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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  disappointment - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ukleinschmidt - July 3 - 2:00 am

  being German and just moved to the U.S., I bought the Explorer in 2000 to get the American feeling of a SUV. Exploring the vehicles behavior in the first year was interrupted by a 6 week break the service shop needed to replace the broken transmission. Riding the SUV felt like a bounce mobil, it is too stiff, the fuel economy is not the best and spped only in straight lanes, curves seem to destabilize the drinving behavior.

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  Even Ford cant figure out whats wrong - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By xFordMan - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light came on, fixed sensor for $150 at Ford dealer. Came on again in a week, had to pay for another diagnosis, but pointed again to sensor which was just repaced...dealer perplexed as to what could be worng said "its fine those lights always come on". Next ABS light and the red brake light came on together which according to the usre manual sidnals a fault in the ABS system...deal diagnosed again but could not figure out why those lights came on. This is a vehical with what could be nice features but it is not built to last. WE still owe $3600 on this beast and was hoping to have a few years w/o paymnets...I learned my lesson next time a Toyota.

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  Buyer Beware!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Never Ford Again - June 26 - 2:00 am

  The first problem we had was at 2500 miles. The car overheated and air conditioning went out. From that point on anytime we were driving for more than 30 minutes the car would act as if it was overheating. The dealership couldnt fix nor could for. At 28000 miles Ford finally bought the car back from us a full value. This car has major potential electrical problems. Buyer Beware!!!!

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  Looks nice but doesnt work nice - 1992 Ford Probe
  By TDH - June 25 - 2:00 am

  After only owning my 92 Probe for one year, Ive had to fix or replace front brakes, tie rods, struts, strut plates, air conditioning fan, $2 headlight relay (after $100 of diagnostics), e- brake cable, CV axles, not to mention a transmission flush. Ford no longer makes any Probe parts, the Probe was shelved around 96, so all parts either have to be special ordered or from a junkyard. This was a problem because when my trailer arm was snapped (friends fault), I had to find my own replacement, and the best one I could find threw me out of alignment. AVOID THIS CAR! UNRELIABLE! I also suggest avoiding older models, as they are plagued with the same problems.

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  Never will own a ford again - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Miserable w/ a Ford - June 18 - 2:00 am

  New Transmission at 50,000 miles--ford dealership was less then accomodating; sensor went bad that caused the van to constantly stall ; electrical problems with wire harness in drivers side door causes electric windows and door locks to malfunction; failed emissions test in Oct. 2002--must spend a minimum of $400 to fix; brake light stuck on when brakes depressessed had to replace brake light switch. I had an Expedition before this that was also full of problems. .

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  Never Again - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By AFZ - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This was 2nd Windstar - traded 1st one because of electrical problems. Nothings changed - dealer nor corporate engineers can fix. The way they get around the lemon law is to say its always a different part. I have already got rid of my Ford Explorer and will do same with Windstar and will NEVER buy Ford again. Ford is also a customer of my manufacturing plant – they are the slowest payers and every year they dictate a lower price for products than they agreed to in writing. Lawsuit against Ford? They have more $ and put more manufacturers out of business than all other car companies. I don’t even care if I loose them as a customer.

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  good but bad - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By ite - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Power steering keeps on leaking. a $500 to 600 repair every time. All body hardware has a clanky and cheap filling.

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  quality is not job one - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By RoyAllen - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Things started trim items started falling off after a month,the car squeeks all the time from the springs,door cjecks keep loostening up.Cant wait for the doors to fall off,whats next.Oh and by the way the linkage got so loose,that I cant go from drive into park,without stopping at reverse.

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  Big disapointment - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Phil o - May 31 - 2:00 am

  After owning an Explorer for 10 yrs and loving it,I thought it was time to "move up" to an Expedition. Big mistake.The interior ceiling came loose,power window on drivers side went out,rubbing noise from left side of vehicle when making sharp turns,rough engine idle that Ford cant seem to fix,"buzzing" noise from stereo that the technitions at the dealership say is normal.This truck was definatly put together on a Friday afternoon.

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  Not Happy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By clarkdnr - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Initially it seems as though you get a lot for the money with the Ford Focus. Once you really spend time with the car, however you learn that you have been ripped off. Mine is in the shop for the 4th time in one year. Currently it is having a trunk latch repaired, theres been a recall on bearings and they have to completely rebuild my transmission. Everytime service has been a nightmare (rude, unknowledgeable, difficault to get a rental). Watch paint job on delivery. The interior, though well designed is made of low grade materials. Im going back to Toyota!