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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  Will Never Buy Again! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By sonybomb - March 7 - 6:54 pm

  Problems since day 1. Replaced all 4 wheel bearings, door ajar light is on all the time and there is no door open! Peeling clear coat around windows. Now tranny is slipping like crazy, cant wait to get rid of it as soon as I pay it off!

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  Please buy it back - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By exploder - March 5 - 7:18 pm

  Short list of problems on the day of delivery lenses were full of water radio did not work in the past two years air con quit seat quit working right rear half shaft broke.Rear door filed with water,complete new muffler system,rear lense filled with water,rear sensing system failed door closed sensor as failed wiper motor drowns out radio.Passenger seat air sensor failed .Battery dead after two years Transmission continues to bang but they tell me this is normal.I have ask my dealer service dept to work some magic and turn it into a toyota i could go on and on but I would not want to put anyone of buying one LOL

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  Do not buy! Terrible transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By T. Walston - March 4 - 6:11 am

  I love the Bluetooth capabilities but this does not outweigh the transmission problems. The car shudders terribly especially upon take off in the city. It never happens on the highway. I bought it in Aug 2014. Since i have taken it to the dealership more than once to fix the problem. The transmission has been reprogrammed multiple times. They told me it is just aggravating and not a safety issue. From some the posts Ive read that is not true. Im trading this in asap!

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  Key doesnt start this vehicle. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rickyb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Gas mileage is poor. Turning is unsteady as front wheels thump when sharp turning is necessary. I have had to have this vehicle towed to the dealer because the key lost its program. The key needed to be reprogrammed. The tow truck driver had towed other 2004 Explorers with the same problem in my area. Otherwise it is very much functional for my needs.

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  First Ford - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Canada10 - February 22 - 8:40 am

  Bought my first Ford. Read up on issues. They were true. Not impressed as Ford states quality. Cheap feeling car. Original owner replace fuel pump, front brakes and front struts. I replace ignition switch, which should never, ever fail. Fuel mileage not very impressive in city. Have rattle in exhaust system, suspect cataytlic converter.

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  Defective Rear Differential Design - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Joetta Campbell - February 15 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had the rear differential/pinion gears replaced 3 times, but the loud whine from the grinding rear-end gears continues to return after a few thousand miles. I was finally told that this is normal, and wouldnt pose a problem, but the grinding noise has now gotten too loud to drown out with the radio. My research into this problem has led me to discover its a very common problem due to Fords design flaw (the soft aluminum housing expands at a different rate than metal gear assembly). Ive also learned the rear end will eventually seize just pray its not on the expressway with your children on board. After 1yr/12000 miles, youre stuck paying >1.5K for another temporary fix. Too bad enforcement of consumer protection was gutted in 2001, as the well-known rear-end design problem of these vehicles has gone unchecked. Ford should be forced to recall these vehicles, since it is a safety issue when the rear-end seizes up eventually.

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  Difference between Silverado and Ford F150 - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Frank - February 11 - 10:21 pm

  Let me first say that Im not a truck guy. I rented a car in Orlando and was given a Silverado for 2 weeks. I throughly enjoyed the truck. The instrumentation was simple to figure out and the rearview camera was huge. The ride was very comfortable and the front seats were very roomy although the backseat space was too tight. Parking is difficult due to the size. A week later I was given a Ford F150 for a week. WOW what a difference! The Ford was cheap feeling and looking inside. It took a masters degree to figure out the instrumentation. The back up camera was minuscule and useless. The truck was easier to maneuver then the Silverado and the backseat room was huge. Even with these pluses it the Silverado features and ride far out weight the Ford F150.

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  Stay Away. Loaded with features, poor execution - 2013 Ford Focus
  By E Man - February 6 - 11:44 pm

  The "automatic" transmission gives a terrible feeling of no confidence, makes the car hard to drive and requires updates and warranty appointments. Weve had many excuses on fixing the issue including that our new transmission parts were given away to others, and then told we did not qualify for the warranty transmission repair. Even when fixed, driving this car is erratic and just not good. Other poor quality items likes interior water leaks and getting stuck from push button start make this a car to avoid. Pick any Honda, Toyota, Mazda and avoid these poor quality issues. We bought the car thinking it would be a great car for our kids, but it is not.

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  Never buy one again - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Rich - January 31 - 1:48 pm

  Engine light has been on since new. Dealer would not fix too expensive for no return they said. Piece of tape fixed problem. Never gone a day without something breaking down. Rear windows dont work, power locks do not work, rear defroster doesnt work. The list goes on. Never buy a Ford product again. Second vehicle an old Toyota no problems with it. They win my vote by by Ford. I learned a lot about my patience owning one of these. In dealership quite a lot.

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  Worthless - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Tom H. - January 25 - 10:42 pm

  Garbage. Car shakes all the time, speakers are broken, all the windows dont roll up or down Oil pan leaks, shocks and struts are shot, and overheated all the time. Put $2000 in to it for tune up, transmission, and water pump and timing belt. Never buy this car whatever you do.