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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  James - 2006 Ford Escape
  By James - March 7 - 11:09 am

  My Escape came from the factory with the front end out of alignment and a steering wheel vibration that comes and goes. The front tires were damaged and Ford refused to replace them. They did align the front end but have not been able to cure the vibration. The engine runs well and has good power for a 4 cylinder but often hesitates when cold. The ride and handling are good. It has some wind noise but it is not offensive. I would not recommend buying this vehicle.

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  Geesh, Bought new, No more Fords... - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By David R Backus - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new. It never ran right from day one. The car would shake around 70 miles an hour. I kept taking it in to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. RIGHT! The transmission went out at 84000 miles. The power steering before that at 77000 miles at 2200 and 600 dollars a Pop. Then the brakes siezed up on me. I called Ford but to no avail Basically they said sorry about your luck the warranty expired. I NEVER SAY NEVER, BUT I will not be buying a Ford product again in the near future. I will not recommend Ford to Anyone I care about.Stay away from the WINDBAG!

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  Disaster on wheels - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Krystal - March 5 - 6:04 pm

  One of the happiest days of my life, getting rid of this piece! I had the transmission replaced 5 times. It continuously tore holes in the oil tank, so that was replaced too. But dont worry, Ford will give you a 100,000 mile warranty and replace it over and over because they acknowledge that their engineering is below standard. Its really fun to drive along with the transmission jerking you around. And, you never know how the car will take off from a stopped position, so many surprises in an accident just waiting to kill someone. The navigation starts about 5 minutes after you need it to. Once, I was in a parking lot, clicked the unlock button on the key fob, and the car began to make a lovely loud sound just like that of a boiling kettle. Everyone in the parking lot ran because we were sure that car was about to blow up. I bought the car brand new but have learned the valuable lesson; never buy a Ford!

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  This truck is Horrible! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary - March 5 - 10:37 am

  I leased this Escape in May 2005 and in August began hearing a creaking noise coming from the back. This truck has been in the shop a few times for a total of 3 1/2 weeks the mount needed work. I still hear creaking from the back, the window makes noise and the door creaks. This is the noisiest truck ever and I get 15 MPG! I am so sorry that I went from Nissan to Ford.

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  Sorry Car - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By WDP - February 24 - 10:36 am

  The car has very poor suspension and the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in.

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  explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By shaka - February 24 - 2:00 am

  i had my explorer for 3 years now and think it is built very cheap! i have continous paint problems and sensor problems. other than that it is fun to drive and great in the snow. i would not buy another explorer. the replacement tires are junk!! i want the firestones back!!

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  Rough transmission - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cjp8 - February 22 - 9:08 pm

  Upgraded from a 1999 Explorer to the 2004 version with 3rd row seating, 4 wheel drive, dvd player at a good price for our family car to handle snow storms. But having trouble with transmission. 3-4 repair attempts so far. Regular driving without towing. Rough gear changes with some lag and lurching. I think there was at least one recall item in transmission and on-going repair method protocol from Ford. Extended warranty may save me some money.

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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Haun - February 10 - 8:27 pm

  I traded my 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition for this one and within a 4 month period my 2005 had been in the shop more times than my 1999 model had been over a period of 6 years. Ive had problems with the gas pedal, electric seats, a piece of interior molding fell off by itself, and numerous rattles in the dash that the dealership employees cant seem to hear but everyone else that rides with me can. With only 8500 miles and 8 months of wear, the value has gone from the $37K that we paid to $22K (what the dealership will give for it now). Ive contacted Ford Motor Company about a buy back or replacement but that was a big waste of time. I wont be buying another Ford!

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  Mustang Is A Disappointment! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - February 8 - 7:31 pm

  I leased one of the first 2015 models of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. For years I wanted a Mustang. Never had one, but I envied those who drove those 5.0 liter pony cars. When Ford redesigned the Mustang for 2015, I WANTED one..badly. I read the reviews about the EcoBoost and the journalists RAVED about the power and gas economy of this EcoBoost wonder. I figured who needs a V8? I went to my local dealer, traded in my car, and drove off with the new Mustang. The day after I took it off the lot, nearly everyone I came across was stunned with the design of this car. No doubt, back in late 2014, it was a stunner, even though it looked kind of like a Fusion. But shortly into driving it, I felt it was lacking. The EcoBoost drove and had power like a Ford Fiesta I once rented. It felt like it completely lacked the 310 horses Ford advertised. The EcoBoost buzzed like my 2008 Altimas CVT. Loud, obnoxious, boring. The more I drove, I discovered that the brakes were already squealing as if they were worn. The radio would not pick up very powerful local stations without static. In the cold winter months, the interior window panes and the middle of the dashboard rattled constantly. The passenger side door did not match flush with the back fender. And now Ive been told that the timing cover has sprung a leak and requires a major repair by Ford. I test drove a Honda Accord Coupe V6 and the new Chevy Camaro V6. Both cars were so much more refined in interior quality and how they drove. I did not like the Camaro (felt like sitting in a black tub without windows) and the Accord was a little squirrelly on the freeway. But they were miles above the Mustang. I wanted a Mustang so badly, but I cannot wait to get out of it.

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  Do not buy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ibo316 - February 6 - 5:30 pm

  I bought this through my friend who works for Ford in Detroit by way of the friends and family plan. I will never buy another Ford ever. The seats are hard, uncomfortable, and flat. Ford goes nuts over everything being electronically controlled like the transmission. The transmission fluid cannot respond as fast as the electronics. There is noticeable gas pedal delay when you slow and try to accelerate and when passing. The original front brake pads cause the rotors to glaze and then the dealer tells you that the rotors are warped. Do not fall for this if you do not ride the brakes like crazy.