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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  1999 Ford Windstar Van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jim - February 26 - 10:52 am

  We have had several problems with this vehicle. The paint started to flake off the roof at approximately 65,000K with Ford denying any widespread problems with paint. The electrical system has been problematic causing the dash to flicker and door locks to work erratically. The valves have made noise since we bought it, with Ford unable to find a problem. We have also had front suspension and power steering work. When called about the paint problems, the dealer said I would have to call Detroit...but claimed NOT to have Fords 800 number! I AM THROUGH WITH FORD PRODUCTS!

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  Bad car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Toyota - February 25 - 3:49 pm

  This Ford always breaks down. The pickup is okay on this v8. The car gets an average of 14 MPG city 17 MPG highway. The Taurus has a smooth ride yet not as smooth as my wifes wonderful brand new Honda Accord. The Taurus has a good stereo with cheap low quallity leather. So far, I have been in the shop 2 times in 4 months and 14,000 miles.

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  Not Happy - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Joe - February 21 - 11:06 am

  I bought the car in 97 and hod no problems. Once it hit 75K, everything started falling apart. I.e. Oil pan gasket, driver side power window motor, starter, water pump, AC compressor, one engine plug wouldnt fire -- replaced that, interior falling apart -- leather stitching, dash board plastic cracking, and now the transmission is going out. I have spent $2500 on car in last 2 years. Has 112K now and I cant wait to get rid of it. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN!

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  quality was not an issue - 1995 Ford Contour
  By grant r - February 15 - 5:10 pm

  Owning a Ford Contour has been perhaps my worst car experience. Every part of the vehicle seems to be made from toy plastic. I can effortlessly BEND the gear shift. A 3 year old child literally ripped out the cupholders. I have replaced front & rear springs, front & rear suspension, front & rear brakes, and timing system. Dont buy this car unless it is for a very short period of time and out of complete desperation. The good things: The transmission is holding up, and the radio still works. Several mechanics have confirmed that the heater will be the next to go. Be careful out there car-buyers.

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  coming out of a VW GLI - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Gregg - February 11 - 12:38 am

  all around poor experience with this car. performance is terrible with the small 1.5 liter motor pushing 3500 lbs. from a start probably one of the most anemic engines Ive ever experienced- only when the turbo kicks in does it finally get up to speed. pitches and rolls entirely too much entering and exiting an onramp. poor tire and brake wear ( at least compared to cars I have experienced in the past). The car has had a continued water leak in the truck which the dealer cannot figure out. The car is too big for a midsize. This isnt the easiest hunk a junk to park in the mall parking lot next to your Civics and Audis which are all a foot or more shorter.

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  Ford Missed Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dculin - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought off the lot based on price and Ford name. Big mistake.New transmission at 45k miles, front end noise that cannot be diagnosed, bouncing sensation at highway speeds, many minor repairs later, will never have another Ford in the driveway. I highly suggest TCO not price when buying a vehicle.

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  A lemon right off the lot - 2004 Ford Escape
  By John - February 8 - 3:09 am

  I bought a new, left over 2004 Escape. Within two hours of leaving the dealer the accelerator would not release and I found myself going 85 mph on the highway with the speed increasing. I managed to put it into neutral and pull over to the side with the engine racing. A tow truck was called and took me and the car back to the dealer. I found out Ford Motor Company had recalled 2002 through 2004 Escapes to fix accelerator problems, but my dealer had failed to fix it before selling it to me. He is claiming ice build up was the problem, not the accelerator cable. Either way, a car that dangerous should not be on the road.

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  Kermitt Bites - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By kermitt bites - February 7 - 5:22 pm

  This truck has been a nightmare since the beginning. The problems have been from brakes squealing, the driverside power seat motor going out to the rear end being worked on four times. We even got the Ford rep involved and she claims that the truck is fixed even though the clutches in the rearend are still messing up. We now have 17,000 miles on the truck and we are going to have to eat several thousand dollars in order to trade it. We have resulted to putting poster boards on the truck with lemon signs on it and driving it around Oklahoma City

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  Most Disappointing Vehicle I have owned - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Rob - February 6 - 6:47 pm

  Requires the most maintenance of any vehicle I have owned. Timing chain tensioner (twice), emission control pump, ball joints (all), intake manifold gaskets, transmission valve assembly, O2 sensors (twice), required new transmission at 94K, the list goes on ... Some of these were covered under warranty. FORD so far has been unwilling to back the transmission. I had the vehicle into a FORD dealer at least 5 times between 30k and 75K (when the extended warranty ran out) and every time I was told that it was OK. Transmission failed at 94K. Pretty poor for a vehicle that is used as a daily driver and only hauled a small aluminum boat on a handful of occasions. Will NEVER buy another FORD.

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  This Vehicle Stinks - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By kc - February 6 - 5:10 am

  When I purchased this Ford Escape I was excited and went out on my ranch and got stuck in 3" of snow on a dirt road. That isnt the only time I got stuck in snow either; 2 more times in parking lots. First time up skiing and the second at a mall where a Cadillac pulled me out of my parking spot. The arm rest on the door of the drivers side is made of plastic; after driving a few days my elbow hurt and I could not figure out why. Then I realized that it was because of this arm rest.