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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  Nothing But A Problem! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Glenn & Pamela Bates - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new in 1996. The gas mileage was awful from the start, and the car has been in the shop so many times Ive lost count! We kept it serviced regular,and tried to give it the best of care, and still gad to have a new motor at 60,000 miles. We contacted the local ford dealers as well as the Ford headquarters and recieved absolutely no cooperation, so needless to say we never want another Ford!!!! We had the new motor put in and it has still given us nothing but trouble! Noone can seem to fix the hunk of junk! We really believe the old ford joke now, "fix or repair daily!"

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  Just Awful - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By disbelieve - October 8 - 10:00 am

  An awful vehicle. Vibration, three Continental tires have been replaced and it still vibrates, looks like another Firestone problem. Dont blame the dealer they have tried to fix this lemon. Bumpers, what bumpers? The plastic bumpers are awful. The quality from the factory is awful. This will be my last Ford. Lost all enthusiasm for this vehicle.

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  Crap - 1997 Ford Escort
  By AlisonE - October 1 - 2:00 am

  this car has done $86,000/miles and is on its 3rd transmision.. inside parts are falling off.. DO NOT buy this car.. more trouble than its worth.. although it did run fine for the first 3 years.. after that it just fell apart. IT was one thing after another..

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  Is it time for a class-action lawsuit - 2014 Ford Focus
  By R Green - September 26 - 5:01 pm

  3500 miles on my 2014 Focus and the transmission failed. Not only did it fail, but failed dangerously in freeway traffic. This resulted in sudden unwanted accelerations and decelerations; almost like I had no control of the car. This is ridiculous!

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  I will never buy a Ford again. - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Tanner - August 18 - 5:18 pm

  I have had this car for a little over 14 months and it has been a nightmare. In the beginning of the year, I began having intermittent transmission issues. The car shutters, hesitates and will not accelerate from a stop. I have taken this to two different Ford dealerships and "there is a normal amount of shutter for these vehicles". The dealerships keep telling me to bring it back if the problem persists. The problem is now happening everyday. I refuse to drive my car more than 10 miles away from my home. This car is very uncomfortable to drive, considering you and your passengers shake every time you accelerate; regardless if you have a heavy foot or not. This is a 2015, I should not be dealing with these types of frustrations this early into leasing this vehicle. Had I read previous reviews on this vehicle before, I would not have put a single dime into this vehicle. Within 14 months of my lease with 22 months to go, I am turning this in early and buying a NON-FORD product. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.

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  The Worst Vehicle I have Owned. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By colorado1974 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This thing was in the shop 5 times in the first month. The build quality inside was terrible. A park bench is more comfortable than any of the seats. I never got around to towing anything because it was in the shop all the time. Finally got it bought back under lemon law.

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  Oil leaks onto the clutch. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tim - August 14 - 8:07 am

  Im on my third clutch pack in 50k miles do to oil leaking past a shaft seal.

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  Not a Real Car - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By native - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Well, it might as well have been made of aluminum foil. Things fell off of it, out of it, but unfortunately nothing fell on it. Repairs were costly and difficult. And the best part was when it set on fire. Oh, yes, that was fun.

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  More time in the SHOP than on the ROAD! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By tony22r - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought NEW for $20K out-the-door. Since New: Service Engine Soon light ON. 5K Trim, Weatherstripping falling off 7K All doors rattling, squeeking 40K Blown Head Gaskets 50K Blown Transmission 55K (and 10 Recalls later) Sold for $3K Good riddance! I feel sorry for the Sap who bought it, and Im just glad that its not MY problem any more!

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  I told my best girlfriend not to buy one - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By the girlfriend - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I work at a Ford dealership, Stay away from all of them except for the Ford Trucks! They Rock! The 150s are Awesome The Windstars are sadly nothing but problems