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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  terrible - 2000 Ford F-150
  By chris - February 10 - 9:11 am

  we got ours a 2000 and so far we had to replace the 4wd, heating, fan, tailgate handle and spark plugs. the radio cuts out, and the transmission is on its way. we have replaced the plugs 2 times and now 3 are out again

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  never again - 2008 Ford Escape
  By sad owner - February 9 - 10:48 am

  Very disappointed in this vehicle. Price was a big consideration in the purchase decision. Repairs have canceled out any original savings. Transmission cooler leak, lower steering unit failure are two of major items not covered under warranty or power train warranty. Problems were not correctly diagnosed until 3/36 warranty had expired. Unlike GM, Ford customer care department doesnt care, and dealership service departments leave much to be desired. No more US made vehicles.

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  tired of the vibrations - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Pratap - February 8 - 1:06 pm

  I own a 2002 ford convertible mustang which I bought in 2007 april but since then Ive never enjoyed my ride. This car is full of vibrations. I took to many good local dealers but they couldnt fix it and finally wanted to go to the Tulsa Ford showroom but these people, even though they do not have any work, doesnt bother to look at my car. This is the experience I had with a FORD vehicle.

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  Dealership Busted My Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Fix or repair daily - February 5 - 1:04 pm

  I have had a bad experience so far with the vehicle. Radiator problems started 10000 miles after owning! Major complaint is that I took it into the dealership (Hoffman Ford, Harrisburg PA) without leaks from the radiator, then they ran there pressure test, and all of sudden the leak appears out of no where gushing out the bottom. Now I looked over the radiator several times over a few weeks and didnt see a leak, in fact they didnt either when I had to them a few months ago, it was a hose at that time. But the smell persisted so I took it back. Bottom line, they performed another pressure test and now its costing me $1000 to have it fixed. What an insult!

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  poor front end - 2000 Ford Escort
  By nikdominoe - February 2 - 7:33 pm

  i have had this car for about a year, i have ad to replace the bushings, alternator, and battery. I also need a front end alignment and new ti-rods. It shakes wayyy to much in idle. steering wheel clicks when i turn it for sum reason... tires run out of air every two weeks i would never rec amend this car to anyone

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  FORD - fix or repair daily! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Burlington - January 27 - 1:19 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned! I have a leaking PTU that the dealership cannot fix and the car is spewing smoke daily! The dealership suggested I park it until the part comes in (maybe by MArch 31!) Except that this has been a problem for Ford for over 3 years ans now there is a class action law suit in the US. Not sure if and when this will ever get fixed. Trust me save your money and stay away from FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - January 26 - 10:19 pm

  I bought this car with 40,000 miles on it and with service records. 6 months later the Transmission was shot and I spent $2,300 having that rebuilt. 18 months after that the Transmission is starting to slip and the service engine light is on. All I want to do is trade in this hunk of junk for something that isnt going to make me worried that I am going to have to drop $2,000 every year or so on repairs.

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  A look good Lemon$$$ - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Pete - January 26 - 11:54 am

  Our XLT 5.3L 4WD was a lemon from the second we drove it off the lot. This is fully loaded with all the bells and whistles to include 22" rims. We paid almost $60K for this dream car. Been to shop more times than I can count in last 5 years for every imaginable problem. The car was a lemon from Day 1 and although I suspected it many times, I was no absolutely sure until today when transmission went out at 84,000 miles. Engine was replaced at 82,000 miles ($6K). numerous electrical issues, poor gas milage at 8-10MPG for 1st 82,000miles due to engine issues (I always assumed it was the oversized tires until my MPG jumped to 15-17 after new engine installed.) Ford has done nothing to help us.

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  Used Taurus GL - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Ralph - January 25 - 11:32 pm

  I bought last month a used 94 Ford Taurus GL with 84k excelent condition for his age. Did a tune up, new tires, flushed coolant, new air/gas filters, gas treatment. The magic lasted 30 days. Transmision died 2 wks ago. Was bone dry, no idea how lost all the oil, i park my car in the driveway, no oil leaks, tune up was performed. I read postings on Taurus forums, almost all Taurus/Sable cars suffer from transmision problems. IDK how Ford could get away with Tauruses dying before 80k. And still survive. This is my first american car, always owned imports (had to let my new car go since i lost my job) though this Ford was gonna be a great used car. Bad choice. Engine is durable. Tranny crap.

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  Second Posting with Updates 1 Year Later - 2009 Ford Focus
  By nannyjune - January 18 - 6:41 pm

  I originally wrote complaining about many, many problems. Bottom line was that the car was a piece of junk. Following my posting, Ford offered me an extended warranty for free and finally figured out the problems and "fixed" them. Well, not much has improved. The car is still a piece of junk - but now pieces of the car are falling off.