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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  Tranmission fail - TWICE and now acting - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Dave T - April 19 - 11:11 pm

  I have had to put two transmissions in this vehicle. One at 40,000 then again at 79,000. Now the torque converter is screwing up again. The MPG is dismal. Contacted Ford and the operator could care less even when I told her I was done buying Ford. Oh yea, I owned a 1994 Windstar (same vehicle) that received a new trans[ at[ 45,000. Van rides nice when it rides. Buyer beware!

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  Dont Buy - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Found On Road Dead - April 19 - 9:23 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Exploder for 2 years. Yeah I said Exploder, because thats what the transmission did. At 39,304 miles and only 5 years old my transmission went belly up. I used to think that these poor reviews were concocted by GM dealers hoping to ruin Fords credibility.Now I have first hand experience with my own transmission nightmare. Stay away from these vehicles. I wasted my time and money babying this vehicle and maintaining all recommended services, because Ford didnt give a diddly squat about my premature transmission failure. By the way there is no dipstick to check transmission fluid levels. Apparently Ford thinks they are bullet proof. HA HA HA HA !

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  First amd last Ford! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mad ford owner!!!! - April 19 - 9:03 am

  Truck was ok till it hit about 100,000 four wheel drive went out, engine blew and rear end shuttered during turns. Every mechanic I talked to said this is not uncommon for the 5.4 after 100,000 the oil pumps quit and the engine self destructs, Ford knows they got a problem and wont fix it sounds like Toyota to me.

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  Now I know - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Nicole - April 19 - 8:49 am

  I purchased this car when it was 4 years old and had 30K miles. It drove nice at first,looked okay,and gas mileage is great.It has been nothing but problems since. The AC has gone out 4 or 5 times,each time Ford sent their dealership defective parts to replace the AC.Finally they sent a part that looks like its going to work.Then the alternator went out at 80,000 miles.It also had to be replaced twice because Ford sent a bad part the first time.Weve put more money into this car than its even worth. The gas mileage is ok. Maybe ford should focus on building quality vehicles.Now I know to NEVER , EVER buy a Ford vehicle again.

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  2010 EL a joke - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By mbergthold - April 18 - 1:20 am

  This is my wifes dream car. My evaluation after 2 weeks and a 3 hr road trip is that its an expensive vehicle. Ive been a Ford guy for years - no more. The 5.4 V8 has no guts, even with 6 spd downshifts. I loved my 97F150, but this is no truck, even with improvements, the 2010 is a dog. In wind it wallows, handles like a brick. 7500 miles between oil changes? Great way to engineer increased engine wear, which is NOT covered by warranty - engine will be excessively worn before 100k, leaking oil and low compression, thanks to longer oil changes. To top it off, you get a front headrest that is uncomfortable and nonadjustable. Last Ford ever. I hate this vehicle.

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  Too basic - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By jj - April 17 - 1:20 pm

  For a car thats built recently, I cant say how my Ranger was an improvement over cars of decades past. Yes it was cheap, only reason I got it was because it had the max rebate. Then again cheap price = poor design, cheap quality, cheap workmanship, etc. And worst it came off the lot with several problems which one of which became debatable if it was "under warranty" with the 2 yr/24000 miles contract.

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  Not Great - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By explorer - April 16 - 7:57 pm

  Ok car in theory, but not built very well. Console cover broke off after a few days, power windows almost have stopped working and take a long time to put up. Transmission shot at 75,000 miles. Multiple blown head gaskets, ABS problems, AC compressor almost killed engine when accidentally switched on for a minute. The list goes on and on.

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  Ford replace GM - mistake - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By 8thstbridge - April 13 - 8:43 pm

  Whistle noise from drivers side doors worst gas mileage of any car I have owned *including a 67 GTO! 46K - just replaced STARTER. Water on floor mats someone else had same problem - factory MISSED a windshield seal & dealer just over stuffed with silicone sealant. Poor side door design, R Side Passenger window regulator failure already and when going through drive throughs and any winter driving or in rain, when you put the window down - all the rain etc. comes in on power buttons at armrest. Windshield washer hoses to spray heads have both cracked and had to be replaced....

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  4.2 engine a bust - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Disappointed - April 13 - 6:18 pm

  I purchased this vehicle not even a yr ago, had been driving Fords for over 20 yrs with my job. But will never again purchase a Ford product until they make a engine that is reliable again. What a disappointment. Ford, you can do better or else stand by your product. 4.2 liter engine a bust.

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  "Hunk of Junk" - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Natalie Dyer - April 12 - 10:58 pm

  I hate this car! I have had severe problems with the transmission as well as my brakes. Like always the dealer says nothing is wrong. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle and even though it is perfect for a family of 5- it is unsafe. I have had the transmission slip into low when I was on the fwy- my kids and I had to pull over and restart the vehicle to get it back into drive. The brakes continually grind. The dealer states they have dirt in them- once returned from the dealer it starts again. The brakes smoke and smell like they are burning. I would love to turn it back in to get my money back! VERY Disappointed.