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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  The Cinderella second vehicle - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By John - June 11 - 10:56 pm

  I bought it as the only way to get out of a terrible lease on a Toyota T100 (most awful vehicle, the Toyota, Ive EVER driven) mechanics and people who like Broncos tell me its "excellent, just dying to be driven." I find it noisy to be inside, stick shift can get tiring, and the arms rests designed for someone about 4 feet tall (so I cant use them). Had it repainted last summer and it looks hot -- very tough -- yeah, "Ford tough." Makes me feel like a real outdoorsman when I drive it. I dont know what its worth exactly. I just wish it were more comfortable for me, the driver. Maybe if I "just really drive it a lot" (everyones advice) some day Ill like it better. "

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  Didnt test it enough - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By heatgirlat26 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of my excursion I like to drive it,but it just is not reliable,I have had it in the shop for many different things,It goes through break pads like crazy,I was really disapointed have always been a ford fan,I chose it over the suburban,I now am looking to trade it in because i have 4 children and I am afraid to put them in it,It does not stop like it should and when I put it in the shop they can never seem to find anything wrong.Ford tried to compeat with chevy but really lost this one,,,

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  C-MAX BUMMER - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mjsrn2007 - June 10 - 11:05 pm

  I loved my c-max at first. Didnt mind the first time it went dead for no reason. I thought it was my fault. But after the third time...Come on Ford, stop making excuses. Now it is in the shop again and they tell me it is the transmission that has to be replaced! Really, only 30,000 miles in 1.5 years and I am driving a rental for the 4th time. I travel for a living. I want out of my lemon, but cant afford to trade off because of the upside down amount. Guess I am stuck.

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  My honeymoon with Ford is over! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Zack - June 7 - 1:56 am

  I bought this car from a dealership with about 40,000 miles. I drive less than 10,000 miles a year but the repair costs on this car have ended my honeymoon with Ford -I cant wait to pay it off and never, ever tough a Ford! I had a Mazda before and then decided to try American but this was a big mistake. Unless Ford works on its quality, they will definitely collapse. I just got a Honda for my wife! –The catalyst convertor, peeling paint, the engine light never halts!

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  SuperCab XLT - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By mars - June 6 - 5:38 pm

  Love the new front fascia design. I chose the 4 cyl supercab with a few options. Other than the vibration felt in the strg whl, door panels and seat, I love this truck. I drove the Toyota and it is just ugly as well as $4000 more with less options. GM products are not worth considering.

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  Good, but not great - 2008 Ford Edge
  By VekinTexas - June 4 - 9:37 am

  I felt compelled to buy an American car due to the current economic crises. This is my first Ford & I really liked the exterior design. The car drove good & overall the interior is comfortable & roomy. After 8 months of ownership, I wish Id bought foreign. While I have had no major issues, I feel American cars are still behind in design & quality. The AC is pathetic. The driver side does not blow. This is a bad thing in Texas. I inquired @ the dealership I have my oil changed @, the service manager told me it was a design flaw & they had tons of complaints, but there was no fixes for the issue. Not what I wanted to hear. The dashboard gauges are hard to see in low lighting conditions.

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  Running it until it dies - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By demonspeed - June 3 - 9:44 pm

  I was doing some reminiscing about my parents car - their Taurus. They bought this car when I was still in HS, and I learned to drive on the thing. Its been over a decade since, and they still have the car. Approaching 200k miles, theyve rebuilt the transmission twice, replaced the alternator once and replaced the rear springs twice. Other than that, its needed nothing. I blame the second transmission rebuild on a bad rebuild in the first place. Nonetheless, this car has seen it all and it still keeps going. My parents, as frugal as they are, will not ever get rid of it until its absolutely dead. Oddly enough, I dont see it happening any time soon.

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  Very Unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Berry - June 3 - 1:55 pm

  This car has been the most expensive piece of junk. Ive replaced: the master and slave cylinders, shocks and struts, fuel injector pump, alternator, rack and pinion (TWICE!!!!). The front doors stick horribly. The air conditioning unit rusted out. The enire muffler system fell off. The ABS brake system only sometimes works and now I cant use the parking brake because it seizes my rear passenger tire and wont allow it to rotate. It wears unevenly on my tires even though I have had them rotated and balanced. The air conditioning needs to be recharged every summer. Im a mechanical engineer and I take excellent care of my cars. I will never buy another Ford again.

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  It always starts! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Kristen E. - May 30 - 1:11 am

  We purchased this car from the original owner. We have had to replace shocks, sway bars, and a wheel bearing at 100,000 miles and have had to machine the rotors twice over the past 25,000 miles. Other than the somewhat pricey repairs, we have enjoyed this car. Nothing special about it really, but it always turns over, even in our sub-zero Wisconsin winters. We have taken this car all over the Midwest, and it handles well on the Interstate, even in heavy snow. In fact, it handles the snow better than our AWD Trailblazer did. Our model definitely lacks in pick-up, but its not like we bought a station wagon for sheer performance. As far as fuel economy, it beats any mini-van of that model year

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  Really Disappointed - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By PA girl - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1996 EB which I absolutely loved. It had every amenity I needed and none that I didnt. At 160,000 miles and counting I decided to trade it for a 2003. Big disappointment. Granted I went from an EB to an XLT but the interior looks really cheap. The tires are loud and the third row seats are a huge waste of cargo space. Mileage is a joke at nearly $60/week. Mostly though there are huge blind spots that require you to drive well using only your mirrors. Im already looking to trade it in. Last but not least who thought of moving the gas tank to the passenger side. Obviously someone without children. Big safety issue.