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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  Pushed Limits - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DocBone - August 11 - 8:35 pm

  I have owned my explorer for 2 years now and have not had to deal with any major problems. I did learn the hard way that the o-ring from the oil filter can occasionally get stuck and has to be peeled off. In the last 2 years I have managed to put on nearly 40K miles, between driving to and from school (about 150miles round trip)and pizza delivery. Slightly bothered by the less that stellar gas mileage, but on the highway I have gotten 20+ mpg a few times. Strongly recommend to anyone needs a decent amount of space in their car. Also, after surviving through 2 winters, I have no complaints, snow is not an issue. This car can easily modified without affecting its electrical system

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  NOT WORTH IT!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By crsl67 - August 11 - 5:54 pm

  This vehicle is nothing but problems! Transmission slips, had rearend replaced once already, car dies while driving. In hot weather car will not start no one can tell me why. Have had electrical problems. This car isnt worth the aggravation.

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  one electrical issue after another - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By shortcircuited - August 11 - 5:41 pm

  I bought this van cheap, and for the most part it has been very useful for people carrying and hauling. But I have had many electrical problems, starting with headlights that only worked intermittently turned out that was a faulty wiring harness at the switch. Then the items operated from the steering column failed one-by-one (air bag light staying on, cruise control stopped working, same with horn, turn signals, wipers). I had the "clockspring" replaced and all work fine now. Then the drivers side door window failed gradually replaced switch and motor. Now, there has been a series of ignition system failures that are stumping my auto electrician. When will it end!

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  ITS STILL RUNNING - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Suffolk - August 11 - 5:28 pm

  I drove my husbands Taurus Sho last weekend and the odometer read 261,140 miles. Its still going after we have had trouble with a newer 1996 Jeep (dead now) and a 2004 Avalanche (having problems now).

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  Come On Ford Fix Transmission - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Rhonda - August 11 - 2:16 pm

  I am an avid Ford owner but am extremely disappointed to learn that at 54000 miles I am being told that yes they know there is a problem with the transmission (CVT) and they recognize the risk it poses to citizens but they are not willing to repair at their expense. I really dont want another car but cannot justify repairing this one.

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  My first American Car... - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JohnV - August 11 - 12:43 pm

  ...and I love it! Glad we found this wonderful, large comfortable car - at such a great price. The styling is a bit on the vanilla side but who cares. Its attractive to me and thats all that matters. The command seating gives me a fantastic view of the road. The leg room for me (5-8) and my wife (5-4) is more than generous and the trunk can carry almost anything you can throw at it. This car, in my opinion, is a much better value than any strangely styled Honda, Nissan or Toyota on the road today.

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  Stalls - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Ingrid - August 11 - 11:40 am

  My Edge has stalled on me several times usually @ stop lights and the Dealer cant find anything wrong with it.Does anybody have the same problem? The tires are very noisy (Hancook)and I had a rear bearing replaced already.

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  I love my Edge!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Teenda - August 11 - 9:30 am

  I love driving my edge. I traded in a Jetta for it to deal with the winters and I was tired of a manual transmission. I have now found out I am an SUV woman and will probably always be one. My edge was broken into once so the pass window was smashed in but that isnt a manufacturers defect. My cruise control did stop functioning but it was replaced under warranty. As for fuel mileage - I drive to quick to give an accurate answer. I love the stability and comfort I feel while driving my Edge vs. driving a Jetta which was low to the ground and a rough ride. LOVE LOVE LOVE MY EDGE!

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  Its designed for work - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By henrickson - August 11 - 4:49 am

  Ive carried more cases of wine, beer, soda, computer equipment then I can shake a stick at. This vehicle is designed for that and excels at it. Its amazing what it swallows. I just finished hauling 27 fully loaded 18 gallon totes in one load. Im sure I was pushing the hauling weight capacity but it worked perfectly. When its empty it rides like a washboard but it hauls cargo with the best. Ive had zero mechanical problems and the divers side is comfortable for a full days work. Ive overloaded it and driven it for 10 hours on the interstate and it did well. Its not great on the interstate in high winds but again its really designed for around town.

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  Transmission - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By John - August 10 - 8:43 pm

  I have heard lots of stories about bad trannies. Changed all my fluids at 30,000. I was told that this might be an important factor in the longevity of the transmission. Mine has always had an annoying jerk going from park into gear even from new. (My 4runner was a smooth bump like it should be) Other than that and the LR window not working all the time it really hasnt given me any problems.