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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  Wont buy another Ford - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By B - February 7 - 10:54 pm

  We are a Ford family...have 4 of them. My next vehicle will not be a Ford. I have had nothing but one problem after another with my Explorer from day one it seems. Blinkers and tail lights have gone out repeatedly and had to be replaced, dealership would have done it at no charge if I wanted to leave it all day to have a bulb replaced. Gear shift locks up, take it in and they arent sure how to fix it even though its a known issue with Explorers. Now my radiator is leaking. Glad its under warranty, thinking I ought to just trade it in before that changes or it will cost me a fortune.

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  Fun While It Lasted - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By M4NU3L - February 6 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car as a daily driver with 110,000 miles on it. It was fun at first. Had no problems the first three weeks, then the problems began. I did a complete tune up to the vehicle and I was still only getting 11 MPG. After all the maintenance was up to date, the check engine light came on a day later. After a compression check I found out the valves were sticking and the heads needed to be replaced, an expensive fix. Then a day later the front wheels started shaking really bad and the rear differential was giving off a high pitched whine. After taking it to a mechanic I found out the 4 front balljoints and 2 A-arms had to be replaced. BUY WITH CAUTION.

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  Think Again - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bill - February 5 - 6:12 pm

  After I bought it, I loved it. However, there were rear end problems twice, then the drive shaft, now the rear end again. I have babied this thing and it cant seem to handle simply driving down the road. It is a 4x4, but I dont trust the drivetrain enough to do anything with it. The engine also makes alot of noise, but Ford said this is normal due to 5W-20 oil. I would look elsewhere if I were you.

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  2007 Ford Edge SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl) - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Amanda - February 4 - 2:59 pm

  I have also had the Power Take-off Unit (PTU) replaced in my vehicle along with metal that was in my transmission, oil leak. Just recently i was on a steep hill and my car drifted ever so slightly backward and the transmission made a horrible sound and the whole car shut off and all my lights came on. I do love the car and its great in the snow but transmission and mechanically its bad. I never had an issue with other Fords. Just disappointed because it is a beautiful car.

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  Poor braking - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Rbndawn - February 2 - 3:30 pm

  I bought it with 23000 mi. I just spent $400 on brake parts only and noticed some improvement but still Im not satisfied. Seemed like the system is undersized for the vehicle weight. As far as comfort is very good and the power is just enough for its size with the small 6 cyl. My first and my last Freestar.

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  Sad but True....not worth it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By PhantomrStang - February 2 - 10:11 am

  I have owned my car for 3 years. Wanted one since I was a kid. Very unhappy. Squeaks and rattles in the dash, window tint scratches when rolled down, spoiler comes lose constantly, vibration in front end that no one can seem to fix, new rattle in suspension, beginning to have trouble with the drive train, carpet and leather wear terribly, windows are beginning to leak when washed, more wind noise etc. This car was garage kept and babied, there is no excuse for this horrible quality. Though it was fun to drive and gets lots of look I will likely never buy Ford again! Go with the Honda, Toyota, Acura, Lexus or what ever else you are looking at!

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  $50k SUV worth $35K - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - February 1 - 10:09 am

  So the truck is 4 months old with 5700 miles. 2 weeks ago I took it for a long road trip up to Michigans UP, I was actually pretty happy with the trucks performance and overall comfort of passengers and cargo space. However, there are a few things that are popping up and are annoying me. MPG is low but then again I didnt expect it to be great ( it is a big and heavy vehicle) I average 18MPG in combine driving and 21 on the HWY. Not too bad considering Chicagos traffic and me driving a bit on an aggressive side. Interior drivers side floor sill trim is coming loose at the corner. Leather steering wheel starts to peel at the top which is crazy considering the car is only 4 months old. Looks as others had similar complaints. SYNC crashed 3 times ( other then that it really isnt all that bad as people complained about) Front seats suck.... they are too narrow and with stupid bolster so close it digs into my leg driving me crazy. Im 511 about 190lbs. At the end of the day $50k paid for something that really looks as it belongs on $35k cars. Wanted to go back to FORD but now Im starting to regret it.

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  ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Alex - January 28 - 11:14 am

  Since my wife and I have had this car, weve had several issues with it. Fords build quality is poor. Weve had issues with the air conditioner leaking, after its rained the back of the car has had large amounts of water in it, the ignition where you put the key in broke and had to be replaced, the plastic (let me reinforce plastic) thermostat housing unit was leaking coolant, also the hoses arent sufficient enough to carry the coolant since they eventually balloon up, the car jerks when you back up, etc. The radio always shut off and you have to push in the radio/cd area to turn it back on. Other than maintenance issues, the car is pretty comfortable inside and is fun to drive.

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  The Junker - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Tibz28 - January 25 - 6:09 pm

  My family bought this car a a means of getting the family around with 5 people in my family we need the van. At frist it wasnt that bad. It made it from Michigan to Flordia and back when we bought it. Then about 3 years later we went on a trip to the Grand Canyon. Never made it though cause the trans started to go. Trans has been rebuilt twice. None of the doors lock. Have had new shocks put on about five times and it needs a new tie rod. Brakes work good. Has a load of electrical problems. In the end my parents ended up letting the van sit for about a year before they gave it to me for my frist car. I rolled the van and yet it stills runs, so the body is very durable. Is built like a tank.

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  Worst car ever - 2004 Ford Focus
  By pos svt - January 25 - 2:35 am

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. I bought the car about a year ago with less than 50,000 miles and $6400 in repairs later its still not right. I have replaced the A/C compressor and condensor, the swaybar twice, gauge cluster and I have had countless electrical problems. I just noticed that the 4th thermostat housing is leaking. The car surges while driving down the road and the dual mass flywheel is constantly chattering. When the car is running its a blast to drive, but that really doesnt matter when it breaks down at least once a month.