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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  Well.... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Luke W - May 15 - 12:14 pm

  I bought this car in june of 08. it was a great car for about 20 miles. then a wheel bearing went out and completly ruined my two front tires. the windows rattle, alot of random noises and the stereo is going bad for a third time. Its not a bad car but i would have never bought it if i woulda known. Lots of little issues. And it beeps wayyy to much. gets very annoying very fast.

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  Mustang GT Bullit edition - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Uwe - May 12 - 6:52 pm

  This is a sporty car, not a sports-car, meaning it is fast but not Porsche, Corvette, or Viper fast. I like the price, the look, the engine & exhaust sound, 6xMP3 player w/ 500 watts stereo, navi, comfy seats. Interior looks and feels cheap except for the leather seats. Seat belt is strangling me. Cant say anything about reliability yet.

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  Chronic radiator problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Wendy - May 11 - 6:11 pm

  Bought my Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer when it was just 2 years old. Ive had it for 9 1/2 months and am on the 6th radiator! Yes, you heard correctly...even a reputable Ford auto shop can not find the source of the problem. So the radiator keeps getting replaced and every 1-2 months (this time it was literally only a matter of 1 week!)...it ends up leaking radiator fluid everywhere, overheating and roaring/not running properly. This was the worst purchase Ive ever made and now I fell totally stuck. I HATE this car and will NEVER EVER EVER buy Ford again...Nothing but a big hassle, headache, money pit and inconvenience.

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  Broken Axle - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jerzeetrish - May 11 - 8:18 am

  I had my Windstar for almost 2 years with really no troubles besides brakes and tires,when at 107,000 miles my real axle just breaks! I was driving down a highway thankfully only at 45 mph when i hear SNAP and see black smoke and hear a grinding noise and smell burning rubber. i thought it was just a tired but to my amazment when i looked under there van theres my rear axel lying on the ground. THANK GOD that i wasnt on a major highway going any faster than I was otherwise me and my 3 children might not be here today. If anyone already owns this van WATCH OUT!!! The axles are rusting from the INSIDE OUT and there is no way to tell!!!!!

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  Back to the imports - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By pat McLaughlin - May 9 - 8:07 pm

  Bought this van with ~ 70,000 miles in 2005. Did well until summer of 08 with 100,00 miles, leaving the Smokie Mts.. Torque Converter gasket blew spewing trany fluid on the poor guy behind me. Must say though that I am still running on same trany, just adding fluid every couple months. But at 85,000 brake sensor lights keep coming on for no apparent reason, the control for switching A.C. to Heat is not working, and oh when my Ford van found out that I was attempting to trade it in today, it decided to start spewing coolant.

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  Front brakes issues - 2009 Ford Focus
  By pierre boileau - May 8 - 6:01 pm

  In the first 100Kilometers, we know that the front brakes were grinding. We brought the car back to the dealer. They said that it was a normal sound. We brought the vehicle for the third time and at 10,000 kilometers for its first oilchange, and the front brakes are still sound like grinding. The dealer is not willing to replace the brakes, they say that it is normal. The car rides nice and is very affortable. We were also told that we had syrius satellite free for 6 months, However, after only 3 months it stopped. We enjoy the car, but found the service to be somewhat mediocre. thanks,

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  Nice looking hunk o junk - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Brian - May 7 - 6:15 pm

  Well, I started off the first year with really no issues except the air conditioning compressor blew. Well, the past 4 months have been HECK! The tranny has started to knock, the windows get stuck down, the alternator and/or starter is going, the abs light flashes, the o2 sensor blew, the hood release snapped from the cable, drive side headrest broke, and the engine stalls at stop lights. Its been a good first car,up until now, I just cant wait to upgrade!

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  Fords Stud - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ant - May 6 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the explorer from my step dad with 128,000 miles on it. I Now have 278,000 miles on it and had to rebuild the trans when it had 187,000 miles on it. Still has the FACTORY engine that has not been rebuilt! No oil leaks, trans leaks, or burning of oil!!! No rust, and I live at the jersey shore. Outstanding truck, a true stud!! Absolutly Ford Tough!! I paid $400.00 for the truck and put over 160,000 miles on it and the only large fix was a $1,300.00 rebuild of the trans. Unreal, MADE IN AMERICA BABY!! Good strong truck, dont be afaid of the high miles on these trucks, they are like fords honda!!!

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  Another Domestic that cant compete - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By richard - May 4 - 10:51 am

  We love the features that the Eddie Bauer has: heated/cooled seats, etc. but so many problems: the back-up sensors failed, the paint has peeled in many places, the release cable for back lid failed, and many more. The mileage is terrible.

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  Beautiful vehicle, transmission issues - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Maple - April 30 - 8:50 pm

  I love my vehicle but disappointed at the number and variety of transmission issues. My vehicle chugs in reverse and currently dealerships are finding lots of transmission cooler issues. Basic bumper to bumper warranty doesnt cover loaner vehicles and the repairs can take a long time (both due to work involved and part back orders).