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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  Do not buy a focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By max116 - March 12 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this car in 2002. I drive it to a nd from work, less than 10,000 miles a year. The car is the worst car that I had. Water occasionally leaks into the cabin, which smells of mildew. Shocks needed to be changed (front) at around 60,000 miles. Brakes re-done around 75,000 miles, first the hydraulics of one of the drums then the main pump. Car is not very stable and tends to skid around unless you use premium tires. Latch in the rear hood kind of broken after 20,000 miles. Disks of front brakes needed to be changed after 50,000 miles.

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  $6000 transmission - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By car_vent - March 2 - 6:55 am

  Bought the car used from the person who drove it off the lot new. It had been maintained exceptionally well. Started lunging in reverse about 5 months after we got it. A few weeks later I got in the car and it was making a horrid sound, felt like I was trying to drive in first and it was dragging. First part needed isnt available anymore. Mechanic - rightfully so - doesnt want to buy a used or reconditioned transmission as it seems to be such a chronic issue with these cars - so Ford and their service department will be getting $6000 to replace the bloody thing. Thats more than half what we owe on the car. Im absolutely sick about it. I have never had such a money pit.

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  As cheap as it gets - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By dalbunosky - March 2 - 2:13 am

  Parents got the truck thanks to house remodeling and continued house work. Ours was an automatic. Its fit and finish is seriously rough! I understand that it is bare-bones, but does the gear indicator have to be so...off? The engine is too weak and shakes the car like a manual on 3rd gear during take-off, but decent MPGs for a truck though, around mid-20s. Brakes are sensitive and effective. Feels like I am about to fall off the seat when turning. Middle "seat" is completely useless, and I dont know if the feds count it as one. Lost a lot of things thanks to a shallow pit of a door rail/handle.

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  Just Traded it In!! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nicholez - February 22 - 1:46 pm

  I just traded in my Windstar (amazingly got 2K for it!) and glad to be rid of it. The power door was great when my kids were younger, but now I really dont need all the extra space. The extra back seat was nice for certain times when we had extra passengers. I purchased the vehicle with 77k miles on it and over 5 years, only put about 30K on. The emissions system light has been on since I owned it and recently, the ABS light has been on for no reason. The front passenger door will not unlock with the power lock and occasionally the sliding door will not work. The rear defrost stopped working and air will only blow out of the defrost vents. Glad to be rid of the vehicle.

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  Transmission - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By explorerisjunk - February 18 - 10:48 am

  There is no option for me to list my model. It is a 1995 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L 4x4 V6 with automatic transmission. Transmission is junk in this vehicle--goes way too premature in the life of the vehicle no matter if you have driven on or off the road. Ford is getting ready to have a lawsuit slapped on them if they do not accept my request for a goodwill repair.

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  2012 Ford edge se awd 3.5 L - 2012 Ford Edge
  By only_the_facts - February 16 - 1:11 am

  Have less than 7 K on my Edge, dash is starting to rattle already. No way can this vehicle delivery stated MPG on the window sticker. Best i can get is 19-20 MPG driving gentle and posted speed limits. The sycn system in this and other Fords are an absolute joke! The thing is a blood pressure riser as it doesnt give you time to speak when asking to locate business or address! It doesnt understand plainly spoken english, just says i did get that! So i repeat again, nope, would you like to speak to an operator is your next choice. I ask it to locate a shell gas station and the damn thing connected me to Condor Airlines, OMG! I about shot the damn thing! I just turned off and dreamed of the goodol days when i had my GM product and Onstar! There is no comparison between the two. Do yourself a favor, keep your blood pressure down and go with an Onstar equipted car/truck! Im really considering trading this crazy car off and just eat the loss! I just cant take using the Sync system any longer! Its gotta go before it causes me to have a heart attact!

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  PLEASE DONT DO IT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By kararnmi - February 4 - 9:28 am

  I just took my Ford to the dealership, it has only cost me about $2500 in problems up until now, the quote for repairs of things like rear differential, transfer case, ect $6238!! They must be out of their minds. So for $38000 new the truck lasted to 135,000 miles. Disgusting. I will NEVER buy a Ford again. I went back to Chevy and maybe just buy a Honda or Toyota next time. My friend just turned in her Camry with 400,000 miles on it and STILL running. Have you ever heard anyone say that will a Ford or Chevy without replacing the motor or trans? No.

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  Edge continuous problems - 2012 Ford Edge
  By grayling - February 3 - 5:31 pm

  I have a 2012 Edge Limited AWD which is about 1 month old and has already been in the shop 3 times. While I enjoy the ride and handling of the vehicle the build quality suffers quite a bit. The SYNC and My Ford Touch systems are a complete disaster that the dealer will not tell you about prior to purchase. The screen locks up, goes blank, wont pair with my phone most of the time and the voice commands are usually not understood. Fords answer to this is "take out fuse #29, wait 3 minutes and reinstall the fuse", then they tell you a new software update to fix the problems will be out in a couple of months. This will be update #3, I sure hope it works or this will be my last Ford.

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  Dont buy, Sync system is worthless! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By koakai - January 30 - 10:56 am

  Went from an older BMW X3 to the Edge and now regret it! Ive never been a fan of American cars and this is the first one I purchased in nearly 20 years. While I realize the Ford wont have the same performance as my BMW, I was intially impressed by the overall look of the Edge and lured in by the technology. The Sync and navigation system is virtually useless since I bought it six months ago and now being told theres nothing the dealer can do until Ford issues an another update. Ive given up using all the features you see touted in the commericals because they dont work or work properly most the time. Do Not Buy a vehicle with Microsoft Sync!

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  still runs good - 1999 Ford Escort
  By draculara_0427 - January 24 - 10:16 am

  I brought a 1999 ford escort with 125000 something miles on it. (dont remember the exact mileage) but Ive had it for 2 years now I havent had any major problems just replaced the starter. Monthly service like oil changes and tune up stuff like that other than that still a good running car. It has about 144000 miles on it and its been a good little family car. Still gets me where I need to go. I say it would be a great car for a high school student or college student. Planning to purchase another vehicle soon and i will keep this one.