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:

• 

  Wanting to trade it - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Medic - September 7 - 9:12 am

  I got it from my parents who got it off my grandparents, in my opinion a great little grandma/grandpa car where you dont drive it a ton. Things I fixed in the last two years: tie rods, struts, brakes, valve cover gasket, fuel pump (long story there) headlight switch, oil pan leaks, head gasket leaks. In all honesty it was an ok car (it drove the Alaska highway round trip and spent a few years up there) it did leave me stranded multiple times before anyone figured out it was the fuel pump, which shook my confidence in it, lots of little things on the blink, the headlight switch keeps leaving all the lights on even after replacing it. 144k mi, time for a trade and a little Peace of mind.

• 

  Give me back my Jeep! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jcpo - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I think I bought this truck only because I liked the looks, something different. It is so hard to handle, parking, backing up, and turning are hard. Backing up at night is nearly impossible. The gas milage is AWFUL! The re-sale value is awful as well. Ive already tried to trade it in and sell it out right and have not been pleased so far. I had a Ford Bronco II years ago and I loved it, then went to Jeep, loved it too. Now Im looking for a Jeep Wrangler. I cant wait to get rid of this Ford. What was I thinking?!?

• 

  They Cant Get This Car Right - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MDWong - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in thinking that this could be a reliable car that would last for years. I was wrong. There is always something wrong with my Explorer from the radio to the continouous motor noise and dont forget the Firestones. On top of that they have recalled six items in my year. Ford has been making this car for several years and still cant get it right. The resale value plummets quickly thus making my car almost worthless at this time. The only Ford I will buy in the future is a 1968 Mustang.

• 

  First Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By First time owner - September 1 - 7:07 am

  Transmission replaced at 26,000. New Ball joints at 30,000, brakes repaired twice, electrical problem with transmission, all repaired under warranty. Ford dealership that did the work was really good. If I buy a Ford again it will be because of the dealership. Car appears ok now, bought it used with 10,000 miles on it so it may have had rough use. Car is a little noisy on the highway, rear side visibility somewhat restricted. Car air and heat work good. Mileage about 27 to 30 on highway.

• 

  Disappointed - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MIkey - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I compared the Toyota Tundra and the F150 and decided to buy American again. (I have been buying Toyota and Honda cars. My son bought the Tundra). But with pulsating brakes, 12- 13 mpg on the highway,and an uncomfortable seat, the 150 has disappointed me.

• 

  Ford Freestyle Freefall - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sully320 - August 28 - 9:41 am

  My fiancee wanted another Explorer, even though she had numerous mechanical problems with her previous Explorer. She was talked into buying the Freestyle, partly because of the CVT. The car is noisy, sluggish and cramped. The capper? The vaunted CVT failed after 50,000 miles. The price tag? $7,000. Ford disavows the possibility that it was a defect. Have you driven a Ford lately? Good Luck brother!

• 

  Never Again! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By K.hashad it! - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Once heard that Ford stands for Fix Or Repair Daily. Now I believe it. I have just over 40,000 miles on my car, and have just been told that I need $2000 engine repair. With the innumerable recalls, the constantly broken power locks, the ride that feels like they left the shocks off, the horrible gas mileage, the noisy engine, company unresponsive to complaints/concerns...I could go on. You get the idea. Ill never patronize Ford again.

• 

  Pay the Price for High Mileage - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jm - August 20 - 6:00 pm

  Have put on 35K/year but at a price. First rear tie rods, then transmission, then rear wheel bearing, then front wheel bearing, then rear end, then emergency brake 2 times and now at 174K the rear end needs to be replaced (again) along with the rear springs. This is from the same company that makes the Crown VIC. 200K and going strong. My expecatations were too high for this vechile. When it was brought for major failure the dealership didnt bother to do any diagnostic work. Just replaced it. Now based upon what i have read here. I can see why!

• 

  What a mistake...... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jusmc - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Sport in the fall of 1999. I was happy at first but oh how things have changed. The gas mileage is horraid, all the recalls form the tires to the problem with the windshield wiper/turn signal electric box (3 times there) and then the problems with the ride quality. When taking turns it feels as if im going to lose control of the car and tumble over making me feel unsafe. And now that I have gotten to over 40,000 miles the engine is giving me problems. The only good thing about buying a Ford is Ford Credit, other than tht I will never buy a Ford again. It seems all the old sayings are true ...

• 

  NO NO NO - 2003 Ford Focus
  By emcorcoran - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice looking car but it seems that every 1000 miles or so something breaks down on it. At 600 yes 600 miles i needed a new trans. at 1500 i needed a new electrical system and to this day it still isnt fixed. The handling in the snow sucks. I would not buy another one of these ever again!!!!