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:

• 

  Beware! Faulty Transmission! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Lisa Brannon - February 5 - 2:42 pm

  Ive learned my lesson: DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If I had researched the Ford Windstar more thoroughly, I would have known about its history of transmission system failure due to poor design. Ford could not be more apathetic. Ive read numerous tales of enraged consumers who have appealed to Ford only to have Ford Customer Service reps turn a deaf ear. My 99 Windstar is curently no more than a lawn ornament. I cant afford to put a THIRD transmission in it. (Yes, I did say the transmission has already been replaced once, at 43,000 miles. It just conked out at 74,000 miles.) DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!

• 

  Not Without an Extended Warranty! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Joyce K. - January 27 - 9:33 pm

  This has been the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Even with my low mileage it still has needed several major repairs. Thank goodness for the extended warranty! Never Ford Again!

• 

  Mini Van Make Over - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By JackSpranto - January 17 - 9:50 am

  I and my coworker test-drove this vehicles because our company tried to purchase 2 of them to replace our current Ford 250s. We are afraid that this vehicle may not handle in the winter season because the chassis is way too low than what we expected. The cargo space is too little after you install the cabins, is very hard to get in from side doors.

• 

  Every problem imaginable. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By J Brown - January 13 - 11:47 pm

  Ive had to put $1400 into this car since buying it 7 months ago. Thats almost more than its worth, but I kept putting more into it thinking each time that it would be the last repair necessary and that I didnt want to "lose" the money Id already invested to repair it previously. The suspension system broke and the spring attached to the front tire snapped in half as I was driving down the highway. I had to replace the whole suspension system. The transmission jerks, the electrical system is buggy, and Ive had more problems with this car than any other Ive ever owned.

• 

  Transmission is a problem - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Charles W - January 11 - 9:23 pm

  the car could be a great car, but the transmission makes this car a miserable driving experience. The dealership is waiting on parts from Ford to repair, but after 8 weeks of waiting they cannot give any update. Simply states that we and 70 other Focus owners are waiting on the same part.

• 

  Bye Bye Ford - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Former Ford Fan - January 11 - 3:46 pm

  Horrible experience from beginning to end. When we bought it, it was the nicest car wed ever owned. Absolutely babied it. Spedometer quit at 24,000 miles alternator at 40,000 steering at 80,000 EGR Valve at 85,000 thermostat at 90,000 EGR sensor at 90,000 and door ajar sensors are now acting up at 98,000. Selling ASAP. I will never buy a Fix Or Repair Daily again! (I was really proud of this vehicle & it is a total disappointment. 6 major repairs for a vehicle less than 100,000 miles is unforgivable, especially when it has been well maintained and garaged.

• 

  Work Van- Not very nice, I would hate it if I had paid for it! - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By dalebass3 - January 3 - 9:14 pm

  Wheel bearings went out at 50,000! All but one hubcap has come off. Power windows have stopped working. Driver side door does not unlock with the key fob. Fuel tank is tiny, I need to fill up every other day. Ride is so loud I cant even use the blue tooth. Overall this car has a lot of issues. It is free for me to drive so that makes up for it some, but if I had paid my own money for this I would be mad.

• 

  terrible quality - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mark - January 3 - 5:46 pm

  Bought this ‘99 Windstar new took it into the dealer at 1,500 miles for an oil change, and it came back with a new transmission (under warranty). Need I say more. Terrible quality. In most other ways, an average boxy minivan.

• 

  Dont buy Ford - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Ron King - January 2 - 7:32 pm

  15 visits to dealer for repair in 3 years. Transmission thud with 2-1 downshift, replaced rear end, still whines, bad seals and compressor in air conditioner, bad sparkplug coil, drivers seat problems. Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Traded for a Honda Pilot. Glad to be rid of it. Dont buy a Ford unless you want to get to know the service department personnel really well.

• 

  repair problems - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By woody - January 1 - 11:49 am

  The truck has to many expensive repair problems. Brakes $950.00, Cluch & slave cylinder $935.00, poor performance engine repair $600. note truck all 3 times was down for 2 to 3 days.