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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  Rattles and stalls - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Junk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought this explorer its been in the shop for repairs 5 times for 3 to 4 days each time. It has rattles in the dash, steering column and rear window. It hesitates when going into trafic. The alternator has been changed along with the left rear view miror.The rear end hums at 50 to 60 mmh. Ford said this is normal, I disagree and plan to sell the thing. JUNK

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  Falling apart - 2007 Ford Focus
  By GGL225 - October 7 - 1:47 pm

  Lots of things broken or falling apart on this car after only tw and half years. Today we had to replace the ignition switch as it locked down on the key and wouldnt release it. To the tune of $almost $400 bucks at the dealer. Their comment was , "This is a common problem on the Focus and Fusion. Yeah, Ford=Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  Never buy one this - 2001 Ford Focus
  By gracie - October 3 - 1:42 pm

  You are better of setting a few thousand dollars on fire and then buying a used Honda or Toyota. I have spent 3K on this in the past 6 weeks, three trips to the dealership and it only has 65k on it. I truly would love to see the US produce a car that did not break down every season, but to date every experence that I have had over the past 12 years with US cars are the same. My wifes Honda has 100k and has never, I repeat never had a single problem.

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  Ill stay with General Motors! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Bu_BU - October 2 - 10:00 am

  After buying Vehicle @ 40,000 Miles, Dealer Was terrible. I gave them the Check and was told that there was only 1 Key and they wanted $65.00 for key and programing. Engine makes a noise I never heard before it sounds like the engine is rattling after you restart engine when it is warmed up. Noise Goes away as quick as it comes. V=6 SOHV is under powered for towing and 5 speed trans. is ok when it shifts. The Best Part of a ford is the transmission as they Shifts smooth unlike the G.Ms. Lack of Torgue. It does have a Good turning radius. Feels like the Rear wheels stop before the body,Need I say any More???

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  Ford Certified ??? - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - September 30 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this Ford used two months ago with a Ford Certified guarantee. 169 point inspection? Well, they missed a few things... almost immediatly we noticed a hesitation when accelerating on the highway, but it was rare and never presented when we took it to the shop. Over the last month it was more frequent and this week when we took it in they said the transmission needed to be replaced. While working on it, they also found the radiator has a leak and will need to be replaced. This is a 3 year old truck with 55,000 miles! Not what we expected from Ford.

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  Fact - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Fact - September 30 - 5:57 pm

  Is fact now that a control arm defect is confirm, but at 25,000 mile is maintenace service were from dealer. So do you want to replace the problem for $419 with the same defect product. Also, if tried align with defect product will cause gas will burn faster and wear you tire faster. Also engine correction on V belt replace. To must problem. Plus a copy of MADZA 6 suspension, i should have just but Madza. Rate now of $10,000 and less and year and model, if paid more you got robbery.

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  Why did Ford build this? - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fmrdlrauto - September 29 - 9:24 am

  It is Nov 2012 as I type this. Altho this pkp has less than 12,000 mi it has had to have ALL 4 brakes & 2 rotors replaced due to early failure. Not much room for a 61 guy like me. Pkp is underpowered and avgs 17 mpg city/hwy cmbind. Short bed is nxt to worthless. You cannot unlock doors with keypad on door, only with keyfob! Late fathers trk. Drove many pkps over the years. This is the worst. Had so much trouble with my 99 Sable and this 2005 Pkp, I am now a proud 2010 Honda Van owner. No wonder FORD dropped this model. Choppy ride, & controls are in weird places. Id have been ashamed to sell this trk to my customers. Give me an old F150 4x4, 8ft. bed!

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  Windstar Woes - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Don Huck - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Transmission failure at 54,000 miles...problems prior to failure. Eng frequently will not idle after start. Valve(?) noise when engine is cold. Door seals poor with resultant loud road and wind noise. On board computer for system information malfunctioned after one year. 2nd Windstar...will not purchase another and probably will not purchase another Ford product!

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  Piece of junk! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - September 24 - 9:50 pm

  Well if your looking for a gas sucker this is your kinda car! Ive had it for almost a year myself. My father knew the ppl who bought it brand new. They took good care of it but no matter how well you treat a Ford, they always fail on you. It sucks gas, looks ugly and is louder then a mack truck! And make sure your ready for the expressway because if you want to speed up to pass your going to have to floor it otherwise the tranny stays in the same gear and you dont go anywhere! Whatever you do dont buy this thing, and i thought my sebring was bad!

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  Beware -Think...Read before your buy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By BEWARE - September 21 - 5:06 pm

  I have problem after problem with the SUV. Really thinking about public transportation. Clicking in the wheels, shifting is horrible, transmission seal leaked and this is in the first 3 months of me own the vehicle. The good reviews must be from the dealerships. Think and research before you make this purchase.