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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  Good vehicle that has a few problems. - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By greg7100 - March 21 - 10:03 am

  Comfortable, flexible van that serves us very well. We enjoy the mini van experience, but have been dissapointed with some major repair issues. Many brake problems and 2 failures, transmission was replaced at 144000 km, intake gaskets need to be replaced every 90000 km at about $700 per time. No other troubles aside from usual maintenance. The van is great for trips, you just never seem to run out of storage space. Towing my little utility trailer is a dream with the Windstar, you can hardly tell it is behind you.

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  Great Car... If parts would stop failing - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dt90007 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The car is great... i love the way it looks drives and handles. The fold down rear seats provide oodles of storage space when you need it... However, i too have been to the ford dealership a little to often for my tastes. Everything has been covered by the warranty but i bought a new car so i wouldnt have to worry about the problems. However, i know my service guy really well now.

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  Fun to drive junk - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jack99 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Although the Focus is a fun drive (even the wagon), the image of poor quality is well deserved. At less than 1 year old (15000 miles), the paint has started to flake away on the plastic bumper cover and a short in the wiring left us without any external lights except headlights. Basic servicing is horrible given that the oil filter is on the back side of the engine and impossible to remove without oil dripping on the CV boot, down frame members and all over the floor.

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  Would buy it again. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Roady - March 20 - 12:04 am

  My third Ranger. A dependable truck, gets maybe 21 on the highway, never had a problem with it and has 68,000 miles now. I would buy it again.

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  Just keeps running - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By grahame - March 19 - 8:52 pm

  Purchased new and maintained. Kind of wish it would give me excuse to get rid of it, after almost nine years it would be nice to drive something different. It just keeps running and at this stage is not worth much as a trade in. It hauls construction materials, has pulled trailer, been in Northern Ontario and Quebec in the winter and is safe and reliable. I read about people with transmission issues and drive train issues but so far its been bulletproof.

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  Starting to have small issues - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By DW - March 19 - 5:42 pm

  Still drives like new at 63000 miles however had to have the water pump replaced and right after pulling out from the dealer about a week later my engine light went on they claimed it would cost $700 for the repairs but the SUV still ran great! Um I wonder after complaining and basicly stopping short of accusing them for this, I dropped it off at the dealer and after picking it up the light now goes off after starting the vehicle! Ummmm I wonder if I was not mechanically inclined person I would of paid the $700?

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  So far, so good - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Kayemtee - March 19 - 4:52 pm

  In the first month of ownership, I have no regrets about my choice. I traded a 2003 Explorer with many problems at 55k miles so I am leasing this one. I enjoy the room (at 6 feet 2, I have lots of head room and extra seat travel both of which the Explorer lacked. The ride quality is excellent, much better than the 2008 Toyota Sequoia I tested, particulary over less than perfect pavement. Power is adaquate although I havent towed my boat yet. Turning circle is fine for such a large truck. Gas usage is not terrible given its 5625 lb. As per the trip computer, I an averaging 15.2 on mostly highway compared to 16 on the Explorer. 6 speed transmission very smooth and low revving.

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  New to Ford, 2nd Hybrid, Nice but - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By pekingrick - March 19 - 1:40 am

  First Ford ever- had a 2007 Prius, and while loved the mileage didnt like the low-rent interior. Got this car, loved the interior, the solid-feeling doors, the high-quality plastics, leather seats - and the price w/Costcos auto program. First problem - a rattle developed. Dealer kept the car overnight (gave me a Lincoln MKZ as a free rental - nice!); turned out the antenna was loose. With 10k miles now, a few interior squeaks have developed. Mileage is great - averaging about 49 mpg so far. Electric range can vary from 18- 25 miles (okay, but....). regens nicely coming down from Big Bear to a full "tank"! MyFord Mobile app doesnt work well. Value charge feature - fantastic. Love the car!

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  Reliable! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Diane - March 18 - 9:33 pm

  I have 190K miles on this car and it is still going strong! It serves its purpose, but now I am feeling that it may be on its last leg (the gas mileage is lowering and it struggles a little to get up certain hills), but I havent had any major breakdowns or work done to it - just a timing belt and the e-brake chain. Brakes are worn easily, but I stop and go a lot. A fine little car that does a decent job.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Fedgar - March 18 - 8:47 pm

  I am long-time Ford fan. Have owned three Explorer, hands-down one of the best products ever made by Ford. Plan on buying an 06 soon. Will definitely get the 4 door next time, but the two-door is very maneuverable in city traffic. Easy to park, very reliable.