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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  Typical American car - does not hold up - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Thomas Fong - August 12 - 8:33 pm

  Poor gas mileage and does not hold up as well as a foreign made Japanese or European vehicle. Ford did not support vehicle for spare parts beyond 10 years.

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  160,500 miles and still running well! - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By rolynne - August 12 - 7:52 pm

  I was looking for a reliable, low-cost, used compact when I found a listing for an Aspire 2-DR automatic. After reading reviews here I went ahead and bought it. Im pretty satisfied with it, especially the mileage it gets. It does have a lot of interior noise and could use a bit more pick-up on the 0-60 time, but once it gets going it has no problem keeping its speed up.

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  Rumbling Ride... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By L.D.Driver - August 12 - 6:42 pm

  There is one minor flaw in this vehicle that is such a major distraction to the driving experience that I have grown to hate the Escape completely. I drive up to 60,000 km(35,000 Mi) every year and the uneven tire wear that mysteriously happens with these vehicles leads to obscene levels of noise while driving. The dealership and other garages seem aware that the Escape has this issue but dont seem aware of how horrendous an issue this is for a high mileage driver. The only advise the dealer could offer was to rotate the tires every 5000km instead of 10,000. For me that would mean a tire rotation every 4 weeks which is just not feasible! NOTE- uneven wear is not a result of wheel alignment.

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  Never again - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rebecah - August 12 - 3:44 pm

  This is my first (and LAST) Ford. 2 radiator replacements. The heater does not work anymore and I now have to replace the housing and gasket which supplies coolant to the radiator. Waste of $ and time. This is not a reliable vehicle.

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  one electrical issue after another - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By shortcircuited - August 11 - 5:41 pm

  I bought this van cheap, and for the most part it has been very useful for people carrying and hauling. But I have had many electrical problems, starting with headlights that only worked intermittently turned out that was a faulty wiring harness at the switch. Then the items operated from the steering column failed one-by-one (air bag light staying on, cruise control stopped working, same with horn, turn signals, wipers). I had the "clockspring" replaced and all work fine now. Then the drivers side door window failed gradually replaced switch and motor. Now, there has been a series of ignition system failures that are stumping my auto electrician. When will it end!

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  Come On Ford Fix Transmission - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Rhonda - August 11 - 2:16 pm

  I am an avid Ford owner but am extremely disappointed to learn that at 54000 miles I am being told that yes they know there is a problem with the transmission (CVT) and they recognize the risk it poses to citizens but they are not willing to repair at their expense. I really dont want another car but cannot justify repairing this one.

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  its back to GM for me.... - 2000 Ford F-150
  By chris - August 10 - 11:37 am

  Considering the low mileage, this truck has had an enormous amount of mechanical problems, including a tranny rebuild at 72000. The interior and ride are comfortable and the frame is quite strong and I think its a sharpt looking truck. But, performance-wise, it basically is the worst of both worlds--underpowered with poor fuel economy. I get 9 mpg while pulling the a relatively light trailer but still cant get over 70mph. Maybe with the 5.4 engine, it would be better but I think Im done with Ford for now.

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  Loyal Ford Customer - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By wendy harbach - August 9 - 8:32 pm

  I have only owned fords all of my life so when I was looking for a mid size car I fell in love with the taurus. I had it for about 3 weeks when the air conditioning unit went out. Then the breaks and finally the alternator. The vehicle only had 36000 when I purchased it. Since those wonderful days things have only gotten worse. Now the car dies for no reason as I drive it. The breaks have been replace 3 times and The air conditioner doesnt work again. This car has really let me down. I dont think I will ever own another taurus. Just watch it this model seems to have alot of problems. When the repair man saw me coming in he laughed and said whats wrong with this one. Not good!!!!

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  93 Ranger Pretty good on average... - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By tomtom59 - August 9 - 12:56 pm

  Ive done a lot of work to this truck. New tranny, brake calipers, rotors, stereo, lenses, timing chain and gears, water pump, freeze plugs, new AC, fuel sending unit, gas shocks. Although I inherited it from my brother for free, Ive spent over $4200 getting it road worthy again. The paint is still in great shape. Handles well.

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  thought I would never like ford - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Ctpeaches - August 6 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the car with 106000 miles. It now has 196500. I bought it form an elderly lady that had bought it brand new. Seems all I have been doing is puting new or used parts in it this summer. The suspension in these cars stink. It is too stiff. The roof liner is falling down. had to replace the radiator, hoses and goose neck which still leaks under pressure. All new brake part in the rear. (Disc) used hood and rear passenger door. Easier then replacing the window motor. replaced all other window switches. The rod in the stearing colum broke so I do not need a key to start it. New battery. But the realy scary thing is is she keeps going. Ford did ok with this car. I would buy another one.