come in contact with about it. We are at 3 weeks in the shop and the dealership still doesnt have the parts to fix it...a master cylinder? Really? Ford Sucks!

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  I Hate Ford: The sad Windstar tale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ashwin Ramesh - May 5 - 5:35 pm

  The day I bought my Windstar, I thought I was going to have lots of fun with it and go on many adventures. However, I had a disappointment. After 15,000 miles, the transmission blew up. Then, at 20,000 miles, I had to replace a gasket. Finally, at 30,000 miles, the car caught fire in my garage! I had to call the fire department, because my house caught fire with it!

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By apf2004 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It is top heavy, unstable, and a gas guzzler

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  Never will buy a ford again - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By heedah - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I have to tell you i bought ford mustang gt new in 2000, and ever since its been the worst car i have ever had in my life.between loose exhaust, 3 service appointments to fix faulty electrical system, shabby body pieces, constant squeeks and rattles, this car has been a nightmare. i plan to stay away from ford for now on.I recommend you do the same

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  Engine shut off by itself when your drive - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Geody yap - March 1 - 11:49 pm

  So many experience that Im driving and were on a stop light or stop sign waiting to go and the engine will completely shut off by itself and here I am to push the gas pedal to go and the car wont go or drive, very dangerous and car behind me will honk or almost get hit me so I have to put the car on park and start the engine again just to go. When I do that the map radio will completely blank black no sound of music or your navigation will disappear. I wish I can return the car because it will get you on accident and its not safe to drive .

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  Terrible Automobile - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bad ford - February 28 - 11:15 am

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. I was a life long Ford man. Not now. This was the most expensive vehicle Ive ever bought and the worst. It was poorly designed, poorly engineered, and poorly constructed. Ive had nothing but problems and the dealer is no help. The list of problems, just to name a few: A "Plastic", yes you read it right, timing chain tensioner that cost me $1730.00 yes you read that right too. Blend door broke ($400.00), intake manifold seals ($600.00), O2 sensors (numerous). Fan clutch ($300.00). Numerous others. This thing had problems from front to back. It is a terrible vehicle and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy.