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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  Never again - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JTnVa - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I put allot of milage on my car . More miles in a year than most people do in two . High milage or not this car has been a headache . I absolutley hate it . In between having to replace the o2 sensor not 1, or 2 times , but 3 . Having to have both rear window motors replaced twice.My quater window broke due to body flex,and why does a quater window cost more than a windshield anyways.My ac quit working right after my warrenty ran out.My radiator dumped all of its fluid out on a roadtrip. My power steering pump, and a few other things.Not to mention all the recalls this car has had its not worth what Im paying for it.

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  Eddie Bauer after 70,000 miles - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - December 2 - 10:41 am

  Our first Expedition was a 1999 Eddie Bauer which we traded in after 75,000 problem free miles. We bought our current Expedition primarily because the 1999 was problem free and we wanted the power fold flat third row seats (which are great). However the 2005 version has been in the shop a number of times. The AC compressor had to be replaced at 40,000 miles ($1400) and the front brake calipers had to be replaced at 65,000 miles because they were binding. However the worst part of the vehicle is the interior rattles, dashboard squeaks and suspension creaks, moans and groans which drive us crazy. Gas mileage has been OK, pretty much as expected. 17-18 on the highway and 14-15 around town.

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  Ford Escape XLT 4WD - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tom C - December 1 - 10:00 am

  One of the cheapest built vehicles Ive ever owned. The paint is so thin that even the slightest abrasion goes through to the primer. The leather seats with lumbar support are uncomfortable and awkward to adjust. You can change the feel from a fist in your back to a shoe in your back. No padding on door armrests. Floor mats are under-sized (look like they shrunk). Outside step bars are useless and just get your pant leg dirty. The factory trailer hitch requires that you get under the vehicle to make the electrical connection. My 89 Ford Explorer II XLT was much better. This will be my last Ford.

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  What a waste - 1998 Ford Contour
  By JayCee - November 25 - 5:06 pm

  Bought the car in 2003 when I was 16 with about 60,000 miles on it. It was maintenance-free until 2007 at 100,000 miles when O2 sensors went out, followed by the transmission two weeks later. It was all downhill from there with broken belts, more O2 sensors, brakes completely failed, and now its been in the shop once a month for the past three months. I could have purchased a very nice car after more or less buying the car again via repairs in the past year. Loud cabin noise, dome light fell out of the ceiling, trunk doesnt open with the lever anymore, headlights are incredibly dim, defroster is more or less useless, three cupholders, and one is too shallow to even use.

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  Must have been on a Monday - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Donna - November 22 - 12:44 pm

  I have driven Ford vehicles for the 20 years. I like the style, ergonomics, ride, dependibility of each Ford product I have owned. However, my F-150 Lariat Super Cab, 2wd,5.4liter V8 has been and still continues to be a lemon. From the very beginning it has had a bad viberation. I have had 5 sets of tires, three drive shafts, 2 rear pioion gears, trans.rebuilt new trans., 2,radio /6 cd changers, speaker problems, auto rear sildiging window. These were all while it was still warranty. Ford engineers even came from somewhere out of state to try to find the promblem. They cant find out what is wrong. Ford really let me down. Im not aginst Ford prod. this one just not right from the start.

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  Not what I signed up for - 2001 Ford Escape
  By SMIverson - November 20 - 8:31 pm

  I bought this car recently because it looked good - inside and out - and thought it would make for a reliable second car. Not hardly, and I only have myself to blame, because I didnt have it inspected before handing over my money. The vehicle leaks oil and the transmission is definitely on its way out. The fog lights didnt work when I took delivery and all four tires leak like its the middle of January! Truth be told, I probably just got a bad one because I did read good things about this vehicle prior to my purchase decision. It doesnt ease my trepidation, but suffice it to say I wont be keeping this car long someone else can foot the bill to keep it running.

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  Average American Vehicle - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By James - November 20 - 5:02 pm

  Gas mileage should be better. I had to pay for jack bolts to be installed so the front end could be aligned. These items used to be installed at the factory. Neither Ford or the dealer would assist with the expense. the front end could not be aligned without this $200 expense at 8000 miles. I will consider a Toyota or Honda for my next truck.

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  Will Never buy a Ford again - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Disatisfied Explorer - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Explorer for 5 years; it only has 61K miles. In the past year I have spent $4,000 in repair bills that were not covered by warranty They include replacing the following (1) the front drive shaft; (2) the air ride control module, not to mention the 4 times I took it to the dealer because the warning light kept coming back on; (3) a front shock; (4) the O2 sensor; (5) the solenoid; (6) the rear pinion, axle and carrier bearings; and (7) the rear pinion seal,twice. This is worst vehicle I have ever owned!

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  You cant make lemonade out of this lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Marie - November 19 - 10:52 pm

  Since the car hit 60,000 miles its been in and out of the shop constantly. With no warning, the clutch dropped out while I was driving 65 mph down the highway. Repair bill: $600. One of the parts they replaced broke again within two months. That was covered by a warranty, but it was still a pain and a safety issue. Then the fuel system went out, leaving me stranded. Thankfully, covered by a recall, but still a pain and a safety issue. Then the key wouldnt go into the ignition, again leaving me stranded. Repair: $300. Headlight wiring melted: $50/light. Air bags dysfunctional. Now the electrical is screwed up and the car dies unexpectedly at varying speeds while Im driving it. Whats next?

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  Cheapening of the Crown - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mike - November 17 - 6:20 pm

  I am greatly disappointed on how this vehicle was cheapened. I owned the same vehicle seven years ago and it was a better vehicle.