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:

• 

  2000 Ford Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By cindy2001 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Interior looks bad. There are waves in the frame around the doors and windows.

• 

  Buyers Beware - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By xford - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The "Ford Quality is Job One myth". Our special order 02 Explorer arrived (after 2.5 months)with a failed transmission, it would either slip, slam or not shift. Ford had put 32 miles on it but apparently decided "dont fix it until the customer complains". After 3 days it still isnt fixed and the dealer is still trying to close the deal. Nice try Ford, but NO-SALE. After also having to replace an F150 engine last year at under 4000 miles, this 35 year Ford buyer is now enjoying his first ever Japanese vehicle.

• 

  disappointed & disgusted - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By horne - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Three weeks after purchasing the vehicle the computer failed and had to be replaced. The Valenti dealership in Mystic, Connecticut took a week and one half to discern what the problem was and install a new computer. The key was stuck in the steering post lock on three occassions which was among the numerous other failings of the vehicle. After 42,000 miles the transmission failed and due to the fact that I rely on the vehicle for my livelyhood and their insistance that it would take over a week to fix the problem I took the vehicle to Ammco.

• 

  Not satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Joe - November 30 - 11:50 pm

  I like the style and interior design of the vehicle, however, the performance is terrible. Im almost afraid to enter highway traffic not to mention the gas mileage; it seems like as a four cylinder the use of gasoline would be terrific. I also have a six cylinder car that does better on gas. The vehicle sounds and feels like it constantly struggles.

• 

  Stay away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By d g - November 20 - 3:36 pm

  Bought the car in 2014, already on my second clutch replacement. Ford knows about the issue but chooses to sell these vehicles away. The car shudders going into 2nd gear and when sometimes the acceleration is just not there. These cars should be recalled

• 

  This van is a piece of junk - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cocoamosh - November 19 - 5:23 pm

  This van was good for about 3 months and then it went to hell fast. Rack and pinion power steering pump and struts-they all go together and its costly. I loved my van until about a week ago and got an estimate for repair. No wonder everyone says do not buy a Ford-Found On The Road Dead and some other words I can think of.

• 

  Used Car Shopping? Keep looking! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Northern Mom - November 17 - 10:42 am

  With finances in disarray, we hoped we would get something reliable and reasonable. Purchased with 87,000 miles, this van is neither. Repairs are constant, steering is off, engine repairs non-stop, ABS brake lights come on everytime we hit a pothole and fifteen brake codes up at the dealership. Weve had problems like the transmission blew in the first week, leaking manifold, broken clip,a hose about to go? If you have 2k to add in, might make it a few years more but you can do better than this dog. Way too much money to spend on a sinking ship..Weird second row seat - not easy with kids and pets. Stinky exhaust, very expensive every time I go in with it.

• 

  Fraud Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Gary Leeman - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am to be getting this load of junk off of my hands tomorrow. The amenities in the limited trim are very nice, the issue is that they dont last long. To name just a few...the rear wiper no longer works, the radio display is blank, the power drivers seat no longer works, right rear passenger window motor is dead, passenger seat heater is out and the cd player is hit or miss. After all of these years one would have to believe that sooner or later, Ford will finally get it. Trading in on a Honda Pilot tomorrow morning...cant wait.

• 

  2002 Explorer is a Lemon - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kassie - November 14 - 2:00 am

  After 3 attempts at transmission repair and 4 times having the rear rack and pinion replaced we finally had to file under the lemon law. The engine would rev high and then lurch into gear, and eventually O/D light flashes and would completely loose 2nd and 5th gears. Ford supposedly flew field engineer down but still unable to get it resolved. NO more Fords for me!

• 

  Dont buy this car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By breavo - November 10 - 5:14 pm

  Looks are decieving! This car is horrible. I bought one and things just kept happening. One thing after another. The clutches are bad, the transmission is bad, the parts are more expensive than any other car, are not comfortable, not all that powerful, though it is fun to drive for the few miles it goes. I beg you not to even consider this car. Go with something reliable like an expensive remote control car. You would most likely have more luck with that! I regret buying this thing. I am only 17 years old and spent all my money on this car. Now Im stuck with nothing and I dont want people to suffer the same problem. Please dont buy this mistake!