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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  Turned In The Clunker - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By webwandererx - August 26 - 6:12 pm

  We finally traded our Windstar as our clunker. It served our transportation needs over a decade and it protected us through two accidents. Power steering that growled and Ford replacements that growled worse did not give us confidence about Fords. The worst part was that the Ford dealership was essentially telling me that the vehicle was used up well under 100K. The engine blew up at 80K when a non-dealership mechanic was doing a head gasket leakage test didnt help matters. We were nursing a sick transmission when the CARS program came on. We jumped at the chance!

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  Ford Ranger = poor quality - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Ford clunker - August 24 - 9:19 pm

  Truck is built cheaper than my 2000 Ranger. Rattles and sqeaks from day one. Shakes and runs so rough that it causes the body and seat to shake. This goes on while driving at all speeds. Dealership says this is in normal range. Gas mileage is about 19 1/2. Far from the 21-26. Radio poor quality also. Cannot pick up stations that can on 2000 Rangers radio. Very unhappy and sorry to have purchased. Would not advise to buy.

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  2003 Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By HD - August 24 - 8:38 pm

  Do Not Buy this vehicle!! What a waste. I have replaced the rear differential at a cost of $1100, only to have it right back in the shop with more rear end problems. I bought this because it featured a 3rd row seat, which is great, however it spends more time in the shop than it is driven. I will never buy another Ford.

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  Constant work, take the bus 1st, I did. - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Kelly - August 20 - 11:41 pm

  Was nice at 1st. Owned 3 years, only 91K miles on it, had new brakes 2x, temp thermometer gave out, gas lock which took paying 2x $1,000 for dealership to tell me I was "puttin the wrong gas in", swithed the gas like a smarty pants and STILL had the problem. Steering wheel needs to be parked straight or locks & wont start. Gear shifter gave out, all in 1 year, my car has been towed 7x, never ridden a bus in my life until I owned this car. Thought it would be reliable for college, boy was I wrong. Nothing but problems and ridin the bus constantly. Poorly built, car overheats still when idling at lights or slowing down. NEVER will buy Ford again. VERY bad car, not reliable at all.

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  Cool van but so unreliable - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mustang Dude - August 17 - 10:22 pm

  we had this van for 8 years , it got us around the east coast of the USA quite well until after 30000 miles, the tranny went, ecu and oxygen sensors multiple times. Im never buying a FORD again, until they fix these problems i owned a Camry for 16 years and nothing besides the normal wear and tear. Going to stick with Japanese cars for awhile sorry Ford. Except for there mustangs, mostly problem free.

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  Wheel bearing nightmare - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Becker - August 17 - 8:41 am

  Its obvious now that Ford has a real problem with the wheel bearings on the Explorer. Today, I am having the 4th wheel bearing replacement on my Explorer. Right rear (once) Left rear (twice) and today, Left front (once). It seems inevitable that the next to go is the Right front. What a complete pain and drain on the wallet with each replacement costing $400. Other issues include body hardware and a way underpowered engine.

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  Some disappointment - 2009 Ford Escape
  By GVLIVING - August 16 - 2:22 pm

  Thought Id wait a few months before reviewing. I do like the Escape but it does have flaws. Tan interior dash looks great but causes so much glare your eyes get tired on a lengthy trip. Should have black upper part like most autos. Also glare on tach/speedometer plastic at certain times of day. Seats are fairly comfortable even though there is no lumbar support offered. Surprised about that. Transmission gives off a hoot or whoot everytime you start off. Common problem on forums. There is a vibration somewhere in the dash directly in front of the driver. It cannot be located and on many occasions drives me nuts. Wish I had done more research on the Ford Escape forums before buying.

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  love the safety and room but the engine. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gerri - August 16 - 10:48 am

  Purchased my ford explorer xlt brand new. I love the safety of it. The comfort is great but the engine yuk. Ive replaced the transmission once already. Slowly parts start to go. Fords attitude was your warranty is up nothing we can do!! I would buy it again only if the quality of the engine and trani were better. And use better parts all around!! I love to buy american but lets see the quality and customer service get alot better!

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  Throw away car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sherman - August 15 - 3:49 pm

  Bad motor problems, Too mini plastic parts on motor. Pullies, stat. housing. radiator. Electrical problems, burned up factory installed wiring harness, alt. went out and you cannot replace it in the drive way, it needs a lift to remove from the bottom. Plastick core support? power window motor went bad. Rear view mirrors will brake off if bumped in any direction. Transponder key broke in half. Upper timing belt cover cracked and making noise. I have spent nearly 2000.00 fixing a car I bought for 3000.00. KEEP away from this car.. Looks good, very bad quality. It will suck you dry 100 bucks at a time.

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  ford f 150 stx 4x4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By larissa - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  i bought my truck two months ago and the rear rotors, breaks, and axle seals went.. this was a 800 fix im very disappointed with the dealership as they told me it was just saftyed