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.... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jagarundi - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a SUV. The ride is hard, the electronics are unpredictable and the gas mileage is something like 10 mpg highway AND city. Theres always some kind of moaning, groaning, scrapping or rubbing sound going on as you roll down the street.The Ford mechanics are clueless when it comes to repairing this thing so they have taken to lying about repairing items that they have not.

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  Biggest mistake of my life! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By im done - November 30 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car for $5,000 a few years ago and since then have put close to $6,000 into it in repairs alone, not to mention regular maintenance. 3 months after i bought it, the water pump, AC compressor, serpentine and timing belts went out (along with a host of other things) and a few months after that, it happened again. I have not gone more than 3 months without this car costing me at least $400 in repairs. Most recently, the entire central computer needed to be replaced along with the 3rd water pump and all new belts (for the 3rd time) to the tune of nearly $1000.

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  Expensive Mistake - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By 3 Dog Night - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has had one problem after another since within 30 days of my purchase! I am currently looking for a new vehicle and the top priorities will be reliability and customer service. I am so digusted with the Windstars reliability, that I will NEVER buy another Ford!

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  Buy a tow truck - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By mechanix - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with 50k,got a "great"deal: at 52k replaced head gasket ,under extended warranty,at 62k replaced transmission,also under extended warranty. This vechicle takes more vacations than I do. 84k,Just got it out of the dealership for leaking trans,new tie rods,and motor mounts (Fixed), short in air bag circuit(on going problem).Hello Honda, GOODBYE Ford

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  VERY Disappointed - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Dave Bello - November 28 - 1:12 am

  I only wish i could write a rave review like most of the other folks. I have always been told Ford makes the best trucks. This is my first Ford truck. Granted, its a 2002 and I bought it in 2012, but its been a money pit. I was unaware of the "blowing plugs" issue with certain years. Well, i have that year, I guess, and twice plugs have popped. according to complaints, Ford refuses to acknowledge and fix the problem. Now, I have to spend $250. and get new plugs every 30,000. miles. This truck has hurt me, financially. The plugs, heater core, motor for power windows, the shifter has a lot of play and is difficult to get in gear sometimes. I was told i could no longer be tightened and needed a new mechanism in the steering column, $500. The motor for the 4x4 just went, 1/2 of the interior dash lights have burnt out, and the heater blower motor is really noisy and ready to be replaced. add this to the regular stuff, and im tapped. many things i expect, but worrying about spark plugs malfunctioning, and getting hit with not-so-common problems is put a sour taste in my mouth about Fords. Not sure id buy another Ford truck

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  Windstar a Bust - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By michaeljtee - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle to give family of five (3 children) more room and comfort when travelling. Safety was important to me and this has proved to be a safe sturdy vehicle. Ask the deer that ran in front of the van last week! Minimum damage to van. However, at 16,000 miles transmission had to be replaced. Received 24 month/24,000 on new transmission. Well, 30,000 miles later (46,000 total) tranny # 2 is leaking and slipping. 25K..Never again!

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  Worst Car I EVER OWNED!!! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Better Not Buy - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Only 67,000 miles and know a broken head gasket, freze plug corroded, broken hood release, squeeking steering column (sounds like a bulldozer) If you see a FORD-RUN. FOUND ON ROAD DEAD!!!

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  stay away - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By nomorefords-25 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought from local ford dealer with 30,000 miles on the odometer. He gave us Fords bmpr to bmpr warranty for 4yrs or 48,000 miles at cost...why? I now know-at 40,000 miles the tie rods went, at 50,000 miles the transmission went. Since new rear speakers work at their leasure and buy bulbs for the rear lights by the case, you will save $$ in the long run, they go every 3 months. Our van is loaded with 4drs, rear heat/ac, 10 disc changer,alloys,abs,etc- the van has depreciated $8,000+ in the last 14 months-there is a reason. Not worth the $$, there are better alternatives- find them.

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  JUNK - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RICH LUNDELL - November 17 - 2:00 am

  FOR MOST OF MY LIFE I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND WHY I LET MY SON TALK ME INTO THIS PIECE OF JUNK IS BEYOND ME.THE TRANSMISSION WENT AFTER 5 MONTHS@60,000 MILES. I GUESS THEY DIDNT MENTION IT WAS A 2400$$ EXTRA

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  F.O.R.D.= Found on the Road Dead - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Brain - November 16 - 2:00 am

  At 40,000 miles, the engine had to be replaced as a result of a gasket. The gasket was fixed after the recall, however the engine broke down 2000 miles afterwards and Ford would said it want related. Good thing we had the dealership warrantee. I have had the brakes fixed at least 4 times at $600 a pop. I went through 2 sets of tires before having the toe on the rear wheels adjusted. One can get a workout closing the side doors. The heat comes on when it feels like it. The entire car vibrates above 30 mph. The bottom line is this is my second ford and my last!