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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  never again!!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By statchick - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the styling a year and a half ago too bad it has never run right. Replaced the brakes at 25,000, needed new tires just to keep on the road without sliding off. Transmission needs replacing at 50,000. I am dumping this one asap and never buying Ford again.

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  Reliability? - 2018 Ford F-150
  By Dean Z - October 5 - 1:12 pm

  As others have noted, Edmonds choices for my truck don’t exist. I have the 3.5 turbo with the short bed. Had the truck three weeks and then the “wonderful” 10 speed transmission wouldn’t shift. Trucks been in the shop for over a week and still not back to me. Not even a month with my truck and here we go. Supposedly a sensor, but its taken over a week to get it fixed? Horrible. All the looks and hype of the technology is meaningless if it doesn’t run. Wish a new model Tundra was an option....

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  Dont buy Windstars - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Run away - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new in 1999, and thats where the trouble started. It didnt have all of the options we were led to believe (rear audio plate was on the car but there was no rear audio). Electrical glitches very early on. As soon as the warranty ran out, the steering rack needed replaced, radio which was never that good broke, and numerous electrical glitches. Air bag light spent more time on than off after fixing twice, just gave up. Torque converter went at 85000 miles and fixed. Transmission finally went at 95000 miles and the brake light started coming on and I am calling it quits. These are just the major problems. I am now donating this car to charity and I feel guilty.

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  Bitten by the Snake - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By tallicadrone - October 3 - 2:00 am

  My 03 convertible has justified the term Fix Or Repair Daily. Without warning, the car will turn-off as I am driving. Mind you, its in gear at the time. Of course, the steering wheel locks and I loose power-assist braking. Lets just say "VERY SCARY". Its already had the alternator replaced at my local dealership and continues to do the same. They obviously dont know how to fix it, but its going back in tomorrow for the 3rd time. Linear acceleration is great, but dont even get me started on the tranny/clutch. My service advisors say that they are aware of the "chatter" that emanates from the tranny/clutch, but can only say its "supposed to do

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  Good, but.... - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By JSBNews - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good vehicle, considering it was an emergency purchase, but I wouldnt buy one again. Its all over the road, and has some funny quirks even my mechanic cant figure out. Great for hauling people and stuff, but not very fun to drive.

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  Not for big men - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By ShelbyJock - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Short version of the story. Im 65" and wear a 14EEE shoe. This is a fleet car, so little choice as to options. When driving, my right shoe is under the brake pedal. If I have to stop in a panic, top of said foot hits a duct, and I end up with my foot trapped between throttle and bottom of brake. Solution? Drive barefoot. Vehicle is almost identical to the Windstar. Less power, more quiet. Handles about like expected - like a brick suspended on rubber bands. A/C seems adequate, though only just. Stereo is fair. Fuel economy is a bit better than the Windstar, but really gets about 19 highway and a bit less in normal use (about 17).

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Poor Quality - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have two New Ford SuvÂ’s both with stall issues. Engine shakes a little ruff at times. No more Ford vehicles for me. I do not recommend. Ford should seek help from Honda or Toyota.

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  Dont rollover - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By matt0700 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  While we have had no major problems with our Explorer, I am too concerned about the rollover issue and will not replace this vehicle with another Explorer.

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  severe windshield glare - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jason scaffidi - September 22 - 7:03 pm

  Very dangerous windshield glare. The entire dashboard is reflected onto the windshield. I hate driving it. Ford says its normal...absolutely no customer support from Ford. This is my 2nd Explorer and last one that I will buy. I do not feel safe driving this car because I am fixated on the glare. VERY VERY POOR DESIGN.

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  Junk - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Quality is job 1 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned and I have had a lot of $25 cars in my younger years.This is the worst,I paid $8995 for it 3 1/2 yrs ago and the car is the gift that just keeps on taking. Appx cost of ownership per year is about $5,000 in repairs not counting the car payments. My wife says she is very happy we got this car due to the fact that it forced her to go back to work. (She was missing the workplace alot!) So thank you Ford for Making Quality Job One!