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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  Piece of Car - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By sdexplorer - January 16 - 6:33 pm

  First family SVU. Thought of buying XTerra but decided to stick with american built.

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  2008 Ford Escape Transmission - 2008 Ford Escape
  By scndshot - January 15 - 8:34 pm

  Pitiful. Transmission failing at 34k Miles. Thankfully, just barely still under warranty. Type "2008 Ford Escape Transmission" on the internet and see the complaints. Never again...will trade in for Honda or Toyota. Driver seat power-drive also failed, as did one of the back power-windows (around 15k miles). Pitiful.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin Wolbert - January 12 - 8:36 pm

  I have owned 3 Ford Ranger pick up trucks and this 4.0L truck was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. This 2000 Ranger with a 4.0 L and 4 wheel drive was awfully. Bad gas mileage and very poor reliability. I had to replace the head gasket at 100,000 miles and now the engine block is cracked. I bought this truck used and I am not sure how the previous owner took care of vehicle. I always change the oil ever 3000 miles and tried to maintain the vehicle. Unless Ford builds a better truck I will look at other brands before I ever consider another Ranger.

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  Done with Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - January 12 - 11:42 am

  Bought this car new for my wife, she loved it! Year 1 had to replace the brakes, $200 JUST for the rear pads no labor(repeat annually). Year 2, air bag sensor broke - fixed 5 times still broken. Year 3-4, transmission went at 55000 miles, just past warranty $3000, front wheel bearing went $600, CD player jams cant use it anymore. Year 6, front wheel bearing gone again and just replaced the battery a second time. If my other car were paid off, Id buy a honda or toyota today.

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  Extreme dissappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By stretch - January 5 - 11:52 am

  Ive been a Ford man all of my life until now. Should have read the reviews before I bought it. What a mechanical piece of crap. Afraid to even drive it, wondering what is going to need repairs next. Door ajar light comes on for no reason, 4X4 is locked in low. Was going down the road at about 25mph in 4 auto when low locked in. Thought I had dropped the motor and tranny on the ground with the violent shifting that occurred.Im just glad no one was behind me when it happened. Rear axle bearing noise, front wheel bearings bad, broken panel under rear window.It seems my vehicle has all of the problems combined that Ive read on this and similar websites.Ford should be ashamed of themselves.

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  REALTOR - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bruce - December 27 - 10:47 pm

  After 50k Trans 1 replaced, after 90k trans 2 replaced,after 60k trans 1 replaced and after 100k trans 2 replaced. Also after 100k push button 4WD failed to work - altough only used 7 or 8 times. We call it the EXPLODER! rather than Explored. Now driving a $ Runner!

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  Its aight - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew - December 23 - 5:58 pm

  I bought my Ranger from my Uncle who kept it in top shape. I have had it a little over a year now and it has 71,000 miles on it. My biggest complaint has to be the traction, this thing spins on spit. Mechanically the only issues that I am having is the idle air control needed to be replaced $90.00, easy do it yourself though. My a/c pump engages all the time, even when the a/c and defrosters arent on. Dont know what that issue is, never bothered me enough to have it checked out.

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  New transmission - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By no more explorers - December 22 - 10:00 am

  We have a 2000 XLS. We have had to deal with the poor gas mileage which was expected. However, there were unexpected problems. We had several little complaints like it took a long time to warm up in the winter so the heat took a long time, wipers never worked great in the front or rear. The biggest complaint was that it needed a new transmission at 40,000 miles. There was no explanation given as to why a low mielage vehicle needed this work. Appraently it is a common thing with Explorers. We have sworn off Fords and bought a Dodge Caravan. The dealer was great to work with, which is good since we were there so often.

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  Dont Buy - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mindcrime - December 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife has a 1999 2d 4wd Sport model. Like most for cars/trucks, this thing is a piece of junk. The overall build quality is poor. The plastics inside are low grade quality and the vehicle reliability is terrible. She has had the airbag go out, and needed major work on the engine. At 35,000 miles over $4,500 in repair work on the engine needed to be performed. Driving the Explorer is a nightmare, with uncomfortable seats and ride. We are looking into trading this in and getting something more reliable, like a Honda CR-V. Im still amazed the people spend $30,000+ thousand on any Ford product. They are over priced and of poor quality.

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  Many problems - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By fordprobs - December 2 - 11:51 am

  Numerous problems with heating/coolant system. Additional problems with transmission-needed a new one with under 100k miles. Overall, a horrible purchase