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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  How can Ford keep selling this junk? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Bummed customer - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I thought maybe I was the exception and just had made a horrible mistake. After reading these reviews I realize I am in solid (and unfortunately miserable) company. It is hard to conceive of how Ford can keep selling this garbage with a straight face. When I talked to the "service supervisor" about how shocked I was that the tranny died at 50K miles, he nodded and said "yep, that really shouldnt happen." Then I had to be the jerk attorney I can be and threaten them with all kinds of bad stuff just to get a new tranny for $800. Never again. Buy foreign, you wont be sorry.

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  THIS VAN IS TERRIBLE - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By grayva - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second rating...again, this van has cost me nearly $1,500 in the past six months and I have another 21 months to pay on this piece of junk. I spent over $500 on replacing some sensor that went bad and caused van to stall. Now check engine light is on and Im told some carbon buildup, leaking gasket allowing air and leaking manifold are causing the problem. Cost, a whopping $995 to fix. This is my first and last FORD! What junk!

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  driver seat - 2016 Ford Edge
  By FARMER TIM - February 22 - 11:06 am

  I am 5 .7 and 200 pounds and I HATE the drivers seat never buy a ford again ps this was my 4 ford

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  94 Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By F - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used at two years old with 30,000 miles. Drove very well with no problems for 3 years, then all hell seemed to break out with numerous problems. Auto was very well maintained with all required maintenance. At 6 yrs old, driver electric seat shorted out and caught fire. At 5 yrs old, driver seat seatback metal handle broke off leaving seatback stuck in remaining position forever (found corrosion/rust on the metal joint). Overall, have been treated very poorly by Ford service depts.

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  A Total Shock - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Kyle T. - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After coming from a Ford Stockholder Family, which has owned 6 Fords in my lifetime, I sure was surprised with the results from my Ranger. This truck doesnt hold the ground well (slides all over the place), I havent had it for 50K miles and the brakes have been repaired, the radio volume doesnt work correctly anymore, a blub behind the dash has burnt out, 3 sensors had died, The parking brake got stuck, and it occassionally stalls in the rain (yet Ford says it doesnt). Lets just say, Im never buying another Ford, and my parents have sold their/my Ford Stock!

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  Many problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By kfeels - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Transmission broke down at 42,000 miles. Had to take to various dealers until finally the dealer we bought it from agreed to pay for half the repair cost for a new transmission. Very disappointed with the attitude I received from some dealers. I was told that the reason the transmission broke was that the fluid was not changed at 30,000. I find that hard to believe since other Escape owners also were having transmission problems. We are shopping for a safer car and will not consider a Ford.

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  It Sucks - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By pilotgirl21 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Problems, problems, problems...had the transmission replaced right when the car was purchased used around 60,000 miles and same problem has come up again at 123,000 miles. Tie rods have been replaced many many times. Engine races in idle. Wont start when its cold outside. Takes 3 or 4 times to start the car on a regular day. Dont purchace!!!

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  Not for me. - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Eurotuner - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I actually had an 88, but I figured 2 years wouldnt be that much of a difference. Mine was a 5 speed, and it was very difficult to drive. If you want this truck definitely get an automatic. I had the 2.3 liter engine, I would suggest the V6. The truck was pretty tough. But there were so many problems all over the truck, that I put more than it was worth to get fixed. I really wouldnt suggest the truck unless youre just going to use it every once in a while.

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  Get a wagon instead - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ShrinerMonkey - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Like many others, I fell for the SUV craze and regretted it. Sloppy handling, bouncy ride, noisy, gas guzzler, weak brakes, outdated styling, cumbersome 4WD system that never worked. Reliability was terrible and was the reason I got rid of it, everything was always breaking on this piece of junk. I got a VW Passat wagon to replace it and never looked back.

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  truck sucks - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By wolfie47 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  i bought this vehicle with 12000 miles, needed new engine after 19000 miles, have 37000 currently and it already needs a new engine, i use mobile one full sythetic oil with wix filter, and run fuel cleaner every 4000 miles, and the engine is already breaking down. The tranny is also slipping while driving.