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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  They need to see their competition - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By ROLM - November 4 - 3:42 pm

  I was an engineer at Chrysler. My father at GM. I drive for a living. Quality: First USA car with no manufacturing defects. Looks great. Handles Highway: the worst I have ever driven. Printed dangerous handling warning on visor. Best mileage: small 6 with the gas efficient rear end. Best handling: same. Interior: They fired their engineers 30 years ago. I could write pages on their lack of cab engineering. Everything is in the wrong place, works the wrong way, is the wrong size, whatever. E.G. try changing a fuse if you are not an anorexic 8-year old (need flashlight). Try getting groceries out of the back seat. No fan switch off. Center knob: Off(1),vent(1),AC(6).

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  Problems from day 1 - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By LynnK - November 4 - 2:52 pm

  I purchased it as a Ford Certified vehicle and the front end has always "smoked", my door locks dont work every time, the side mirrors do not work electronically now, the car has always had intermittent "jerking" at around 45 mph, replacing brakes was a chore, caliper would not compress, now my power steering is having issues, cant remove rear captains chairs. When I took it in because of a transmission leaked early on, they told me nothing is wrong, only replaced seals. Did not fix problem. Gas mileage horrible, also have an Avalanche and that gets better gas mileage. Traded in Mustang for this? I do not expect a 4 year old vehicle to have this many problems.

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  Dont bother - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Jennifer - November 3 - 10:32 pm

  We have had several problems with our Freestar. It was in the shop for over 3 weeks for the brake, ABS and battery light being on. It had a leak on the front passenger floor, they claim the fire wall was not sealed correctly. It is still leaking, as well as some where in the back, maybe the rear door, and out of nowhere the oil is leaking. Been keeping an eye on it while we find a reliable mechanic other than the dealership where we bought it. I drove it earlier to run errands and it was fine. My husband went to take it to run to the store and there oil is all over the driveway and it is making a weird noise that it shouldnt be making. I am a dedicated Ford owner but I will have to rethink it.

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  Full of problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By not happy - November 2 - 1:45 pm

  I bought my truck 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems with it. Third day I had it all of the gauges stopped working then countless electrical issues. Many problems with the suspension. This truck only has 78,000 miles on it but feels and drives like one with over 200,000 miles on it. Very unhappy with his purchase will never buy another one again.

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  Only a month - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mad driver - October 31 - 7:17 pm

  I have had this car for only a month, 100,000 miles you expect to have some problems. However this is just to much, even with a waranty! First off the transfer case went out, then the heater, as well as the ball joints on the front end, oh yeah and my brake lights decided to short out, as well as all the lights in the car! I could have been in a really bad accident if someone didnt tell me my brake lights didnt work. The electrical problems are so bad! One day things run great and the next, nothing works (windows, lights, sun roof, windshield wipers, etc.)! Stay away from this car because your safety means more then a sweet looking ride!

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  DO NOT BUY A FORD!!!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By lawanda - October 31 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased a ford focus 2013 six months ago and everything is now falling apart and has electrical issues please to avoid lots of stress please skip out on ford...Ive called corporate and they did nothing basically told me that theyll put in a report but other than that my 4 year old and I are screwed even though our lives are in danger

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dodad - October 27 - 9:00 am

  Bought this Sport Trac in October, had nothing but problems since. First the PCM burned up. Then three weeks later it wouldnt start. Its in the shop right now .They dont have a clue whats wrong with it. It only gets 10 miles to the gallon of gas. Has no power at all.

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  Think Twice - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By RMCass - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I purchased the SUV in March 2001. We previously owned a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We decided to opt for a smaller SUV. Now, one year later, it has approximately 12000 miles on it and, basically, the truck is falling apart. The rear wiper works when it decides it wants to work, the interior control buttons for the windows, etc. are falling off, falling through the holes amd the car is already starting to stall at only a year old. The handling on it is horrible - when you hit a bump or pothole, the whole tale end "skips". Basically, the truck fish-tails when you hit a bump or pothole doing more than 20 MPH.

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  Mistake - 1995 Ford Probe
  By steves238stang - October 23 - 9:50 am

  All in all its a fun call to drive, however I dont Mazda/Ford ever built these cars to really last very long, they seem like a pretty good college kids but I wouldnt recommend it to anyone for the simple fact that they dont make it anymore and parts are pretty hard to find parts for it.

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  Bad Investment - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Randy - October 19 - 9:05 pm

  I acquired a F-150 for a heavy work load. Big mistake. This vehicle would be good for occasional work and commuting, but has limited capabilities. It is underpowered, loud, poor gas mileage, and unreliable. I spent a small fortune keeping this truck running. I replaced this truck as quickly as financially possible.