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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  Steering issues - 2008 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Forman - June 10 - 3:16 am

  I have been driving 12 and 15 passenger vans for decades.We replaced our last 2000 Chevy 15 passenger van with the 2008 Ford E-350 15 passenger van and have had serious problems with the Ford steering and handling.The vehicle has enormous play in steering column at higher speeds on highway with significant drifting which is dangerous when passing tractor trailers. The van has been in repair shop 3-4 times (4000 miles) for steering issues and was realigned twice already. Roll Stability Control (RSC) sensors have been replaced at only 3000 miles and after replacing are defective again requiring another replacement. Plastic dashboard panel was replaced due to warping and it had only 2000 miles.

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  Unreliable after year 5 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cougar10 - June 7 - 10:27 pm

  My family purchased this truck new for my brother. My brother didnt like it so my dad drove it and when I got my license I inherited this pile of junk (it was 10 years old). When i first started driving it it was ok but lately its been making sudden jerks and noises. After i drive it for a little bit the motor keeps on making noise. The temperature gauge has caused it to die. I have to hit the tailgate to open it. My family has only had Chevys before this and we are all going back to Chevys. Built Ford Tough is a big understatement. I cant wait to get something nicer.

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  Most Unreliable Car ever owned. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By NeverbuyFordAgain - May 31 - 11:39 pm

  Drive the Car about 3000 miles per year, the vehicle has 18000 took it into the dealer because of a noise comming from the tranmision the same day the the engine light came up. After the dealer diagnosys, the car need new cylinder #5 new valves new head and a new Torque conveter for the tranmission about $5100.00 dollars later no word from Ford since the vehicle is out of warranty of course after the first 3 years called everyone at ford to try to get some type of help, no response Ive had 5 fords in my life time, this is the last one I will ever owned, they lost me as a customer.

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  Friends dont let friends.... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By kevjalittell - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Buy Focuss. this car has been nothing but trouble. Emissions sensors pop and the dealerships want me to rent a car for 3 days so they can fix it under warranty. UGGHHHH...If the value of the vehicle wasnt dropping so fast Id sell or trade but I financed it for 4 years with 15% down and Im STILL upside down on it. 26MPG is average with the AT. The interior is starting to fall out of it....It eats tires and wont keep alignment on either axle. Brakes on front end cost $375.00 in PARTS ALONE because they dont have squealers...Pad wear out and overheat the calipers...

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  Its ok, BUT NOT FOR TEXAS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By HoustonPerson - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall I like my truck ok. The MSRP was $41,000 It cost about $2,000 more than most of the others and about 4 to 5,000 more than a comparable Dodge or Chevy. It is way over priced!

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  Im glad to be rid of it. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By William D. Arthur II - May 22 - 10:00 am

  After taking our car in for all the recalls, and not being able to get the gear shifter repaired, because we were told that there was nothing wrong with it. I will say that I took the car to a small town Ford Dealer/Service Dept. and after removing the entire dash the A/C finally worked on hot days. Im just glad to be rid of it.

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  fixed or repaired daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rick - May 21 - 7:17 pm

  The looks and the 4.6 shifted me to buy this big piece of junk, I owned limos with the 4.6 that got over 300k with no problems, so I brought this xlt, my mechanic hugged me and said we might as well be family now, so many problems with this suv. Omg. Maybe Ill be lucky, nope 111,000 miles tranny acted up, Wayne county Ford pa, said we dont bother rebuilding that tranny, new 1 $4,600, . Installed, rear wheel bearings, broken springs, alternator, rear seal, a/c gets warm then boom overheats twice... Uhaul refuses to let this car be used to tow, my sable can LOL, to all who love there explorers good luck cause your gonna need it, my last Ford

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  Buyer Beware! Be AFRAID - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Steve Westcott - May 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought a 2012 Ford Focus and have been disappointed ever since. It is the worst vehicle I have owned. It has been recalled twice in a year because of transmission problems. I had to take it in again on my own recently. The transmission in these vehicles is a real mess. Save yourself headaches and buy a Corolla. I had one and it was one of the best cars I have owned. I have major buyers remorse with the Focus. The car even stalled when i was driving on the highway. It is truly a road hazard. The Ford Fiesta has the same transmission problems. The F-150 appears to be the only vehicle made by Ford thats worth it.

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  Do not purchase 2007 Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By MM - May 20 - 9:51 pm

  The oil is constantly leaking have had the car in the shop multiple times, they can never find it or say that it doesnt need to be filled all the way for the transmission, then my panoramic sun roof exploded/shattered over my head one night driving down the road, nothing hit it and there were no other cars/trees, just shattered, scared me to death. Shock on right side leaking, smoking, fixed, not fixed, lost part, not the right part, what other excuse could Ford give. This is my first and last Ford, oh and the paint has bubbled on the drivers side door and the door lock on that side will never unlock with automatic unlock and they say it needs oil, ha that doesnt work either

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  BUY SOMETHING ELSE - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - May 16 - 11:02 pm

  When I first bought this car brand new and fully loaded it was priced $32,000. It was a waste of money because the is the worst car Ive ever owned. It goes in the shop about 10 times a year. The a/c went out in the back two rows 1 1/2 years after me buying the car, the door locks dont work and doors wouldnt open($1500), the back windshield wiper feel off on freeway and it never worked, the tv vcr in the car doesnt work anymore, the speakers cut on and off in the back rows, the power seats are stuck in one position, and the check engine light never goes off! This car is horrible and Im just going to sell it to a junk yard because its only worth $2000 now because it needs alot of repairs!