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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  Last Word - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By grrover - March 19 - 12:04 pm

  Well I after reading these reviews before I bought the car I thought gee everyone is pretty positive. I bought the car I was happy for about three years great van and I have owned three Caravans before. The Ford was lot more comfortable on the highway and lot more preppy. But whoa! When it hit the fourth year the thing just started to fall apart! I have spent over $ 5000 on repairs in the last year! $2,500 in one month alone. My mechanic says hey its cheaper than buying a new car! Sure its lining his pockets. The he tells me that my engine shaking is a a minor engine overhaul for replacing the head gaskets a mere $1,200. I decided to trade it in on a new Outback this week.

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  Dissapointed owner - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Estella Delgado - March 19 - 11:42 am

  We purchansed and have enjoyed this vehicle until recently when the van with only 70,000 miles on it broke down and we are told that it needs a new transmission. We cannot believe this has happened. It is now sitting in the garage because of the economy we cannot afford to dish out over $1,500 for the repair.

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  2nd Time not as good as the first! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 8point - March 19 - 8:22 am

  This is my 2nd Ranger, 1st was a 95 4.0 STX. I like the extra room in the super cab and overall styling, but not the performance. 18 mpg highway (and I drive easy) and no low end hp or torque. My 95 was 10 times better in low gear off road and got 23+mpg to boot. I dont feel the extra hp (47) from the new engine and gas mileage flat out stinks for a V6 of this size. Ive got friends with big diesels that get almost the same mileage with twice the performance! As stated by Edmunds, the trucks strong point is off-road, so why give it an engine that produces its power above 3,500 rpm?! Have had no mechanical/service issues with the truck in the first year of ownership.

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  Do NOT Depend on Ford - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Great Family Van NOT - March 17 - 1:59 pm

  The first 2 yrs were great, no problems (even posted here in 08-2005). However, since early 2006 we have had the interior lights flashing, dealer can not fix and many many compliant logged with no known TSB or fix. (Replaced: light swithc 2x both sliding doors and rear gate sensors) -- Now the intake manifold must be replaced due to a PLASTIC seal used that melts around 50- 70K miles. *We have 55K now. $100 part and 3 hrs of labor at your dealer of choice @ $120= total $460 before taxes. My dealer stated 4-6 vans a day must have this done, and Ford will not issue a recall as this is not a Safety issue. Just causes the van to suck more gas and fail emmissions.

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  Basic truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Kinney - March 16 - 10:21 am

  This is a basic no frills truck. Have had no real problems except for the rear window. This leaks and I have tried everything and cant seem to get it fixed. Not a race car. Small 4 cyl. does not have the poop to haul or tow much of anything. It is a basic, small utility truck. Mileage is nothing to be proud of. Factory tires stink. On wet roads the back end has lost traction and sent me into all three lanes of traffic on the freeway. I spent $400 and got better tires! No more problems. Dont drive these small trucks on snow or ice! Youre asking for trouble. They are too light in the rear unless you load something heavy into it..

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  Good bye, Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Steve - March 15 - 8:49 am

  Purchased new. Even though it only has 100,000 miles, its on its 4th set of tires. Its noisy, the front end clanks, and has since new. The door ajar problem has existed since it ran out of warranty, along with various and sundry check engine lights. The transmission is on its way out now, so its time to get rid of the thing. The passenger seats are nice. The front buckets are terrible. Im glad to see it go away.

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  Junk - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By chuck - March 14 - 12:01 pm

  Nice looking truck inside and out. It now has 118,000 miles on it and most of the front end components have been replaced more than once. The 3.0L v-6 with the automatic is greatly underpowered. It gets bad gas mileage less than 15 mpg. It also has a poor ride. It does not like to go up hills. It has had endless problems with the ABS brakes. The frame is starting rust out

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  Good Car - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By BK - March 13 - 1:45 am

  Fun to drive and not many problems until my flexplate broke, now Ive been through three in the last year, so I dunno what Ill have to do, but its a great vehicle, just has poor gas mileage and the acceleration on the highway isnt too great.

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  Poor paint finish - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ford Junk - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The dealer ship was great ! But this will be my last Ford My wife picked up our 2005 Escape she did not notice the paint on the hood had a mark by both windshield squirters looked like water marks. They do not come off ! look its a new car and already has to have body work. You can leave the key in and no alarm (makes it easy to lock your keys in the ESCAPE) doors do not lock when you put it in drive this is a safty issue if you have small children.

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  Blinded by Beauty - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jalen Jarrod - March 8 - 12:37 pm

  Not enough space to list my true feelings. Driver and passenger window motors fail. Driver and passenger rear wheel bearings fail about 6 months apart. CD player was the 1st thing to fail. Rear hatch was cracking. I thought that was a first until I came here. Transmission fails as it refused to shift into 3rd gear. Estimated repair cost was $1800-2200. Considered getting it fixed until I visited one of these sites. One person explained my troubles verbatim. He also continued to have problems after the repairs. Made a believer out of me as I traded the EB. I have owned Fords all of my adult life. When I trade my LS(great car by the way) I will never own another Ford. True story.