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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  Ripped Off! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Ripped Off - June 8 - 4:40 pm

  We bought our Windstar as an upgrade from a Honda Accord, only because thats all that we could get financed for, unfortunately! From day one, the "door ajar" arlam constantly goes off and the dome lights dont turn off. No mechanic can seem to figure out how to fix the door ajar problem. Weve had a "clunk" sound coming from the front end since day one as well, we cant find the problem. The AC cuts out all the time, our brakes squeel even when brand new....We paid a little over $9200 for this vehicle and will never buy another Ford again!This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  What a joke this thing is and continues to be.Not - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Georg - June 8 - 11:35 am

  What a massive screw up ford made her...Shame on Ford for producing such a poorly designed Car The car would be better if their was some room inside, a VW Bug has more interior room. Plus this Tranny even after its so called fix sound like a Carton of tin cans or a bad sounding wind chime. .At freeway speeds it is stable but the quality of the ride is so poor. If youre single and need a cheep car then its ok. But dont buy it new you will loose way to much money on that deal buy a 2 or 4 year old. Cabin filter replacement can cost you as much as 120.00 due to the stupidity of Ford where they placed it extraordinarily poor designe All in all not one of Fords better ideas, But they think its cheep so lets sell it to the Unsuspecting public. I would not recommend this Car to anyone who has a Partner and rides in the car. A/C is so so at best Radio another not so bright idea, Mirror lights, wait till you have to change a bulb. What a Stupid design this is. My view of Ford after owning this Car is extraordinary poor

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  2001 Ford Escape 4x4 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By karenpatt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ford quality is unreliable. I have had transmission issues. All hardware seems to go at 40K mark, tires too. Multiple transmission issues. I feel like a Toyota would be a great alternative to this SUV. Looks great, drives horribly.

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  Wouldnt Buy One if I were you...... - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By jbrkmo - June 6 - 9:35 am

  We bought our Ford 500 used at 55,000 miles and have had problems with it ever since. It lopes when youre driving at low speeds (especially when the A/C is on). The transmission shifts hard, slips, and is now making loud "clunking" noises. We were told that this CVT transmission was supposed to shift smoothly like you couldnt even feel it.....yea right.....It might shift a little smoother than a dumptruck. We have an extended warranty, but now were having trouble even finding anyone who will work on these transmissions in the third-largest city of our state. The rubber around the gear shift is now bunching up making it hard to even put in drive, then it slips out of drive while moving.

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  Gas Hog - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By okmarshal - May 16 - 4:52 pm

  Ive had my 05 almost three months, traded in a 98 2WD with 96k and very few problems. The greatest disapointment is the terrible gas mileage-14.2 avg. is the best Ive had so far. My 2WD got 17-20 mpg on avg. which ends up being aprox. 2 fillups a week vs. every 1 1/2-2 wks. with 2WD, Knew 4WD would be worse but not that much difference. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone on a tight budget

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  transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By falibota - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Had to replace the transmission at 40000 miles at my cost. Less than 3 yrs. old, no help from ford or dealer. Transmission was making noise from day one, dealer convinced me that was normal. 3 nhtsa were issued for that problem, still no help.

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  Extreme lack in lasting quality - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tylerfawkes - May 1 - 6:26 am

  My 2010 Fusion Hybrid is less than two years old and almost right from the start it has had bolts on the rear door latches corroded to the point it is a safety issue, an AC that doesnt blow air out of the vents(or makes a clicking sound), squeaky leather seats and most recently; a bad sensor and dead battery have cost me $800 in parts, labor, rentals and lost wages due to having to take it to the shop. I even have the premium ESP and this is what i have paid out of pocket. I drive conservatively, take my car to the dealership for all work and still, i have had all of these issues. Once again, this car is less than TWO years old. Ford isnt ready for the Hybrid market.

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  How many times can a new Fiesta go to the shop? - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Stephanie - April 30 - 5:42 pm

  This is easily the worst car I have ever purchased in terms of repairs. I bought it new, and within these 4 years of ownership, I have had it into the dealerships service center dozens of times. Major transmission problems. Electrical issues. Now the AC is broken. The car has 37,000 miles on it as of today, and has caused me NOTHING BUT HEADACHE. I bought the ridiculous extended warranty that covered everything (hah!), but not really. They still charge me for all kinds of things that should NEVER FAIL on a new car. Ford doesnt care that theyve sold me a piece of crap. My husbands Honda CRV has 220,000 miles on it and goes in once a year for an oil change! NEVER ever buying Ford again. Biggest mistake ever.

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  2007 Ford Taurus SEL, Built Cheap - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By John - April 27 - 2:25 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Taurus SEL premium, and Ive had it for a month, and out of that month its been at Ford for 2 weeks of that month. I owned a 2002 Taurus and the quality of the 2007 feels cheaper compared to the last one. I think they werent focused on quality control when they were selling these as fleet cars. I am very disappointed in this car, and I have it for sale now, and I am going back to a Chevrolet.

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  Never Again! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mimibeth - April 20 - 5:53 pm

  I will never again purchas a Ford vehicle. At 19 years old, the Ford Focus was the first vehicle that was truly 100% mine. Within the first week I received a notice in the mail regarding a fuel hose being recalled. It has all been downhill since then. I keep up to date with routine maintenance but in the past two years alone, I have had to replace the ignition, fuses, vents, seat adjustment handles, radiator, various parts of the transmission..the list goes on and on. Every time I brought it into the shop I was urged to get rid of my Focus. Thousands of dollars later, Im finally listening! As soon as I trade this puppy in, Im washing my hands not only of the Focus but of Ford entirely.