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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  Problems with Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By RJ - March 31 - 6:59 pm

  I purchased this car from my folks with just over 50k miles. Before I drove it home I had oil/filter service, tranny filter/oil changed and coolant flushed. In Medford OR as I started to move after a red light the tranny would not work. The tech told me a frequent problem beteen 50/60k. cost $2k. Then the A/C compressor quit, the cruise control works sometimes. Some minor oil and coolant leaks and back up light fussing. This car has been well maintained since being purchased new. I have never had this many problems with a car, half GM products and half Ford.

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  Stinks to be me - 2000 Ford Focus
  By notafocusfan - March 28 - 8:47 pm

  I have driven my car since I bought it because I was a single parent and could get free labor to fix it and could not afford to buy a new car. This car is really bad. It is great because it still runs but it had to have 2 ignition switches, countless brakes, rotors and tires every 20,000 miles. We have lifetime brakes now and it is eating them too. It had to have a new motor at only 90,000 miles in 2005. It dropped a valve seat. New oxygen sensors twice. It now shakes and rattles the dash sounds horrible.

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  Two lemons to make sour lemonade - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Gary - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  The Windstar SEL was well equipped and it offered some means of comfort and style. The exterior looks very appealing, stylish and a real head turn kind of vehicle. Truly an amazing color and great color coordination plum and gray in color. Adequate power for a minivan and very responsive. But the transmission stinks! I went through two Windstars, both gave me transmission problems. The first Windstar was an SE version and it was rather roomy, as a matter of fact the 1995 SE was roomier than the 2000 SEL though it was an army green and gray I got used to it. The 95 SE was a joke as far as handling and power. Since the Windstar had such a great safety rating I bough another big mistake.

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  A Few Problems - 2001 Ford Focus
  By pbb - March 27 - 6:06 am

  I did my research and felt I was getting a great car. Been in the shop about seven times since new for various problems - numerous rumbles, rattles and squeaks from front and rear, hesitation/stalling at 35-50 mph, broken rear seat, peeling tint, poor mileage, ... These defects have yet to be completely corrected - defective car or incompetent technicians? I wanted to like this car. My last of many Fords.

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  Rust bucket - 1994 Ford F-150
  By njphoto1 - March 26 - 9:57 pm

  Bought it new and love it except that it is falling apart around me. The frame and under carriage is almost gone. I wish they used better steel.

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  Im trading it in for a Honda/Acura - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By nothappy - March 25 - 12:58 pm

  Ive owned this for less than two years and Im negotiating a trade-in for an Acura MDX. This car is a great idea, but poorly designed/engineered. Some of my issues include: Seatbelts that constantly tangle (Ive had it into the dealer numerous times), rear brakes that were worn out at 20k miles (dealers were notified about issues, but NOT consumers!), various electrical issues, and a dealer/manufacturer that doesnt stand behind their products. Im tired of the dealers telling me that "its a design issue that were aware of, but Ford is not doing anything about it." Rather than fix the problem, they charge me to repair it!

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  2003 Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By torqrench - March 24 - 10:30 am

  Bought our 03 SES used at 1 year old and 12,500 miles, wife wanted it. Its OK for basic transportation, does nothing exceptional, but does everything OK. I have never been a fan of Taurus seats and I think theyre uncomfortable. The interior layout is good, but the fit & finish of interior materials is average, at best. Mechanically, the only complaint is the HVAC blower motor went. Problem was a Ford design flaw that allowed water to run down into the motor. I called Ford, awful customer service rep. and despite Ford publishing a Tech Bulletin on this problem (TSB 04-15-3) and selling a "rainhat extension" for $20, they would not fix the problem as the car was 3 months past warranty.

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  Quality is job....what? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By txarmadillo - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Windstar used in Dec. 99 with 13000 miles on it and have loved it. I currently have 51300 miles on it with numerous problems. My check engine light came on so I took it to Honolulu Ford and spent $150 so they could tell me that my repairs will cost over $1100. The intake has to be fixed, one of my valve covers has to be replaced, 2 injectors are bad, spark plugs apparently need to be replaced, vacuum leaks, my right front wheel bearings are just about shot, and my tranny is acting funny. It has been in a few times for recalls. Other than that, the van has been good to us. I am so thankful I bought an extended warranty with my van.

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  Excellent until things start going wrong - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Bern - March 19 - 4:31 pm

  Was working fine (power, mileage) until motor started to stall (and die) in the middle of the freeway (not fun). Ford dealer has no clue. Had 4 recalls performed, including a fuel delivery module replacement, and none solved the problem. Had to rent a car for 1 week while Ford tried to find the problem. In the end I bought a Toyota. Ford Focus 2000 is NOT a reliable car.

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  OK if you are not demanding - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jonathan Devens - March 15 - 3:06 am

  2005 Escape - itll get ya there, but if you are a "car" person, or have high standards, stay clear. CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP - interior is awful! And the price, while reasonable, is not as cheap as it ought to be for what you get. Exterior looks great, some nice features, but terrible interior. Also, auto transmission performs terribly - hesitating after shifting w/ poor overall shifting. All other operations are fine. I should have looked at the vehicle closer - I never knew they could make a dashboard out of a slab of rock hard plastic. Now I know!