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:

• 

  This car is Terrible - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Gnouk101 - January 24 - 11:43 pm

  Ive had this car since 2007 and it has about 135,000 miles on it. I must say this is by far the worst car ever. The transmission is terrible and jolts all the time, especially in traffic. Gas is terrible compared to my old Avalon. gets around 16-17 in the city and 23-26 highway. As a college student I cant afford to fill this thing up all the time. I can continue to go on and on with the problems of this car. Never buy one ever.

• 

  Do Not Buy One - 2008 Ford Focus
  By cchrisman - January 24 - 6:38 pm

  The automatic transmission has problems with this vehicle. Stay away from it. I bought a 2008 Focus program car last week with 11,000 miles on it. I thought it drove very nice, etc., when I test drove it. I was not really familiar with how it was to actually perform. Driving a loaner vehicle of same type 2008 Focus SE automatic transmission, I knew something was wrong with the one I purchased. I was told by the dealership nothing was wrong with the transmission, even though the engine screams at 60 mhp because it is not shifting, I was told the car would acclimate itself to me, and shift after it got used to me? Do not buy one, this transmission problem is on the net. Last Ford for me

• 

  Making the switch - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mel - January 22 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the Escape brand new, 2 weeks later it broke down, 2 months after that the first of 2 recalls arrives. The transmission shifts hard and now the whole brake system needs serious work. Neither my husband nor I are hard on the Escape, as a matter of fact, after 4 years there is only 23,000 miles on it.

• 

  Synergy Drive Replaced at 15,000 miles! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By aportele - January 21 - 10:56 pm

  Well, its in the shop already. Only 15,000 miles. The synergy drive failed and left me on the side of the road. Who knows how long it will take to fix. Stuck with a Focus for part of this New England winter. Guess what? When the synergy drive dies, you cant even push the thing to the side of the road. It took six mechanics to move it 5 feet from the flatbed to the lift!

• 

  Worst car ever! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Screw Ford - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car believing the hype from both Consumer Reports and everywhere else. I have now owned my Focus for 2 years, and I have had it in the shop 12 times. Yup, 12 times. 6 recalls and 6 broken parts that were under warranty. I have never been more disappointed in any product in my entire life. Truly, Ford has continued along the tradition of the Pinto, where they calculate how much it will cost to replace broken stuff as being lower then how much it will cost to put in higher quality parts. Its a textbook cost-benefit analysis, and Ford wrote the textbook. Dont buy a Ford.

• 

  Bought it new, falling apart - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Brenda - January 14 - 12:10 pm

  The 2006 Mustang v6 Coupe is my 7th Mustang, I bought it new off the lot, and its left me stranded all over town--thank God I have roadside assistance! After two years of ownership a dead battery left me stranded out at work at midnight, in March Ill have had the car 3 years and I just had to put a new transmission in it at 68,000 miles. The Ford dealer said that since I hadnt had the transmission serviced at 30,000 mile intervals like the manual says I need to, they cant help. Ive not had the oil changed exactly every 3,000 miles, does this mean the engine is going to blow? Very poor quality.

• 

  Built by Children - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Richard Coffin - January 14 - 11:01 am

  Its hard to discribe the disappointment experienced from this vehicle. Ill just point out the facts. 48000kms in 34 months from new. 1) 4th transmission on its way out. 2) ABS/power brakes failed twice. 3) tire pressure sensor failed 4 times 4) rear axle seal leaked 5) windshield washer sensor light failure 6) loose parts banging around in floor or dash since 6 months after purchase. 7) understeers like a cab over tow truck towing an overweight vehicle. 8) Conteinental Contitrac tires rounded out like a wheel barrow tire. aLway properly inflated. 9) 1st gear is like 2nd in any other car. (Poor gear ratios) 10) Avg fuel economy 14.62 miles per gallon or 16.01 liters/100km.

• 

  2003 Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 2003 Explorer - January 14 - 12:14 am

  Purchased pre-owned with 47000 miles. AC problems within first six months. Had to replace entire AC system due to metal throughout. Drivers door handle broke off when it was cold. Back panel beneath the liftgate window cracked when it was cold. A coat hook in rear compartment snapped off first time I used it. It just seemed that something was breaking or needed repairs. I am planning on trading this vehicle within the next week or so. Enough of "Quality is Job 1." Lots of positive reviews from this model as it was one of the reasons I purchased the Explorer. Maybe I just had a lemon but I will never buy a Ford again.

• 

  Shes comin undone! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Ontario Canada - January 13 - 3:03 pm

  Bought this car used with 67000km on it. Heater has never worked properly core is perpetually plugged up. Discovered that if you pull the heater tubes off at the fire wall and flush it at that point- it works like a charm! Problem with overheating in summer, dashboard and indicator lights burnt out quickly, the console is just weird! But lots of room and plenty of get up and go. Door sensors are always broken. Headlights are very dim

• 

  With regrets - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jdy - January 13 - 1:55 pm

  Have owned this used 2002 Windstar 3 months. It has 80,000 miles. Thought I had done my homework, because I read that the 2002 was more reliable for drive train than Windstar of other years. While I was driving, the car seemed to shift into neutral, leaving me stranded in the middle of no where. Our trusty mechanic says we need another transmission $2100 - $2600. It is sickening that Ford would put their name on a product so horrific.