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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  comfortable but undependable - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Tony - April 14 - 1:16 pm

  Bought van with a little over 26,000 miles. I also purchased the extended warranty from Ford to cover for 5 yrs. Or 75k miles. I had to use warranty multiple times for head gasket, intake manifold leak, a/c, and other smaller issues. After the warranty ran out I have had Major brake problems and another manifold leak and now it is in the shop with Major transmission problems at 109,000 miles. I would not recommend this product to my worst enemy. I also think Ford has lost any future business of mine this is the fourth product from them that I have had to put out more money on than any other type of vehicles I have owned.

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  Dont Buy unless you have lots of money! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Honda 4 Me - April 14 - 12:48 pm

  Well when buying this hellish nightmare called a freestar I thought I was going to be getting a good vehicle. Was I so wrong! About 30,000 km in I started to get a wheel noise brought back to dealer 3xs they couldnt hear it. I asked the mechanic and he said they know what it was but couldnt replace both. I was a bit peeve and now out of warranty I am more peeved! I have 85,000 km and now paint is peeling so I called to Ford today and asked what they are going to do about it and there response is it is your problem. It is a well know fact the primer on these Ford vans is no good! Also went to trade it in and only worth get ready for it $4,000 wow after shelling out $17,000 2 years ago!

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  Good old truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ray - April 14 - 11:48 am

  This is the 2nd F150 I have owned. This truck has been very good to me. The only problem was the recall on the crusie control. The truck has pulled my fifth wheel ever since I bought it. It pulls it very good. The last truck I had a 96 f150 was also very good to me. I also pulled with that one from day one. No prblems after 145,000 miles when I traded for this one. This truck is a lot better than my 2000 Chevy S10 I have. Piace of junk that one. I would tell anyone to buy a new F150 if they got a chance.

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  Great truck, awful paint from Dearborn - 2007 Ford F-150
  By NeverAgain - April 14 - 11:45 am

  I love the truck itself, its easily the nicest looking truck on the road. Ive only had mine for three weeks, but its going into the shop to be repainted because someone at the Dearborn plant didnt know how to paint. On three parts of the truck, there are paint flaws. Not just flaws, but actual debris in the paint, like little specks of sand were on the truck when it was painted. Because of this, this is the last Ford I buy. The consumer shouldnt have to be forced QA department. So, yeah -- awesome truck, awful fit and finish.Word to the wise: Do not buy a Ford made in Dearborn. And carefully inspect the vehicle in full sunlight before you do. Look it over and over again.

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  Loving my Freebie! I named it "Sprout." - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Loving Sprout! - April 14 - 11:13 am

  I purchased my 05 Freestyle FWD SE just under a month ago. It is Titanium Green with Shale interior in cloth. I have just over 1,000 miles of trouble free fun on it so far and couldnt be happier. While many people are so quick to address the supposed "lack of power" in this vehicle, I have to disagree (slightly). From a standstill I can confirm that this vehicle is not lightning quick. However, at highway speeds theres a rush of power as the car builds speed for passing. I am averaging 20 miles per gallon which is great considering my daily commute of gridlock and "hilly" city streets. Factor in the ability to haul bundles of softball gear and passengers all at once, and Im all smiles.

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  The Probe LX "king of the cars, the gem" - 1990 Ford Probe
  By KING AZ - April 14 - 1:18 am

  Well, I have a Probe L. Im telling you this car its my little gem. But overall, this car its super. Im telling you. I love this car. Its fun to drive. Im going to keep it til I die. Anyways you dont see LX anymore on the streets. And I like the way that Im unique.

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  Why I will never buy from Ford again. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By supremecourt101 - April 13 - 9:21 pm

  Overall, this is a terrible car. The brakes are bad and the car is so heavy that it takes a long time to stop. The interior is uncomfortable and looks cheap, and everything breaks. I have had to spend over 15,000 dollars on repairs.

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  Second Windstar - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Trimerus - April 13 - 5:20 pm

  Purchased this Windstar new in 2001. It was our second, the first being a 2000 which we also still have. Now have 140,000 miles and have no issues with either. 23 mpg on the highway. Always starts. No repairs or tune ups have been needed, only 1 set of tires, one set of brake shoes and regular oil changes. I suspect that people who have had bad luck with Windstar have selected poor mechanics.

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  2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By trimerus - April 13 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased the Windstar new and maintained well. Bought an extended 100,000 mile warantee but never needed to use it. have found vehicle to be reliable through the 95000 miles we have owned.

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  Poor performer - 2011 Ford Transit Connect
  By elevatorman79 - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Handles well at slow speeds but be careful at high speeds a quick lane change could be a problem . If you dont need the hight this is not a vehicle for you I am still not sure how to use the interior hight for anything. The biggest problem is the horse power . I have to tach 6500 rpm in the first 3 gears in order to enter the parkway at 40 mph . From a standing start it is the slowest vehicle I have ever driven . I drive alone and only cary 300 lbs of tools and supplies . I have 5000 miles on it and its not getting any better .