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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  PROBLEM FORD - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Bad Ford! - July 24 - 7:09 pm

  Base V-6 engine is very under powered. 4 speed auto transmission shifts rough. Vehicle has less than a pleasant ride, very rough in fact. Interior quality is good. Exterior design is sporty, even for a 4 door. Looks and interior build do not make up for this vehicles mechanical shortcomings and choppy ride. My Taurus now has 45,000 miles on it and I cannot wait to get rid of it. Rotors and steering system had to be replaced around 30,000 miles. I cannot believe they charge over $20,000 for one of these cars brand new. I would definitely consider this vehicle a "throw away car". I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone. This will definitely be my last Ford!

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  Dont buy a FORD! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By craiger1 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 V6 Mustang new, since then I have had nothing but problems...A/C went out the second time I used it, the power driver seat had to be replaced 3 times, the engine valves rattle, the convertible top had to be replaced after 6 months because it was splitting at the seams, the CD player had to be replaced twice! I could go on and on but way waste my time. In closing, the car is for sale now and I will NEVER by a FORD product again!

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  Worst Truck I ever owned - 2002 Ford F-150
  By worsttruckever - July 11 - 11:59 pm

  This has been a very bad purchase since day one. These trucks have a lot of major issues, including coil packs going out left and right every 20 to 35,000 miles, front wheel bearings going out every 25,000 miles, rear differential going out twice in 104,000 miles. This truck is not a heavy tower or abused off road, just very poor craftsmanship.

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  Would not buy another - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By kari - July 8 - 10:20 am

  I hate this minivan! The gas mileage stinks! And we have tried to give it a tune up, but nothing works. On our best day we get 10mpg in town and like 16 highway. Will buy foreign next time for the better mpg. And I am an "American" car fan!

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  Wish it wasnt this way. - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By CHYBLUE - July 6 - 8:17 am

  I have owned this vehicle since 2001. 7.3 Turbo Diesel, not very much power, replaced 3 sets of hubs, 4 cam position sensors, ball joints have no grease fittings - replaced those twice, multiple electrical problems, 6 batteries so far, light switch breaks off when turning lights on (recalled on others, not where mine was built, per Ford). Newest problem, no center of steering, has been in shop 3 times no use of it for last 2 months replacing part by part from flushing fluids all the way to steering box, still doing same thing -- pulls right, then left, then right. Going back to dealer today. My best advice, buy a Chevy.

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  American Dream? - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jminichino - July 5 - 8:28 pm

  I bought the car used at 19,000 miles and now have 130,000 miles on it. It has been a rough 130,000 miles. I change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate tires. Thermostat has gone out twice, electrical system shorted out, causing $1,000 dollars in repairs, and my windshield wiper motor went out. Repairs keep adding up and I dont find it surprising that Ford is going bankrupt. I would love to buy another Ford, but I doubt that will ever happen again. American car companies need to invest in quality and durability or they are done for.

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  Ford tough - if you dont use the aluminum bed - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Joe Shukovsky - July 5 - 7:06 am

  I rented a ford truck to carry some material and dropped a toolbox by accident into the bed, puncturing a hole. I had to pay for it and it cost me over $1000. Unfortunately, this happens a lot as now I see Chevrolet is doing a test it is advertising that its steel bed holds up while Fords can no longer do the same. So you get better gas mileage in the Ford but if you make a mistake a drop a moderately heavy item in the bed, you will have a hole in the floor. See this video from Chevy: http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-films.html

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  bad mpg and ford cant fix it at 9k miles - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By patfran - June 28 - 3:12 am

  This car has been to dealership 3 times to fix the poor performance on gas mileage. Advertised 47/47/47 and lately I am getting 32.5. Gas engine turns on as I am stopping! The second visit to dealership didnt even test drive. Radio doesnt turn on and off with dashboard button. Service bulletin still hasnt fixed that. I dont think they want to do more than throw the $550 check at us. With the sleek design and ability to put some great pzazz into this vehicle, they cut it off at the knees. Hybrid without good gas mileage is not worth anything.

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  Horribly disappointing. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Moose - June 27 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my Ranger in hopes of getting a reliable truck that had decent fuel economy. What I got was a hulk of junk. I literally had problems from the second day I owned the truck. Over the 19 months I owned the truck, Ford replaced 2 thermostats, the radiator, the transmission, the radio, the gauge cluster, the back glass, and numerous third brake light seals. The truck left me stranded, without warning, 4 times - including last Thanksgiving Day. Fuel economy is not what they tell you, either. I drove 100 miles to work round trip every day doing 70 mph on the interstate, and the best gas mileage I ever got was 24 mpg - and its a 4 cylinder! I have since bought a Toyota, and couldnt be happier.

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  Occasionally the 3rd time ISNT a charm! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WJM - June 26 - 10:00 am

  3rd Explorer-nothing like the first one (1991)no concerns for 60000+ miles until 3/4 ton Chevy turned into me at 60mph. It took a beating but saved me! This vehicle is not what I thought it would be. Trouble on wet roads w/traction-wind noise around front windows that you cant hear a conversation w/pass. unless you both shout(occurs at 35 or higher mph). Gas milage is terrible town 11mpg & highway about 14+mpg. All kings of engine noises under the hood. Many more concerns also. Car seems very poorly assembled. My 91 was the best followed by 96 Eddie B. and this one is a distant 3rd, very distant!!