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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  Unreliable - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dsp - April 22 - 7:33 pm

  Bought off lease with 15,000 miles, ran fine until warranty ran out. Around 60,000 miles had constant check engine lights. Would replace one sensor and then the following week it would be another one. Power steering rack started going out and traded it for a Toyota Sienna. I hate to admit but I will never again buy another Ford product.

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  Many mechanical problems - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By f perez - April 19 - 2:00 am

  A year after purchasing my Windstar was in the shop for over a month ( 5 different occasions) Once they sell it to you it is your problem. I have purchased 5 fords (4 taurus before this lemmon) I will NEVER buy Ford again. They have gone back to the 1970s with built in obsolesence! When I went to return the car on a lease return, all the told me was that I should go into another lease because I did not want to own a car with 40k mi because it will most likely break-down. No Thanks. 3 yrs 36k is too little Ford does not stand behind their product. I am going to shop Honda Toyota tomorrow. If you are considering this van DONT!!!

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  Hard to Shift Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bob M. - April 18 - 3:00 am

  I have a 5 speed which is almost impossible to shift since the engine RPMs dont come down following acceleration in each gear. I bring it up to 3000 in first and it just stays there. Ford and my dealer both say "thats life". I hate this car, wish I had never bought it. It has a 6CD stereo which will not load the CDs. Bob

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  Problematic Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By 2ManyProbsW/Focus - April 14 - 4:47 pm

  The only reason we bought this car was because it was 0% interest. There have been many parts replaced because the metal used was cheap. Its been in the shop every year since weve had it. I am not happy with this car. The extended warranty only covered 1 part any time weve had problems. The warranty seemed to do nothing for us. The ignition and fuel are the biggest problems. Its loud from the noise outside especially on highways. There isnt much leg room in the back seats. The stereo system is TERRIBLE. We replaced our ignition and key 3 times! Loud muffler. This is a noisy, break down car. Id suggest against getting one. Ford never helped me at all with any problems.

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  ford quality, poor - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rstignor - April 14 - 10:00 am

  we leased a 2002 xlt in june 01. had it in the shop 7 times thru december. finally got dealership to call ford rep & auth exchange of collateral. we have now had this one since dec 01 & it has been much better than the 1st one, but i am still not happy with the quality of this suv. for a $30,000 vehicle, i thought i was getting something & then to see the resale value plumit on top of it all. i am considering a honda on the next go-round. no more fords.

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  Purple Lemon - 1995 Ford Contour
  By m. Junghans - April 12 - 7:31 pm

  Transmission went sour in 67,000 miles and had to be replaced. Fuel injection system had to be rebuilt at 68,000. Water pump went bad at 69,000. Transmission is designed so that a repair is not possible. Once you have internal problems the only fix it to replace the transmission (average estimate to replace was $3K). Water pump was designed with rubber blades on the shaft which wore down to nothing (average estimate to replace was $500). Fuel injection system design is complicated, thus expensive to repair. All in all this car lives up to FORDs intiials (Fix Or Repair Daily).

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  Noisiest car Ive ever owned - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Larry Cole - April 9 - 2:15 pm

  The reason I was drawn to this car was that it had an excellent sound system (six-CD changer/tape player). But as time wore on, the road and engine noise became so annoying that even high volume on the stereo was not enough to drown out the incessant noise.

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  Money Pit of Vans - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Doug K - April 4 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased this van used, with 39K miles. My family had outgrown a SUV, so we went with the Windstar. After 2 months, I needed a power steering pump. Now it is making that groaning noise again. At 53K the transmission completely failed. It cost me $2,200 for a rebuilt, and Ford told me that they would not help. I am getting rid of this van as quickly as possible. I may never buy a Ford again.

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  Should have bought a Civic - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hardkore/s2 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my fill of ford dealerships. Having nothing but problems with my car from stalling for no reason to the check engine light going on at least once every two months, I would not recomend a Ford Focus! Possibly I got a lemon, but I know a few friends who have had quite a bit of problems with the Ford dealers service departments.

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  Never Again! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RLGHDAVE - March 29 - 6:08 pm

  Bought used with 25k miles. Transmission (automatic) replaced with Ford rebuilt at 80K. Now at 140K transmission is failing again! This has turned me against Ford forever. Other downers: backseats very uncomfortable, rear seat belts torture passenger, poor city gas mileage, safety concerns with tipping over if tire failure, poor towing ability (UHaul wont even rent you a trailer), rear end wants to come around on gravel roads. Owning this vehicle for nearly 6 years has convinced me that I will NEVER AGAIN buy a Ford. My next vehicle will be a Toyota or Honda.