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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  ITS Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By xpd154 - July 5 - 3:28 pm

  it was great the first year, but i could have bought a new car with of how much i have payed to get things fixed on it. we also have a 1997 Nissan Altima and it is rarely fixed but our ford every 3 moths it in the shop. ITS A LEMON!!! I will never drive a ford again even if it was given to me. right now the rear heat doesnt work and makes a thumping noise, there is a massive computer problem, windshield fluid drips from the celling, the radio or cd player doesnt work ( and i have 6 cds stuck in it) there is a wheel bearing problem and it grinds, AND THAYS JUST AT THIS POINT IN TIME! DONT BUY ONE!!

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  Awful piece of junk! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By kippie - July 3 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used and drove it only 6000 miles in the 1 year I have had it. The head gasket blew and then out of no where there was a hole in the radiator. I bought an extended warranty but it covered only the head gasket. I only drive it to tote kids around and this is appalling to me. Reliability with only 60,000 miles on it!? I will NEVER buy a Ford again.

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  Quality junk minivan - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Tigervol5 - July 2 - 10:42 am

  This the worse car that I have owned. It was a lemon. I have spend over $24000 for new car that I have expected to last least 8 years. Less than 5 years later with only 70,000 miles, I have major problem with transmission which will cost over $2500 to $3000 to fix. I will never buy Ford product here on.

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  Leaky Ford - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Brandy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car at 41 actual miles. By the time I got it home I had already called the dealership about one (1) defect that I had found. Within the next two (2) weeks. The car leaked two (2) times, causing puddles, ranging from 1-1/2" to 2", in the passengerside front floorboard. I would NOT recommend this car to ANYONE! This was my first EVER Ford purchase & I am not the least bit happy.

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  A Bad Joke! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Taken In - June 24 - 6:13 pm

  We bought this car, new,from our local dealership. We have never been more unhappy with a car! Even though we always have,we wont buy another Ford product! Things gone wrong: tailgate latch, 2 radio/cd players, seat warmers, rear heater fan, 3 sets of tires-something wrong w/alignment, and now the throttle. Part is on emergency backorder along w/600+ others whose cars are sitting. Dealer solution: car must sit for at least 6 months while waiting for part. Was told all Ford parts are on backorder due to slowing economy and manufacturing problems. Dealership wont give us a loaner or any hope for a reasonable solution, despite our extended warranty. Considering contacting an attorney.

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  Ruined 3 months of my life!! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Ilovemike2323 - June 23 - 5:00 pm

  I bought my taurus used, at the beginning of this year. It was in pretty good condition when I got it, then it started leaking all the time. It turned out it was transmission fluid all along, and this went on for about a week, and when i went to drive it one day, the transmission was just ruined. I had it towed many times to shops and it would be fixed for a short while and do the same thing. I finally got rid of it and am getting a jetta next week. I would not recommend this car to anyone its a piece of junk and will only take money out of your pocket and the gas mileage stunk.

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  Worst Car I ever owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CT Mom of 2 - June 23 - 9:46 am

  Bought the 2002 Fod Explorer brand new from the dealer. Only 55,000 miles on in. The past year we had to replace the transmission (3k) and all wheel bearings at 400 each. Going broke. Will never buy a Ford again. This is by far the worst car I have ever owned.

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  The worst new car Ive ever had - 2009 Ford Escape
  By PeaRat450 - June 18 - 6:50 am

  I wanted to buy American. Unfortunately I think I picked the wrong manufacturer for a small SUV. The build quality is horrible. The shut lines on the doors are way to big and inconsistent. I can fit my finger in the one at the top of the back hatch. The rear folding seat design is horrible. The interior is cheap and plastic abundant. The rear window sounds like it is going to fall out. The rear suspension booms over anything but the smallest bumps. The doors dont shut fully unless you slam them. I could go on and on. I cant deny the fact that it gets good gas mileage for an SUV. "Drive Quality" clearly does not apply to the Escape. Maybe Ill let the bank repo it since their is no resale

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  A BAD SEED - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By SOPHILLYJOE - June 17 - 3:45 pm

  This car has been a problem from day one. The battery can go dead in as little as 36 hours of setting. It rides like a buck board. Transmission (stick 5 speed) makes all kinds of noises. And the selling dealer said that nothing is wron with the car.

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  My 98 contour is not a quality vehicle - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Aaron - June 12 - 11:14 am

  Transmission went out 11 weeks after purchase. Its broken down on me 3 times and now the torque converter has gone out. Power windows have a mind of their own. They work off and on. Already spent more on repairs than what I paid for it back in 2004. $2999 Not at all reliable and a waste of much needed money for college. I will never purchase another lower end car from ford.