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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  Fix Or Repair Daily is this cars Motto - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Vicki - July 16 - 1:56 pm

  Electrical problems, driver door lock pops back up, brakes, brakes and more brakes. Heater core flushed three times in year and 1/2, then isnt that warm a week or so later, new sensor for speedometer to make it shift, new blower motor for heater and actuator door, brake line repairs, after all this, air compressor gone, no air. I cant remember the rest. Cup holders poor. Car drives good if you can afford the rest of the weekly maintenance.

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  Stay away! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ihateford - July 15 - 10:07 pm

  This car put my through hell! First everything was fine, then back right window broke, it would shake uncontrollably, it would stop for no apparent reason, and overall money it was not worth it!

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  OMG - And I thought that it was just me - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Christina - July 15 - 6:32 pm

  I purchased my 06 Ford Explorer brand new off of the lot in Sept 06. Around 38K miles I had a radiator leak. I called Ford corporate and to no avail they would not negotiate with me on the radiator since it was out of the 30K warranty. Several months later while attempting to get out of my driveway, the gearshift was stuck in park. After an hour I was able to get it, but after that the transmission would shift horribly from Park into reverse. I took it to the dealer and told them that it had to be because of the sticking gearshift (that was recalled) only to be told that that transmission needed to be partially replaced. Im at 68K miles and I refuse to replace the transmission on a 3.5 year old car.

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  Graetly Disappointed in FORD - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By RYTYJAY - July 14 - 6:08 pm

  I purchased the truck brand new, I brought the truck in for Recall (shift Plate) very difficult to shift, I told them I was having a hard shift jolt when putting it in reverse like being rearended. They told me they couldnt find the problem, they put in a new PCM. (new computer) after the new PCM they stated there still was no answers for the transmission problem. I asked if it had anything to do with the recall they said no! I didnt understand how they could say that if they didnt know what the problem was? anyway they asked if they could pull the transmission for $600 and then they would call me and let me know what damage needed to be repaired. I declined to pay $600 for a diagnostic.

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  Unresolved Problem - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Not Happy - July 12 - 7:54 am

  I drove the vehicle for 3 days and the wrench light appeared after a foul raw fuel smell was entering the drivers cabin. The Ford dealership managed to turn off the wrench light but not the raw fuel smell. It has been over 3 months in and out of the repair shop and they cant resolve the the raw fuel smell issue. We are concerned about out health driving this vehicle and Ford dismisses that there is any serious problem. If youre looking for reliability dependable transport look elsewhere. I regret selling my 12 year old Volvo with 200K at least the vehicle was easily serviceable.

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  more Ford Junk - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Mark Danico - July 10 - 4:58 pm

  Loved the van until the problems started then it has been all down hill from there to the poit to where we are considering turning it in to a plant pot cause it dont move anymore.

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  Junk! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By sjoyl61 - July 1 - 6:19 pm

  Purchased Explorer new, started having trouble at 415 miles. 1. shifter wouldnt move. 2. jerks when stopping, feels like someone hit the back end. 3. shifts hard 4. cruise stuck 5. replaced radiator. 6. FORD WILL NOT FIX OR BACK THEIR PRODUCT! Dealership claims Ford Motor Co. said not to try and fix it. Have purchased Fords for 30 years, will never buy another. Cant even get rid of this overpriced piece of junk.

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  Look hard at other models - 2010 Ford Edge
  By btait - July 1 - 9:26 am

  The Edge doesnt do anything well. Looks - It tries to look like a Lexus RX but looks like one that ate donuts for a year. Interior - VERY poor use of space, dash is HUGE. Cargo - the sloped back kills any ability to carry anything of substance. The floor is made with a flimsy cardboard type material, so it flexes with any weight on it. Its tow capabilities are minimal, and the hitch sits entirely too low. Handling - tracks very poorly. It amazes me that this is what Ford came up with for the masses coming out of Explorers. Mileage is the same, its overweight and sluggish.

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  Junk - 2010 Ford Escape
  By jgeiger - July 1 - 8:11 am

  I have been disappointed with this car. Been in the shop for trans. 3 times. Never had a car that has been so much trouble as this one. Dealer is lousy, no after the buy service. Going back to chewy when done paying off this piece of junk.

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  Dont Buy - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Don Grant - June 29 - 9:54 am

  SEL 3.o 6spd Trans failed at 1500 mi. The repair was to rebuild the trans and reprogram the PCM. Now when you take your foot off the gas there is a severe down shift. This is robbing me of 4-5 mpg. Also the car does not perform the way it did before the reprogram. This is not the robust fun car I agreed to purchase and the downshifting is very irritating. Also I do not believe that it is safe to downshift on ice. Ford says that "it performs as designed". No it is performing as REDESIGNED and it is NOT acceptable! Ford customer "I dont care department" says "SORRY". How on earth is this "car of the year"? Save yourself some grief Do Not Buy This Car! Ford will not take care of you!