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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  2007 Ford stinks - 2007 Ford Focus
  By I HATE MY FOCUS - December 1 - 2:14 pm

  I have read all the reviews and i brought this car brand new and I have had many of the same issues with the tires i replaced my tires twice with less than 40,000 miles, my dashboard light went out replace that, my doors are difficult to open but that was still under warranty. i had to purchase a new battery at 37,000 miles.

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  dont buy a ford focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By rob - December 1 - 7:19 am

  i purchased my focus with 27000 miles on it at 38000 out of warrenty wheel bearing in front was bad,at same time carrier bearing was bad making lould noise,heres the kicker ford wont sell just the bearing you have to buy the whole driveshaft cost to repair 800.00.do yourself a favor buy a honda

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  bad transmission and rear - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Joe Nicholson - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The transmission slips and the rear bangs on hills. The dealer cannot duplicate the noise and no one is around to come for a ride with me. This is a big disappointment for the best selling truck. I should have bought a Toyota.

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  Dont Buy A Freestar Van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Found On Road Dead - November 26 - 6:19 pm

  Dont buy a Freestar van. Strict with Honda or Toyota vans. This is my last Ford. This van orginal cost was $30K. It cost me $3,000 to get this van fixed with only 40K miles and I still have problems.

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  dont buy a fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By mathewh87 - November 26 - 7:49 am

  I have recently purchased this vehicle with 18000 miles and have had more problems with it than my other vehicles.

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  Worst vehicle ive ever owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MichaelWall - November 25 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this Exploder from my grandparents best friends in 2007. It had 69000 miles on it when i bought it for 7000 dollars. At 79000 miles the 4wd went out, right after that the o/d light would blink the airbag light would stay on and the service engine light came on and wouldnt go off. I serviced the vehicle regularly and and 84000 miles the transmission went out. I paid the dealership 4300 dollars to get a new tranny and now im at just over 89000 miles and its back at the dealership getting the 2nd tranny put in it! I will never buy another ford ever again. I you wanna read more, google "02 ford transmission problems and see for yourselves

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  Ford escort zx2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By IxLeSsxThNx3U - November 17 - 9:33 pm

  What ever you do, do not buy this car. I have had so many problems with this car. First of all there is a hose that is built too close to the engine so that it will end up burning a hole through the hose in this car. It has done it in my car and had to be replaced. Second they are known for having troubles with their struts.. mine went out. Third these cars are pretty hard to work on since under the hood everything is pretty compact. Fourth, fords during this year are known for having shifting problems due to transmission filters, and they have to be changed often. Fifth I had to replace the whole exhaust system in this car. These cars have a lot of problems. DO NOT BUY ONE!!!!!!!!

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  MY 2005 ford ranger edge 3.0l LEMON - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By MY LEMON - November 11 - 10:34 am

  I bought it thinking it was great from all the great reviews it had well after new sensors, computer, fuel injectors ,fuel pump,exhaust heaters,O2 sensors ,Brakes,calipers,rotors,The only thing i havent had to replace is the radio it still sounds as good as when i purchased this LEMON, will never purchase a ford again!

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  Quality is Job # 1,000,000,000,000 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By GHOST88 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ‘98"Exploder" brand new. Every time I took my car into the dealer to be serviced they would inform me of 10+items that were recalled each time! Now,one thing after another wrong w/the car. New tranny, radio display shorted out, rear window washer doesn’t work in rain, the list goes on and on. Fords quality, customer service and products have gone downhill big time. The resale/trade-in value is HORRIBLE! My romance w/this Explorer is in its twilight. Today, I am going to trade it in for a TOYOTA LAND CRUISER! I will miss her but, it is time to move on to the big leagues.

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Scottp - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Expedition 4wd new in November 2000. it currently has 26,000 miles and has been returned 11 times and spent 30 days in the shop. New transmission, rear wiper motor, New IAC valce, new fuel pump, two new seats, new engine oil pressure sender unit, suspension problems, replaced transmission shift cable, replaced two of the "replacement tires" during tire recall. Ford doesnt have a clue as to what customer service is. If you do buy a Ford and have serious problems, youll regret it, I promise. Ford has no customer service!