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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  biggest mistake Ive ever made - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Debra Horton - March 5 - 7:16 am

  I would not advise anyone to own one of these unless you have alot of money to spend on repairs!

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  Very Disappointed! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Happy Driver 4U2C - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I commonly refer to this vehicle as my "Exploder"--Ive had to have the engine and power steering replaced, the power window motor on the drivers side stopped working, when I put on the blinker, my windshield wipers start going, and now the transmission is falling apart to the tune of over $1000! When will it end?! Is this what "Ford Tough" is? I would personally like to push this truck off of a very tall cliff!

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  Ford Transmission are Terrible - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By dennis - March 1 - 8:40 am

  This is my third Explorer. I had a 98 that the transmission had to be rebuilt at 70K. Unfortunately, I was hit and it was totaled soon after. I bought a 2002. Started getting transmission warning lights at 36K. At 69K Ford finally admitted they cant find the problem and bought it back. I got a marginally OK deal if I bought a 2005. At 35K the converter went while I was on vacation. Spent part of my vacation sitting in the dealership and had to rent a car. I got the car back in time to return home. Back with Ford 3 times for the same problem in the next 3 mos. Now at 65K the trans is overheating and leaking. I am waiting for the diagnosis from the dealer. MY LAST FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  not worth the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By unhappy - February 20 - 6:49 pm

  The problems I have with this vehicle are... the windows always have grit in them, the sun visor always comes off the clip, the car is the most uncomfortable vehicle to take road trips in, and the overall quality of the vehicle is just not what I expected for the money I paid. I would not buy another one. I guess this is what I get for straying from Honda.

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  A Big Black Eye - 2001 Ford Escape
  By acaboo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This was our first new car and very excited to order it just as we wanted it. Loaded! At 13,800 we now need a new transmission. Our dealer has not even called us and the Escape has been in their shop for two weeks today. I called and inquired why no one had bothered to update us and was told the salesman "must have forgot". The transmission problem has left me on the side of the road for the second time and if I have my way.....it will be the last chance it and any Ford dealership will get. Not Happy!!!

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  Decent Vehicle - Lousy Interior - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Judge - February 19 - 7:48 pm

  This was our 8th consecutive Ford vehicle, and will probably be our last. Overall, this SUV had the potential to be a great vehicle, but an awful interior design and numerous quality issues ruined it. The 4.0L engine and 5-speed trans are terrific. Body style, ride, handling, etc. all very good. Excellent for moderate towing - we towed a boat and dual snowmobile trailer. The interior is awful. Poor hiproom, inaccessible parking brake release, stupid/awkward door pulls. Experienced following failures: broken lumabar mechanism, 4wd motor failed, PB release failed, engine failed to start, shift lever locked in park. Ford botched an otherwise decent vehicle.

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  Bought this brand new falling apart - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By momma2 - February 18 - 2:27 pm

  We bought this since my husband is an employee of Ford and we do everything suppose to change oil etc. Our warranty was up and that day our fuel gage went we got a fuel comm error not found on the manual called around to get prices Ford dealership wants to charge me 400 for diagnostic test not including to fix it. The traction control has a mind on its own works sometimes. I have a honda too its a 97 and we havent had this many problems. I wanted to buy Ford since my husband works for them but We are already thinking about getting rid of it . They need to recall them!!!

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  Bought for wife - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Marlboro - February 12 - 7:50 am

  Boring family car. Little road feel and doesnt have enough power. Key competitors have safety items like side curtain airbags and stability assist as standard equipment but these are options or not available on the Fusion. Is it built to last? The warranty is only 3 years with only 5 years rust through protection.

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  Another Terrible Ford Experience - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By joneill - February 8 - 5:39 pm

  I bought my Ford new and take great care of it.Several recalls then at 65K miles my rear axel cracked clean in half-rusted from inside and 1K for the fix. 3 months later the transmission died. Radiator also replaced-total 3,800 Now it is at 67K miles and took in today because radio wont turn off killing battery. Needs additional 500K for new fuse box and to patch leak. Will pick it up on Monday and take it as a trade in on a Toyota. Should have learned my lesson as my last Ford had to be towed out of my driveway at 80K. Husbands Ford needed a new engine at 55K miles. Have yet to have a good experience with Ford. Ive finally learned my lesson!!

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  Will never buy another Ford. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kgd102 - February 6 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Explorer is the biggest piece of crap on the road. I baby the thing too but it just has problems go wrong with it left and right. The Ford service is even worse than the Ford vehicle itself. For that Id rather walk than ever buy another Ford.