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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  You should wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By kevin139 - August 7 - 11:17 am

  The exterior looks and ride are the only positive things about this vehicle. There are too many issues including, electronic/software issues, driver comfort, my sync/my touch, etc. The seat bottom is to short and foot rest is to close. Im 6ft and the driver position is not comfortable. My phone only connects about 50% of time. I have no idea why it wont connect the other 50%. I do nothing different other than shut the vehicle off and start it again. The NAV lady only talks about 10% of the time. The music stops when she should talk but nothing comes out and the music starts again. None of the sales people mentined this vehicle is for on road use only - 20" wheels std on Ltd.

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  will NEVER buy a ford again - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By buyahonda - August 3 - 11:57 am

  this is HORRIBLE. the exterior is awesome but that is all you get. Too many blind spots...if we didnt have the back up camera we would have been in numerous accidents. the sync system sucks..blacksout/ resets/reboost itself out of now where. you definately need someone with you to operate any radio/ac controls or you will crash the car. it is worse then people trying to text while driving. major safety issues. our trunk door is attached improperly. has been in shop 3 times for sync system and the dealers have no idea how to fix. I get car sick everytime I sit in rear seats. 3rd row makes you feel like you are in a closet. recommend you place car seats and entire family in for test dr

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  Failed Transmission - 2008 Ford Escape
  By cjutte - August 1 - 3:29 pm

  I used to love my Ford Escape. It was a great value and the perfect size for my family of 3 1/2. BUT after my transmission failed at 62,000 miles (just 2,000 miles out of warranty) I will never again purchase another Ford. I was originally looking at Honda and Toyota and wish I had spent the extra money on one of those brands. Not happy with my experience.

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  This thing is falling apart ( - 2011 Ford Edge
  By tbranca - July 28 - 11:29 am

  well we bought our edge 4 months ago the sync system has failed 4 times and it runs so slow half the time when you hit a button you have to wait 45sec till it response, its kinda of dangerous because you keep looking and waiting for something to happen. and the power lift gate stoped working and the dealer said its not covered under warrenty because it just needs to be reprogramed. that was $110 for nothing. it shouldnt lose its programing [violative content deleted] ford I own a $44,000 piece of junk thanks ford.

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  Do not buy this CAr - 2004 Ford Focus
  By snow13 - July 21 - 7:39 pm

  I have a my ford focus zx3 for 2 years and it has been in the shop more than I have driven it. Like it has most of the normal problems. The ignition chamber and the transmission. I have put more money in the car than its actually worth. I will never buy a ford again.

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  Engine blew up at 4300 miles - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By stormy442 - July 20 - 8:05 pm

  The car has 4300 miles and the engine blew up. We called Ford to have it towed into the dealer for repair. 2 days later they called to say the car had been wrecked. No one knew how but since it had no anti freeze in it then, they voided the warranty forcing us to use our insurance. We had both the firefighters write statements on our behalf that at the time they arrived for the car reported as a car fire, they inspected the car completely and it had no damage at all to it other than a blown engine. Ford said they did not care and we would have to prove differently! In my opinion they have forgot the tough times of the past and do not care about continuing customer care after the sale.

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  Ford is still the same poor quality - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By wolffchad - July 19 - 7:46 pm

  I really wanted to love this car.I liked everything about it when i bought it new in June 09 but...At 6000 miles while taking my son to tour a college i was on an incline and the tranny slipped.When i returned home i took it to the dealer and they reprogrammed the tranny.Seemed fine for a while but started slipping again.At 19000 the dealership found a leak from the half shaft and burned out clutches. At 25500 miles the tranny had to be rebuilt when at 70mph it went out of gear while on vacation and would not engage.Had no power. When they hooked it to the computer there were no error codes even though the clutches burned out again.Its starting to flair after rebuild 7.15.11.Dont buy Ford.

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  6 cyl. AWD piece of junk!!!!! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By al_syracuse - July 10 - 3:18 pm

  Problems from day one. The infamous "hoot" which Ford has known about for three years and done nothing about it so far. Getting worse by the day, and will undoubtedly lead to transmission problems. Build quality issues, including fender liner problems, and water leaks. Front passenger compartment was getting flooded every time I went to a car wash. Dealer fixed that problem, and now air conditioner leaks into the same compartment. What a piece of junk. Although Ive owned a dozen Fords before, this will be my last, for sure.

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  2004 Z3 Automatic - 2004 Ford Focus
  By buffee - June 23 - 4:34 pm

  Purchased this car in 2004 Brand new off the lot in May of 2004. In Sept. of 2004 I had a work injury that required alot of surgeries, so I did not get to drive the car that much. To date it has barely 39,000 miles on it. It is the biggest peice of junk ever made!!!!!!! I will NEVER buy from Ford ever again. I had to spend 4,500$ at 28,000 miles for a new transmission, I have had to replaced the ignition because the damn thing locked up every 5 minutes, I have to replace the tires....and they couldnt be ordinary, they had to be some special kind of tire that cost 3 times more and complete brakes, all on a car with less then 40,000 miles. I have put almost 7500 into this car, it is horrible

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  Meh - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By wwrx2 - June 20 - 8:02 pm

  We bought our used 05 explorer in late 2006. It is an XLT model with the V6. It does NOT have four wheel drive. So far,it has been an okay form of basic transportation. The interior is boring. Ditto for the exterior. As time has gone on, more things have broken on it,but thats what happens with older cars,so you cant quite say its a money pit. The fuel economy is below average but not appalling. The worst parts are clearly the ride and the A/C. In Florida,the A/C is the most important feature in any car. Also-the CD player randomly swallowed a disc and wont spit it out. This was an attractive car in 06 but now you would probably be better off setting fire to your money.