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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  F for Ford and rear brake squeal - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Fordratesan F - April 27 - 10:51 am

  Rear brake squeal is a major problem with these Ford Focus for a number of model years and Ford refuses to fix or acknowlege the issue except for a few. We bought 3 of these and have the same problem on all. After about 2 years the rear brake squeal is so loud it is deafening. The dealship has not been able to fix the problem and we have spent a lot of money on them. Ford tells us we are just out of luck. Buyer beware.

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  another transmission failure - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Terri - April 23 - 8:54 pm

  i travel a lot. so i wanted a vehicle that would not wear me out when i drive. overall this van drives well over long distances. however, without warning, at 63,000 miles i attempted to put the van in gear - nothing. the "extended warranty" the dealership sold to me (AMERI GUARD) - said i did not have the 60,000 mile transmission service so (in their words) "we will not pay and are washing our hands of it"! so who actually takes their vehicle in at the exact mileage for maintenance? anyway, i think FORD is well aware they have major transmission issues for their 2004 and 2005 models and yet they do nothing about it! HONDA OR TOYOTA NEXT TIME!

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  Less plastic, more class...please ! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Plastic & fins - April 23 - 10:00 am

  What a mistake !, uncomfortable seat position, cheap materials & slot car boyish styling. Go back to the 5.0 cause the 4.6 is a dog, Ford tries to fool you with the gaudy muffled sound.

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  Buyer Beware - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Buyer Beware - April 22 - 9:11 pm

  Well where do I start, I bought the 08 edge because of the deep discounts and thought what a great deal. I did not know that the radio would not work, the tire would blow out, and then the transmission would go out all in less than a week. I know that it is under warranty but, how would you feel about a new vehicle with this many problems in a short period of time? I lost faith in Ford.

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  2 transmissions in 114k miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By t collins - April 21 - 12:49 pm

  Replaced transmission at 83k miles with rebuilt ford trans which went out at 114k miles. That was about 2 weeks ago and service writer says he is waiting to put it on a lift because they are all full. I have put approx. $15,000 into various repairs on this vehicle despite extended coverage nothing is ever under warranty.

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  very disappointed - 2005 Ford Escape
  By wanda harless - April 13 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Escape on 1-21-05. The check engine light came on 1-24-05. I was told to drive it. They had to order the part for the converter. Wednesday 2-2-05 I had trouble getting to work in it. There was popping and cracking noises; I thought it was catching on fire. I had it towed to the garage. I smelled something burning. When you turn to the left it seems to have jerky movement.

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  Here we go again - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Dar - April 13 - 4:14 am

  Here we go again folks My 2014 and 2015 Ford Focuses both had transmissions problems . This is my second new Focus it shutters, shakes, vibrate going up hills is terrible. Im going tomorrow and see what dealer will do. I heard they changed the new 2016 Ford Focus

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  Left me Stranded again - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By MikeZ - April 10 - 6:54 pm

  My ranger has 36500 miles on it and the air-flow sensor broke on it leaving me stranded before work. The warranty ran out at 36000 so I had to pay for everything. (towing, engine work). At 35000 miles the transmission had to be rebuilt. Luckily the dealership took care of that. I just dont trust it anymore. Im trading it in.

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  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By done with ford - April 10 - 2:37 pm

  This is my second Explore and I should have learned from the first one which lived up to the name “Exploder” (at about 120,000 miles I was dumping anywhere from $500 - $1500.00 per month in to it just to keep it running). My 2002 Explorer appears to be even worse. Just passing 91000 miles of nothing but city street travel I have replaced the internal components of the steering column twice which cost to date $3000.00 and the rear bearing for $600.00. The transmission has slipped since day one and I don’t want to know what that will cost to repair, the rear differential seals are leaking and the front bearing are starting to go. I am getting rid of the vehicle this weekend! Its Doge for me!

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  perille tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By eliz3618 - April 9 - 12:00 pm

  we leased a 2007 ford focus and returned it 2 weeks ago to purchase a 2009tord fusion. To our shock, we recd a bill from FMC stating we owe$600.00 for overuse of the perille tires. We have always leased, and never have we recd a bill for anything.,called other ford motor dealers and they stated the perille tires are only warranted for 1 yr..why is FMC putting tires on cars that they know in advance will not hold up.,we turned the car inw/31,000 miles, perille tire is suppose to be good for 40.000 miles. FMC is really shooting themselves in the foot because if we are forced to pay this, it will be the last ford we ever buy. what an insult to the consumer. tires were noisy & poor traction.