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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  Worse Car Ever - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Myrna - October 17 - 6:38 pm

  It should of been a red flag from day one. When I test drove the car. But I was in need of a car so I purchased the car. And since then it has been a nightmare. I have had this car for 10 months now. And I have put in over 1,000 in repairs. Timing belt went out 3 months after I got the car. 3 months later ignition lock had to be repaired. Right now it is actually in the shop. Shakes a lot. Engine light keeps coming back on. Has leaks. I still have a year to pay it off. I recommend never, ever buy a used ford. They are a nightmare and you will regret it. I will never purchase a ford again. The radio didnt even work and yes the knob from the volume started melting in the summer.

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  Not Bad but Not Good Either - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Michelle W - October 16 - 5:13 pm

  Bought used from a dealership - within 6 months the transfer case went - $2500 to replace. The air conditioner needs to be fixed that another $1000. But is good on gas in the city and the brakes seem to last forever. Leg room in the front is good but is a tight fit in the back.

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  Disappointed overall - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ex-explorer owner - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 9,800 miles on it at the end of the model year. It has had six recalls including Firestone tires, faulty airbag wire harness, faulty wiper wiring (wipers would turn on without warning), and two reprogrammings of control modules. Ford had to replace lower front ball- joints at 28,000 mi. under warranty. Fuel system sensor went out at 37,000 miles (car cut-off repeatedly at road speed) and Ford would not cover that. Combined with poor gas mileage in town, this is a TERRIBLE vehicle. Consumer Reports rates the 1999 Explorer as Do Not Buy because of reliability problems.

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  FORD HATER - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By FORDHATER - October 11 - 10:00 am

  WHERE SHOULD I START? OIL LEAKS I HAVE HAD 3 OF THEM ALL FROM THE SAME AREA. THE BACK WINDOW EXPLODED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR GATE, ALL JUST BY CLOSING IT. THERE IS STILL A HARSHENGAGEMENT/STUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING. AND FORDS CUSTOMER SUPPORT SUCKS. IF YOUR LOOKING TO BUY AN EXPLORER YOU SHOULD THINK AGAIN

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  Never wish this on nobody! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By daddy-danny - October 10 - 11:20 am

  Worst car IÂ’ve ever owned. It was my second car when I was 18 years old, and I only bought it because I wrecked my long lasting 96 Sentra. Cost were too much. Im telling you, it doesnÂ’t get more like a bucket than this. I bought it with 150 thousand miles on It driving fine for $1300. 2nd day of ownership, it overheated, and 1st week of ownership the alternator went out. 100 bucks. 1st 2 weeks of ownership the transmission went to crap. 500 bucks in fixations. Im telling you, this car was a problem. I bought it in September of 2005, and by November the transmission messed up again, not allowing it to drive more than 60 mph. By may of 2006, it wasnÂ’t driving faster than 25 mph.

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  LEMONVILLE - 2000 Ford Focus
  By UNFOCUSED - October 9 - 11:26 pm

  NOTHING BUT RECALLS AND ON SOME PARTS, THE SAME RECALL THREE TIMES. DEALERSHIP LEASE MANAGER TOTALLY UNREASONABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY TWO INDEPENDANT MECHANICS THAT SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE.AND! THAT IT WAS A LEMON. I PAID TO GET OUT OF A LEASED VEHICLE THAT WAS A MISTAKE FROM ITS FIRST DAY ON THE CONVEYOR.SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS LATER I LEARNED A HARD LESSON. :(

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  WORST F-150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By CDF - October 8 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new 6 months ago and it has been in the shop 6 times so far. The dealer says they cannot fix the vibration in the rear end after 4 attempts. There have been several different problems. Some parts were not even installed (a/c hose - water was going in floorboard). I can not even get a loaner vehicle while it is being repaired but 2 times. It has currently been at the dealership about 36 days and counting. Im waiting on a buy-back or replacement. I also have a claim with the BBB AutoLine.

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  2006 F-150 Review - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Brian - September 30 - 9:20 pm

  My experience with my F-150 was the worst experiance I have ever had with a vehicle. The build quality was extremely poor. Within the first 6 months all fuel injectors had to be replaced. The stitching on the front seats came apart not once but twice! The headliner came apart. The outside mirror fell off as I was driving. My exp. with the dealership regarding these issues was also poor. It will be the last Ford vehicle I ever have!

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  Get rid of it now before its too late!! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Willbuyatoyota - September 26 - 3:06 pm

  Bought this car in 04 with 10 miles on it. Since 36,000 miles front bearing problems, took it in 3 times for brakes squealing/ very soft brakes (dealership couldnt find anything wrong) and the last straw 50,038 miles torque converter and transmission problems. We were stopped at a stop sign, wouldnt move. Research is telling me this is a common problem with 04 and 05. Not enough crashes or deaths for Ford to make a recall. My family has driven Fords since the 60s, not anymore.

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  A Completely Disposable Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Rollthebones - September 23 - 12:16 pm

  This is my only Ford car, and most certainly my last. Fords are not long- term cars. I bought the car from my employer off lease, dirt cheap (I drove it during lease). I have never spent so much repair money on a car with so few miles. Visually, the car is still in great shape. Paint and interior are perfect. The engine (base 3.0 V6) is quite underpowered, gets pitiful gas mileage, and is in need of a trip to the dealer for repair every few months. My GM (Buick) and Nissan cars have never cost me this much money in repairs. At 77k, Ive repaired rain leaks on passenger floorboard, oxygen sensors, cam shaft sensor, and had transmission serviced 3 times. This is totally a disposable car.