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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  What a joke! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By unhappycamper - October 19 - 10:53 pm

  I have had my Focus for 11 months. During this time, it has been in the shop for a total of 28 days. I had the engine replaced at 8,000 miles because of an internal coolant leak that contaminated the oil. I have had three sets of brakes put on it. The computer solenoids that control the emissions system have been replaced. And last but not least the gas cap was defective and had to be replaced. I am in the process of working with the selling dealer to buy it back as a lemon. This will be my last Ford!!!

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  Wish wed never bought it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Atlanta - October 19 - 5:57 pm

  I never cared for the car from the first day my husband bought it (I was out of town). It was o.k. for the first few years except the speakers never worked right. Then the rear brakes started chattering and we have spent a lot of time and money trying to fix the problem. Took it to a Ford dealer and they couldnt fix it. Weve have tried to have it fixed several times at different places but the noise always returns within a few weeks. The front end is always going out of alignment and pulls to one side. Last year, all the seals blew and we spent $1,000 to fix it. Weve kept it for our teenagers to drive, but plan to get rid of it next year. It has about 90K miles. CR is right about it.

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  6 cylinder dog - terrible disappointment - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By 900 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Terrible disappointment. I just test drove a new 2004 6 cylinder. I am shopping for a 180+ hp, rear wheel drive, american made car with good gas mileage. I thought the 6cyl stang would foot the bill, but came it up terribly short. The car is so heavy that the cheesy 6 cylinder motor cant seem to get out of its own way. I recall my 1993, 140hp, 6 cylinder beretta having much better acceleration. I wonder if the 5 speed performs any better. The interrior would be great if this were 1989!

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  Rough Idle - 2004 Ford F-150
  By RoughStuff - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The engine (5.4L) idles rough when stopped at lights/stops signs. Occasionally tries to stall when starting from a dead stop. Dealer unable to solve. Very nice truck but I am considering unloading it at a loss because this is so frustrating.

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  It is a good first car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Jess - October 11 - 7:04 pm

  I got this car for myself for by birthday two years ago for $500, it had over 144k miles on it, now it has 156k. The top gloss paint has since worn off and I have spent over $1500 on it to fix all the problems like the brake lines, starter, battery, e-brake cable, and exhaust system twice. The window in the back no longer works, and one of the power locks doesnt work. The liner in the trunk is no longer attached, there is a lot of rust. But it is good on gas and gets me where I need to be, although at 55 mph it gets the shakes, not good in the winter, it gets stuck a lot. But it has been Nice while Ive had it.

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  cold tailgate wont open and sucks on snow - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Kevin Stoner - October 11 - 3:08 pm

  when its cold out until it heats up my tailgate will not open. something is messed up with the lock. The truck in the snow sucks unless its in 4 wheel drive. it slides all over the place in light snow. I had a 2014 fx4 with old body and did just fine. that 1000 pounds makes it suck in the snow for basically 3 miles to gallon better. dont get a ding either. the Aluminum is not as tough as they say. it dents really easily. not impressed. I love ford but may be thinking about a chevy or gmc for my next one. they took away lots of the options for the fx4 as well on 2016. mine now has half the options. just like the folding mirrors. it absoutely sucks going to car wash. I have to get out of the freaking truck and fold mirrors in. Ford has missed the mark on the 2016!!!

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  One bad minivan - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy Dad - October 7 - 2:00 am

  the 1999 edition is HORRIBLE! Our first Windstar was wonderful- no problems and 75k miles. This one was the WORST car we have ever owned- engine was replaced at 30k; transmission broke at 52k; electric was always having problems; battery died monthly. A LEMON is a nice name for this vehicle. FORD= Fix Or Repair Daily (at least monthly)

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  Where Did Quality Go - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Tinsley - October 6 - 6:00 pm

  I can only evaluate the 2003 Explorer by comparing it to my previous 1994 Explorer. In short, the 1994 Explorer was a quality vehicle. No major problems were experienced during the 9 years (108,000 mi) I owned it. On the other hand the 2003 Explorer has been a maintenance nightmare! The following items were replaced: light switch, back window motor, universal joints, then complete drive shaft, front wheel bearings, emergency brake parts. The rear end was replaced twice and then TSB 05-23-3 was installed all with the same results-- the rear end whine always returned after a few thousand miles. Where did Fords quality workmanship go? The 2003 Ford Explorer is a substandard vehicle!

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  Not a wow kind of car. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jsmith52 - October 4 - 8:58 pm

  Overall the car is just average. There is nothing amazing or fun or neat about the car. Seats are above average in terms of comfort. The car also has some decent visual appeal at first. However, the fuel economy stinks and the technology is outdated. Ford has improved on the reliability but still does not have great fit and finish. There are little rattles and weird clicking sounds. The engine flat out stinks. Needs dual vvti to help with power and gas consumption. Car also needs bigger output, possibly a 3.5 liter. If you are going to buy American Ford probably is your best bet but I only bought the car because I was on Fords discount plan.

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  Problems with 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Wade Troutman - October 4 - 7:04 am

  Ford let my Explorer out of the factory with some strange problems. High beams stay on-cant fix without replacing steering column (dont use high beams, and if I forget and use them I have to disconnect the battery to turn them off). Replaced noisy wheel bearings at 70K. Power window motor on rear drivers side door out at 30K. Door ajar light on and off since 10K (gave up taking it to dealer after three visits). AC/heater floor vents leak. Transaxle seals replaced at 90K. Rear passenger side turn signal out at 100K. Lights work, but turn signal doesnt work. Clear coat started peeling on the passenger side of the vehicle in 2007. I am tired of the nagging little problems..