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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  HORRIBLE! Stay away! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - May 5 - 12:50 am

  I know of 2 other people who have owned this car and they all have hated it! I will never buy Ford again. I took it to the service department 4 times in 2 years. Once to have the clutch replaced (on a brand new car) and three more times to have the "transmission computer module reset" because according to the service department employees "there wasnt anything more they can do".

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  THROTTLE BODY FAILED! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Stranded - May 4 - 1:04 pm

  Little over 8,000 miles the throttle body died on a busy roadway. Ford Roadside assistance is a joke! Wrecker was dispatched and a 1 hour forty five minute wait time was estimated. Guess what? That time was extended to another two hours! Called my own personal wrecker service and they were there in 20 minutes. After a three hour wait, I got to the dealership after closing and was unable to secure a rental or loaner car. Another hour or so wait until I could get a family member to pick me up. Listening to the throttle body problems, guess I am not the only one! With the cost of this vehicle, makes one wonder if they could have went to GM and got more bang for the buck!

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  Rust - 2011 Ford Escape
  By GPM - April 28 - 2:39 pm

  I like to buy a new car and keep it for a long time. I like to wash and wax and keep the car clean. My 2011 Ford Escape has been disappointing. The paint blistered at the rear wheel wells and there is rust. I have not seen this on any of the other Ford or competitive cars I have owning. I will be very reluctant to buy another Ford.

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  ford junk - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By steve b - April 25 - 10:00 am

  first ford i ever bought i bought the conv v-6 with every option ,at 27000 miles the transmisson failed,the door bolts on the hinge fell out,the valves rattaled all the time ford really let me down with the quality of this car.i will not buy a ford again

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  Just another ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dre - April 25 - 10:00 am

  It is awful people DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE

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  Poor quality car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Gigi Kent - April 21 - 7:38 pm

  If you havent bought one yet, dont.

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  burning bag on your doorstep - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By William Clay Ford - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Chronologically, we have had to repair/replace: -tranny (1 week after purchase) -transmission valve body -Throttle body -New keyless entry keypad -Air sensor (once it fails you are rewarded with an exhilirating 30 minute period during which the truck will not start) -Fuel Pump -Throttle body -New tires (the original firestones had a nasty tendency to kill you) -Ball Joints (No grease points. if they ever need grease, they need to be replaced. Top notch!) Currently, I am eagerly anticipating having to replace another throttle body, as the car stalls every so often now, and well, it has been 10,000 miles since I replaced it. I guess its time.

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  Wish I still had my ACURA RSX - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sy1219 - April 16 - 8:34 pm

  This car has a real nice interior and the exterior is really good looking but that is it, the car has pits in the roof from the plant where it was manufactured, at 1350 miles the screen for the MY FORD TOUCH went black which means I dont have a radio, navigation, etc., there is also a rattle in the door panel, and the fan for the heat an ac goes up and down in speeds which is really annoying all this in a month of ownership and a $28,000 price tag, honestly dont buy this car unless you get a deal of a lifetime. I WISH I HAD MY 2002 ACURA RSX and not this piece of junk.

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  40k and its ready for the junk heap - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By JoeCool - April 9 - 11:32 am

  A poorly constructed, planned obsolescent American embarrassment. All major components have worn out at about 40-50k miles. A strong reason why the Japaneses are decimating the American auto industry. Not recommended

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  Run away from this van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Drftr - April 4 - 8:16 am

  Worst built automobile I have ever owned. Ride is poor, handling poor, less than 50k miles. The driver side window motor has been replaced. The front heater has quit working, brakes have made funny noises (had checked no problem found). Brake and ABS lights go on off intermittently. Supposedly means big problem. Dealership can not duplicate. Interior lights randomly come on. Passenger mirror remote control had to be fixed. Small trim pieces falling off. Last American product I will ever buy. Driven nothing but Fords for 25 years. Customer service is bad.