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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  electronic problems - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By opallongtail - February 27 - 3:48 am

  After less than 3000 miles we had problems with the "entertainment system" and the air conditioning. The repairs took 10 days, the AC compressor had to be replaced. Took it in for servicing after 5000 miles, including 2 recalls it had. After 500 more miles we had electronic problems again. The external sensors died, the entertainment went out again. The AC made more noise than usual. We are thinking we have bought a lemon! We like the way it drives and are satisfied with 40 mpg, and the comfort is good, but we cant trust it. We may have to use the "lemon law". Its back in the shop today.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By tommyschw - February 25 - 9:59 am

  We bought this car used for a pretty good price. We have had it for 3 years now and it has been fairly reliable. It can be a bear to work on yourself at times, due to the way it was built. There have been sensor problems and it is leaking coolant now. Hopefully we can get a few more years out of it, we take really good care of it, and it still seems to have problems. More so than my Pontiac Grand Am.

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  Last Ford I will ever own! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Philip Miller - February 23 - 4:02 pm

  This is the worst Ford Escape I had ever owned. This car had been a nightmare from day one. The transmission went out at 100,000 had to replace to tie rods, 3 wheel bearings, put new spark plugs in it because the car shook every time it got wet. Now after I fix everything the shocks or springs broke because the car is making a loud cracking noise. I would love to get rid of it but I had to refinance to fix my transmission and this Ford does not hold the value good at all.

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  Not happy! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Pat B - February 20 - 7:22 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in Aug 08. In Dec 08 discovered a leak found out that this would be the 3rd time the seal would be replaced. They replaced the PTU-got back after 8 days. In Jan 09 started leaking worse than before, had to drive with the window down the smell was so bad. Finally got it back yesterday after 17 days. Replaced PTU and axle shaft. To make matter worse the gas mileage is "awful. When I first got it best I got was 14mpg - since it got cold try 8-9mpg. Dealer told me there is bad gas around here. Give me a break! I might as well drive our 97 3/4 ton pickup that usually gets around 10-12. I should have spent the extra money and got the GMC Acadia.

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  So far so good - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hoos - February 18 - 8:24 pm

  I got this as my first car. Normally I never buy American cars but I needed a car badly. I spent $1100 fix it and I still need to fix the electric and also need to replace the rotors. Aside from all that its very comfy and I really hope it wouldnt leave me stranded. I shouldve gotten a Honda.

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  Used to be a good car, but now... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By lrademac08 - February 17 - 8:52 am

  When I got this car, I opted for all the features I could get. I wanted something with decent mileage, yet good driving. Previously owned two Ford Taurus in past, but the Fusion is not as good as a Taurus. I think the Fusion is built for tiny & skinny people who dont mind shelling out hundreds of dollars after 2yrs of driving. When I got the car new it Looked sharp & styling like a mini Cadillac. But Its interior is small. Overall I wish I would of got the Ford 500. Mileage is not made for anything but City driving. Tires wore out after 24K miles, and recently the driver side car handle broke completely off so cant get in car normally. Have to take to dealer to see what they can do.

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  The Horror Story - 2012 Ford Focus
  By daisy83 - February 15 - 2:24 am

  Shortly after purchasing our 2012 Ford Focus, we noticed a shuddering noise, coming from the front end. Had it checked several over and over. We were told it would stop approx. after 1000miles.Surprise, Surprise...4000 miles now and STILL making noise.. Spoke to FORD CORP, several times.. We were told it is within standards and is normal... How can a car that draws attention when shifting, be normal??? FORD has a problem!! I guess they dont know how to fix it.. THANK YOU FORD!!! for making our life totally stressed and exhausted.. we are at our wits end and are ready to surrender the vehicle. O by the way, noise in the gas tank area as well.. grandkids wonder what the noise is!!!

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  My 2000 Crown Victoria - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Gerry House-Peters - February 14 - 8:40 am

  I purchased my 2000 Crown Victoria for $20,500 in November of that year. It is the basic model and I have put 20,000 miles a year on it. I thoroughly enjoy the roominess and being 6".2" can really stretch out in it. As for the trunk, well, it has as much luggage space, if not better than any large SUV on the market. I intend to buy another one when the 2007 models come out. Its a bargain! As far as the Chrysler 300 is concerned, well its certainly a lot flashier than the Vic but Im afraid Id suffer from claustrophobia with those narrow "gangster windows!

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  Dont Do it! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By OceanDancer - February 12 - 11:51 pm

  This car is not worth the money. At 120k I have put $1400 in front end work. It eats up rotors. My valve cover gaskets are leaking. My heat decided to stop working this week. My lights dim when I brake, interior lights wont shut off, this is just a few of the numerous electrical problems. Two words for this car, money pit!

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  1992 Tempo GL/ 3.0L Vulcan & 5-speed mtx - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By AJB - February 9 - 11:50 am

  i bought the car on Craigslist back in November 08, for $210. It has developed a leak in the gas tank [about a gallon a night] depending on how full it is, I have yet to repair it with some cheap quick job like a metal bracket and a load of JB Weld. The closing door electric track seat belts or what ever theyre called, both sound like the gears have rounded out, and dont come down and secure you, they just make a loud grinding noise for like 10 seconds after starting the car, the windows are crank/manual & the drivers side window feels like it has cheap plastic gears, and like the seat belt rounded out gears, the paint is faded baby blue, m.a.s is too small