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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  Exceptionally High Number of Failures - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Ryan - December 31 - 2:28 am

  If I had not purchased the Ford version ESP Extended Service Protection to 75,000 miles, I would have paid over $8,000 in repairs. Failures within this mileage: air conditioning, steering pump, ALL tie rods (inner and outer), ABS antilock brake module, mass air sensor, both power door lock modules, ALL upper and lower ball joints, heavy RUST on both front doors inside at the bottom, RUSTED spark plugs and coil #6 at 74,000 miles when Ford says replacement at 100,000 miles.

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  A Big Let Down - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mandi - December 31 - 2:00 am

  When we bought this car, it seemed to have so many great features for an affordable price. However, not two months into it and with a brand new baby riding in it, the mechanical flaws rared their ugly heads. It seemed atleast once a month their was a recall on something mechanically vital or something would just not work, for example the key wouldnt come out of the ignition one day. Turns out the ignition was faulty and recalled. A year later, the key wouldnt go into the ignition. Turns out that ignition had been recalled too. It was fun at first, but after a couple of thousand miles, it just really starts to suck.

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  Dont Buy, Lemon, Lemon Sitting In My Yard - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By christ - December 30 - 3:15 pm

  3 transmissions, 2 engines, only one covered by Ford, another new head gasket for second engine,$1,500 in brakes, broken sway bar, locks lock and unlock while driving, and now only drivers side lock works. I canÂ’t open the back hatch or the light stays on and canÂ’t turn it off and then the battery dies. Antilock brake sensors in front have had to be replaced. The dealer didnt stand behind this van. I called about the transmission and no heat 31 days after I purchased it. I bought it from a Dodge dealer with an extended warranty for an extra $1,800 and they sold me a Dodge warranty, which no one would honor except a lot over one hour away. Ford didnÂ’t stand behind this van, I made many attempts. I have put on 31,000 in four years, cause it never runs.

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  GOT A LEMON! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - December 29 - 1:53 pm

  Vehicle was in the shop for 42 days the first 18 months. Ford is buying back the vehicle and refunding ALL my money (thank god). Problems: Rear differentials (3), side mirrors, side vent windows, drivers seat, front differential, brakes. RESALE IS HORRIBLE!!! BEWARE!

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  The Nightmare before Caddie - 1992 Ford Escort
  By Cadillac Jack - December 27 - 12:25 pm

  I bought this car for about $2,000 at the time. In the first 3 months, the car was in the shop for a total of 2 whole months total. The tranny was the first to tank. This happened shortly after the sale, the dealer felt so bad, he replaced the transmission free of charge (would have been about $600). Shortly after that, the carburetor tanked ($150), then the ignition($210). Then the ignition again (warrantied). Then the axle shaft on the front driver side ($300). There were some other general repairs in there as well. Finally Id had enough after 1 year of constant repairs (and finding out that I needed new rear struts). I sold the car for $550.

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  So-so - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Andrew Greenhill - December 24 - 10:00 am

  In the very beginning of owning the Windstar,I was very happy. My only complaints were that the interior was less roomy and not as nice as the Caravan and the transmission seemed to shift "hard". Roughly at 5K the interior lights started intermittently flashing. I brought it in for warrantee work but they were never able to solve the problem. With only 2500 miles left on warrantee the transmission blew. The Windstar was in the dealship for over a week. Would I buy another Windstar? Probably not due to many of the problems Ive seen (including 4 recalls)plus the fact the gas mileage is quite poor.

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  Teenager (with little money) - 1999 Ford Escort
  By an escort? - December 23 - 2:02 pm

  My Escort does not run well. The exhaust manifold got a crack in it and it takes a whole block to get up to 25 mph. The battery has died at least 5 times, even though i bought a new one. I get regular oil changes and replace the air filter. All the repairs this car need cost over $400 per thing to be fixed. Also, the flywheel in my transmission is bent so it makes a loud clicking noise whenever I am not accelerating. if you want a reliable car get a Honda Accord or something similar.

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  My Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Terra - December 18 - 10:50 am

  You know now that I think about it the car is not all that great I hate it. This new type of Mustang is a mok of the old 1968 and 1969 mustang boss hoss and 302. After seeing what the old mustangs look like I think when the spring of 2005 ends Im returning it for a Dodge turbo Neon.

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  nice looking not dependable - 2002 Ford F-150
  By portzline - December 17 - 2:00 am

  had my truck in 3 times by 9000 miles for transmission and cluth problems and still hasnt been fixed right

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  Piece of junk! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By calfano - December 14 - 6:18 pm

  We bought this as a 1 year old car. Got extended warrenty through 7/04. Three weeks later transmission went at 68,000 miles. Is in shop as we speak for the A/C problem. Constant alignment issues. Front end replaced. Back windows dont work. My dealership did pay for half of the transmission, but I was still out $1,200. My husband and I will NEVER own, drive or even ride in another Ford again. I dont care what kind it is. I have spent more than this is even worth! Ford, wake up and smell the coffee. Renaming it a "Freestar" doesnt fool anyone. The car is a piece of junk!