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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  Ford junk- NEVER AGAIN! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mom of 3 - October 28 - 9:04 am

  From 55,000 - 76,000 miles replaced wheel bearings, electrical components, and ABS system. Also, the car stalled while driving, extremely dangerous. Car repairs totaled more then payments. I decided cut my losses and trade it. Dealer said transmission slipped and is worth $2800. After research I expected a loss but that was more than anticipated. So I went home defeated. I pulled into my driveway and it started to smoke and burn up. Lovely. I would like to buy American but Ford has made this American family poor so save time, aggravation, and money by NOT buying a Windstar. Sorry Ford, but theres a reason why the foreign car industry is doing so well, were tired of being taken advantage of.

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  Detroit must do better - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Withheld - October 26 - 6:23 pm

  Bought after light use as an executive rental car. At 37,000 miles, power steering on front-drive car required complete replacement at great expense. Electrical system problematic (wipers turn on without human intervention). Full 60,000 mile maintenance done by dealer. Within one week, battery dead car wouldnt start when hot. Finally died completely. Alternator/generator replacement. Auto transmission shifts taking longer and longer. Transmission locked into third on steep hill, engine lugged up hill, check engine light on, diagnosis: two cylinders blown, substantial repair required. Car being sold as-is, at substantial discount from nominal value, with 71,000 miles. Ford unresponsive.

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  Electrical Gremlins - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Tc99 - October 25 - 1:11 pm

  Way too many electrical gremlins to list. (Well, lets try anyway: daytime running lights that wont shut off without pulling a fuse, headlights that go from dim to bright at random, electric windows that randomly work, dome light that goes on and off at random, trunk light that goes on and off at random, power locks that suddenly lock or unlock at random....). Transmission is starting to go at 100K miles - at least it has lasted longer than average. Gas mileage stinks - 15 city, 16 highway. Engine knocks badly on regular unleaded. The cupholders wont hold your cup going around corners.

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  Dont buy a Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mari - October 19 - 4:08 am

  Like some others here, we had to replace the transmission within the first couple of years. Van has 68K and needs ANOTHER transmission! Hello! Problems with side door, electrical, mileage only 14 with plenty of highway driving, expensive to repair things like small bumper dings (cant they design bumpers that dont cost 1800 to fix?). Like rubber bumpers or something?

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  Bad first impression - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By waynercanada - October 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the first and last Ford SUV I will own. The poor quality of the vehicle was magnified by the uncooperative and unhelpful dealership. The vehicle handles poorly in moderate winter conditions and fuel economy has decreased significantly over the last year. The vehicle was never driven off road and is well maintained;however that did not help prevent having to replace both front ball joints, rear wiper,and rear bumper (due to rust) to name a few problems. I have owned this vehicle slightly over a year and now want to rid of it.

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  OK for what it is, but poor reliability - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By PDB - October 11 - 5:38 pm

  For a mid-90s minivan, comfort and space is pretty good. Rear seats are very cumbersome to remove to provide more cargo space. Performance was adequate. Main complaint is reliability (or lack thereof). Around the 100k mile mark things went downhill fast. Major repairs in last several years: * Transmission (replaced with low-mileage used one that one is now slipping) * Electronics/wiring * Alternator * Water pump * Blown head gasket.

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  1992 Taurus GL Sedan - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Geoff - October 9 - 2:07 pm

  I bought this from a family member with 80,000 miles on it for $1,500. Has been nothing but trouble. Ive spent much more than its worth in repairs.

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  HUGE Disappointment! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Tim Ross - October 8 - 1:23 am

  This truck is a huge disappointment. With all the hype, I just cant see it. The engine runs like crud. It wont idle. The gas mileage is horrible. It has the power but there is no throttle response. CPU programming they tell me. Then fix it! The drive by wire was a mistake. Ford used to have the best cruise control in the business. Now, because of the lack of throttle response, there is a significant lag. The air conditioning is only cool, not cold! Again they say CPU programming. Also, Id like to shoot the guy that thought up the deeper bed. You cant reach into it. They seem to be trying to phase out the SuperCab longbed and shortbeds are useless so they make deeper beds instead.

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  Worst Transmission Ever - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - October 1 - 9:17 am

  Honestly, there is one reason i would never buy this car again. The transmission is horrible. We have had it in three times, and had the clutch (its an automatic), replaced once. Today i am taking it in for a 4th time. All they say is "well test it and if its score is X well look into it further. If they dont fix this, im going to just sell it and buy a Subaru. The other thing that is horrible is the Microsoft Sync software. My wife even has a Windows phone and its horrible to sync. Its too bad, this could have been a great car, but the transmission is just THAT BAD.

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  Disappointment! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By ebyers - October 1 - 1:18 am

  Ford has made 5 attempts at fixing my rear end and 3 attempts at fixing my transmission. This problem has existed for years in many models. Why cant Ford be honest and either fix the problem & stop making substandard vehicles.