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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  Nice to look at, but ridden with issues - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sam - July 18 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my "Certified" used Explorer Sport in 2005 and have had nothing but problems with it. 1 month after I bought it, the ignition lock tumbler locked in place and I couldnt even start the car, and my key was lodged in there. Ford charged $300+ to fix it. Then, the center armrest completely broke off after leaned on it just a little bit to get something out of the back. Third, the check engine light will come on for the smallest reason and stay on. Then, my drivers side door will not unlock from the outside, it will only unlock from the inside. So getting into the car requires using the passenger side door to open the drivers side. Ive only had it for 1.5 years!

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  What a lemon! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Stuck With It - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and have had over 12 warranty repairs. Particulary with the right wheel arm. It does not handle well on snow and almost killed me and my children. I have replaced 6 tires and have paid a huge amount of money in rental fees. Thanks alot FORD Not..

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  Ford- poor quality - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By tuxedo - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our first ford and we bought it new. In its first two years, the AC system broke down five times (compressor was replaced twice, expansion valve replaced four times, electrical switch replaced, flapper door repaired), the transmission had to be rebuilt, a door latch broke, the connection between the steering column and the steering box needed replacement twice, one front seatbelt replaced, a horrendous grinding noise at start-up from the AC compressor from day one to this day (the dealer showed us a Ford service bulletin that says such a noise is normal). Other than that, the truck has been trouble free.

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  Wont buy a Ford again - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dissatisfied Owner - July 4 - 3:01 pm

  Bought my car new and was fine until after I passed the "Lemon Law" limit. I only have 61000 miles on my car. Ive had nothing but problems with my car! In the shop constantly. Transmission went out, had radio replaced 6 times, now have an after market radio paid for by Ford, alternator and cellunoid went out, blower motor went out, mold in my A/C x 2 and getting poorer gas mileage. It makes the weirdest noises that my local dealer cant always find the cure for. Never did get the gas mileage it claimed to get. I purchased the extended warranty and was so glad I did! Id be in the "Poor House" now if I hadnt.

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  Explorer: An Andevture in Mediocrity - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By JFraser - June 27 - 12:50 pm

  The unadventurous Ford Explorer is built, drives, and feels like a slug on the road. Off the road it bounds like a kangaroo and fails to grasp the rough terrain. This is a functionally ill equipped and under designed vehicle.

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  Im more Than Disappointed - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Donna - June 25 - 5:43 pm

  After owning 7 previous stangs I am so disappointed in my 2007 V6 5 speed stang. Though the exterior of it gets my heart singing and remembering the great ones I previously owned, The clutch and transmission has been a real horror. The car emits a low growl on acceleration in the mid to back. The shifting is very rough and very hard to move into reverse. The starter failed, the door handles had to be replaced. The interior seats are cheap and the seat belt is hard to get ahold of. Ive complained about the 10mph gas mileage, had been on the phone and my car at the shop for the last 3 payments. They say nothing is wrong with it. I am not used of hearing the shifting so rough and loud. Sad day

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  Ford Stinks. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Lemon Driver - June 23 - 3:30 pm

  High erratic idle (2500 RPM). Dealer cannot fix after 7 tries to repair. Also low fuel economy (20 mpg in V6), rough shifting (especially from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes won’t go into reverse), bad radio, and many rattles. Terrible service – no wonder Ford is in trouble now. They build lemons and do not take any responsibility to fix the problems.

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  Over-priced Piece of Junk!!!!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By XCThinker - June 15 - 6:00 pm

  Did lots of research and thought Ford was really becoming competitive with foreign auto brands...WRONG!!! From day one, something was not right with my Edge. The headlights were cracked from the inside upon purchase. At 5000 miles, the transmission felt off - searching for gears, excessive shifting. When the OD, it struggled and revved too high. At 8000 miles the tranny blew while I was driving on a mountain pass - I lost total control of the vehicle and was forced to use the E break to pull off the road. The tranny was replaced, but at 16000 miles it was dripping oil from the tranny again - this time an axle rod. I told Ford I didnt feel safe & was treated like an annoyance.

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  Why did I buy this car? - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jason - June 12 - 8:26 pm

  I have owned the car since new and have been battling problems ever since. The problems range from mechanical to customer service. The first winter I owned the car it would not start several times. I called the dealership and was told that this was "normal". The entire exhaust system needed replaced at 10,000 miles. The drivers side window developed several large scratches that the cause could not be explained by the dealership. Ford is unwilling to replace. The scratches continue to get worse. Lots of squeaks and rattles after only 34K miles. I wish I would have shopped around more. For the same $22K I could have bought an RSX Type S and had much better resale value.

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  Another bad Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By odd-job - June 12 - 4:55 pm

  I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer V8 Explorer, my second Explorer. Previous one was a 1997, and that one was much better. Ford came out with a new Explorer in 2002 that was much larger, more steady, but in my opinion, much more problematic. My transmission was replaced at 95k miles, the radiator was replaced at 90k miles, the car has overheated multiple times and left me stranded on the side of the road, the 6 disc in dash CD player sticks all the time and gets jammed, the transmission still slips, the rear seatbelts flap really loudly when the front windows are down, the drivers window motor has slowed down, the air conditioning is spotty, and the heater takes about 10 minutes to warm.