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:

• 

  Wished for better - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MIBobG - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  I had owned the previous model Explorer and liked it. Pluses for this model included a nicer ride with less cornering sway, a bit roomier interior. Cargo space is excellent for hauling all kinds of camping gear. Only initial downside was that the car is noisy on the highway. That having been said, the car has been a turkey. Transmission #1 failed at just past the warranty mileage for a $2.5K repair. Now that transmission is failing at the same point - perfect planned obsolescence. By 80K miles I had to replace all four wheel bearing sets, and both rear springs. Had several expensive cases of engine oil leakage which required replacing engine seals. Interior trim falls off. On & on.

• 

  Transmission gave out - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By D Rivera - May 14 - 6:50 pm

  My husband bought us a 2016 Ford Explorer Sports edition....less than a year later, while driving it to work one morning, the car just stopped accelerating, after restarting the car, I drove fwd, then put the car in reverse, NOTHING. Had a tow truck take it straight to the dealership. A few hours later, got a call from the dealer stating the transmission had given out. Never getting a ford again! So disappointing.

• 

  Worst car I have ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By OneTimeFordBuyer - May 14 - 5:14 pm

  Bought this because Ford had better financing at the time. By far the worst car I have ever owned. I drive highway to work and only get 23 MPG (compared to the 29 it was listed at). It has been in the shop several times in the first two years with transmission problems. Going back to the shop now because the driver seat broke. Turning radius is horrible. Without traction control, cant get it to move on even a dusting of snow. This was the first and last Ford I will ever own. The value of it has dropped so much I cant even afford to get rid of it since I still owe double what it is worth. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Ford Quality still BAD - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jane Roe - May 13 - 6:20 am

  This car has been a nightmare, its been in the shop more than Ive driven it. Traded my 2001 Honda Civic for this troublesome crap. Going to try to get it classified as a lemon and buying a Honda when I get my money back.

• 

  Escape Diebrid not Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By scoobykk - May 10 - 9:45 am

  This vehicle has the potential to die on you while driving or parked. There are problems with the parts below that you should be aware of before purchasing. Repair is very expensive. FORD nor your dealership will inform you of known potential problems. For FORD 05-07 owners, these parts are known to fail so get them checked out before the BtoB warranty expires. 1. MOTOR cooling system water pump pn# (5m6z8c419a) TSB (Technical Service Bulletin ) # 07-25-12. 2. The Blend air door actuator applications pn# (8L8Z19E616E), will also probably need to be replaced.

• 

  cool car very bad quality - 2000 Ford Focus
  By zajka - May 4 - 10:00 am

  it could have been really cool car - fun to drive and roomy, but the quality is so bad. I had 10 recalls done, fuel pump, a/c, brakes, noises...you name it...cant wait to get rid of it.

• 

  Problem after problem - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By sadday - May 3 - 5:54 pm

  Bought this car less than a year ago from a dealership, have had nothing but problems for the last six months. Needed a new fuel pump, engine revs itself, overheats frequently, faulty hoses and wiring, doesnt start sometimes for no reason. I was really excited when I first got the car and have been frustrated ever since.

• 

  2004 Ford Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nadineb - May 2 - 7:28 am

  I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle unless you have a lot of extra money to fix all the faults with it. My opinion of this vehicle is that Ford needs to recall this van. It stopped running twice while it was traveling thirty five mph, and once, as I was entering a high speed roadway. Reliability zero. I fear for my life when I drove it which I will no longer take that chance.

• 

  Dont buy this junk. - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Brian - May 1 - 9:09 am

  This car has been a nothing but trouble. Every problem requires a trip to the mechanic because the car is designed so you cant fix anything without special tools and disassembly of the entire engine. The water pump is a constant problem having to be replaced twice as well as the timing belt. Engine is continually running hot because of poorly designed coolant system. Doors creak terribly when opened. The car has terrible fuel mileage compared to its small engine and pathetic amount of power. The only plus to this car is the availability of used parts. You can find several of these cars at almost any junk yard. That is where mine is headed shortly.

• 

  Needs to be recalled - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Disappointed - April 29 - 8:44 am

  Ive had the van for 4 years now. 3 weeks after purchase there were noises heard while driving under normal conditions. Took it to dealer twice they said they found nothing. Trusted their opinion since they sell. Now a new problem...transmission gave in. Van is sitting in mechanics garage collecting dust until I can come up with at least $3000 for repairs. Also, driver side window motor needs to be replaced. Talked to some other mechanics and theyre baffled why these problems occured on a 5-yr old vehicle under 100k miles. Im not buying a Ford ever again.