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:

• 

  Never Again - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Jay - September 18 - 5:06 pm

  Will never buy another Ford again. This vehicle had 1st transmission & power steering pump replaced after 40k miles, 2nd factory rebuilt transmission went at 103k miles and 2nd power steering replaced at 85k along with air conditioning compressor. Worst vehicle for maintenance that I have ever owned.

• 

  Horrible Seats - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gomer - September 17 - 10:04 am

  The F150 for me has the worst seat comfort out of any truck on the market bar none. I cant get comfortable no matter how hard I try and the seats are as hard as a rock. Other than the seats, the engine is severely underpowered (5.4) and the transmission is sluggish. I dont recommend this truck to anyone unless you want to be uncomfortable. The previous generation F150s were much better in my opinion.

• 

  Expensive repair bills - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - September 15 - 10:12 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 46k miles. In four years, drove 65k miles and had some major repair bills. Transmission replaced at 73k after 2-3 shift flare failures. Well known problem to Ford but they did not offer any help with the repair bill. Oil leaks at crankshaft pulley, front and rear differential pinons required seal replacement. Both front stabilizer links broke due to corrosion, known problem in earlier Fords but again no dealer support to replace. Rear end howling developed at 105k miles and required bearing replacements. Pulled a 1000lb utility trailer a few times so no major loads hauled. Overall definitely poor quality vehicle. Never again will I own a Ford.

• 

  Great Options, Poor Mechanics - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pshaver - September 15 - 8:55 pm

  Ive had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for a few years now, and it definitely has its high points. The features and comfort of the interior are great. There is adequate room for adults in the second row. The V-6 model pulls my 4,200lb boat/trailer combo pretty well (though I had to add a class IV hitch). My only complaint is the reliability. I never buy extended warranties, but I did on this vehicle (luckily). Ive put only 12000 miles on this truck, and replaced the differential, axle seal, transmission cooler, cruise control servo, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal (all between 34000 and 36000 miles). Many of these failed prior to ever towing, so I cant blame that.

• 

  box on wheels - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Tim Lynch - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The disadvatages of this car is that it rattles when you drive and it sometimes gets stuck into gear when flooring it. The dash controles are inconvenient.

• 

  Not too satisfied - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By camjam - September 13 - 9:04 pm

  I replaced a Buick Regal. This 07 Taurus the worst handling car I have ever owned. It drives horribly. Terrible understeer. Transmission is a real dog. Shifts are delayed either slowing down or speeding up. Yes I know it is an automatic but this transmission is bad. My 83 Escort drove and handled better than this 07.

• 

  Shuttering Take Offs - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Penny Boyles - September 9 - 1:10 pm

  My 76 year old mom bought her a Ford Focus brand new. The road noise was terrible - to the point you couldnt hear the person sitting next to you talk. Cresent Ford in High Point NC kept saying there was nothing wrong. I went to the dealership with her and after much conversation and driving the model above - Ford Focus Hatchback - she decided to trade. She got an extended warranty to cover the car during the entire loan. Now this car is doing the same thing and more. The road noise has increased - similar to the previous Focus. In addition, the car has a shuttering when you excel from a stop. We took it back and after several months waiting on a part - the dealership fixed the problem (so they said). It has only been a couple of months and the shuttering has started AGAIN!!!! Im going back with her again. They are going to fix this car or give her one that doesnt do it. Dealership wouldnt make it right. They said it was "normal" and was not anything that needed repair. If that was the case, why did they try to fix something that wasnt broke? We was able to work with another Dealership - Modern Nissan - in a trade. She now drives a Toyota Camry and is thrilled to be rid of her Ford headache

• 

  2004 F-150 supercrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jacksogh - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Ride is not smooth,harsh, viberations Squeek in drivers seat rattles throughout Rear seat design sucks Like old design on tilt wheel better would not buy again

• 

  Issues but cool - 2004 Ford F-150
  By green falcon - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice pickup but milage is worse than my 2001 F-150. Been to the dealership twice, both times unit would not start and went into engine failure mode, at this time Ford has no fix for this issue.

• 

  Focus SE fun & cool WHEN not in service - 2001 Ford Focus
  By dbhero - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I really wanted to like this car, it fits what I need to fit in it, and it is fun to drive. My hubby liked his, though he never bothered to fix some minor quirks. Unfortunately, mine has been in the shop TOO many times! The service light kept coming on for various reasons causing 4 return visits within the 1st 1.5 months & several since. The seatbelts broke in the back, the CD player ate my CDs. I traded in my van for this because I needed dependability, wondering if I should have kept 1997 van. Anyone interested in a class action /lemon law?