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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  Could be better - I made a costly mistake! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By luggnutt - April 18 - 10:00 pm

  I was taken by the exterior styling and should have been more careful and taken more time before jumping in with both feet. I should have gone with my head instead of my heart. The transmission is terrible (inconsistant shifting), the cabin area seems confined, materials seem cheap and interior is outdated, gas mileage leaves much to be desired, engine seems sluggish but could be due to the lousy transmission. Visability is poor especially when backing up. Seats are not that comfortable after being in the saddle for awhile. If I had it to do over, I would do like my brother-in-law did and get a Dodge Journey. More comfort, more storage, better performance, 3rd row seat option, same size.

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  2009 Escape Limited a problem - 2009 Ford Escape
  By steve_r2 - April 17 - 3:04 pm

  Since taking ownership of this vehicle and 50,000 miles later this Ford Escape has over 12,000 dollars of repairs and that includes labor. Three and a half transmission and a rebuild motor within the first 40,000 miles. Overall I like the vheicle but Ive lost confidence in Ford motor company. I bought this vehicle to support the american auto industry and Ford because they refused Obama hand out. I continues to have problem on a mouthly basis. Who wants a lemon?

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  Bought it for the SYNC - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jb3600 - April 7 - 9:48 am

  I was very excited when I saw the commercials for SYNC. I love using my iPhone, and I was very excited to see that Ford promised integration with it. I couldnt be more disappointed with how poorly it works. It drops my phone all the time and the voice features stop working completely. The solutions recommended to me by Ford were to take the battery out of my car. That made it work for a week, then it crapped out again. Needless to say, this is not a working solution for me. If youre buying for the SYNC, expect to have constant problems with it with no help from Ford.

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  Fun to drive! But not exactly the best built - 2001 Ford Escape
  By candybandy - April 3 - 3:36 pm

  I love to drive our fun Escape! I love it sooo much! The problem is, it hasnt even reached 150K and its already causing more problems more than its worth. Around 70k one of the back door locks broke, and ever since then its been a downhill of brakes, tires, lights going out, fan belts, you name it. Right now our transmission is going out and Im very sad. Its parts act like its well over 200k but it looks almost brand new! I love the smooth ride of this and the quick turns it does. Its a great small SUV. Since this is a first year, I think if you bought a later model you would be better because they probably would have all the kinks out.

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  In shop for the 3rd time since mid February. 2500 miles - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By cessna100 - March 28 - 8:40 pm

  This is a follow on to the computer network problem. The week after the "soldered job" on the network wiring the cooling fan on left side of radiator makes a grinding noise as it spins down. Had to wait for new fan, on back order. Told its OK to drive. 2 days later the fan locks-up and is very close to catching on fire. Smell the wiring starting to cook. They replaced the fan and 2 weeks later the replacement is having the same problem. This time they recommended I leave the car till its fixed. Amazing. Anyone else having the cooling fan or network problem??

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  Not so great a Buy - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By dans10 - March 27 - 11:18 pm

  While many on here seem to have gotten a decent car, mine has not been that good. I purchased the car and had to schedule a service visit within 4 hours, car has a vibration and shimmy at highway speeds and considerable more noticeable in curve. Ford has had this car in there shop longer then I have had it in my garage. Its in now for its second visit for the same issue with the local dealer here trying to push it out the door with no fix for the issue. The lines on the car are good, however a crooked installation on the windshield detracts. I am considering going down the lemon law route with this car at this point and wouldnt recommend this car to others.... PASS ON THIS ONE

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  Happy to hear: Totaled - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ktgritz - March 26 - 7:03 pm

  I had this car given to me by my dad and he said it was a good car. Well it might have been a good car when he had it but it seemed that from the time I took hold of the keys everything fell apart. First 100 miles struts break $600. 300 miles power steering pump $300. 500 miles wheel bearing $500. 1000 miles Transmission slips estimated $2000. luckily someone hit me and totaled it (no one was hurt) it always started rough. for your own sake dont buy it. if you do and keep it driving for a year you will put more repairs into it than its worth. i bought a Grand Prix GT with the money much happier with it. more power + less repairs = happier customer

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  Beautiful Car...Worthless!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By samoanmadness - March 19 - 8:09 am

  So, I find my soulmate...Sleek Black, sunroof, powered everything, leather seats, shiny rims, and a third row of seats for my family. Now, Im crying that I have to trade it in. After investing over $7,000 in repairs, I am Done. Here are the repairs -$2,500 For Complete Transmission Overhaul -$2,500 For Complete Cooling System Change (new radiator, water pump...ect) -$200.00 For Transfer Case Filter change -$400.00 Raplacement of Wheel Berring -$1,100 To Replace all Wheels with Guarentee Guess What? Now, There is a Random Misfire and no one knows how to fix it!! My guess....another $850.00 (including a new cat. converter) worth of repairs!! I am now officially giving up on Ford!!

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  Never again - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By roadsgt97 - March 14 - 5:05 pm

  Putting a new engine in mine, cheaper then buying a new truck. I had lots of problems with the truck. Bought it new. I like the way it drives and handles but the repairs will make you go bankrupt. When the warrenty runs out get rid of it quick. WILL not buy another ford.

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  Pretty good car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By madison77 - March 14 - 5:41 am

  My car is 14 years old and still running. Bought it used when it was 3 years old with 29,000 miles. It now has 123, something miles and still runs okay. Ive experienced problems time to time. Typical for an older car. My car likes to leak fluids a lot and burns oil in the engine area not the exhaust since I try to keep on top of the oil resovoir. My car has a problem with the door jam sensor. When I get in the car and close the door the car door sensor thinks the door is still open when it actually is closed. To this day it still does it and it drives me nuts but I dont want to spend money on fixing this problem. Its not worth it. Car still has good acceleration. I hate the fuel milage.