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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  A good cheap car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By clay - December 13 - 1:10 pm

  I bought a 2005 Ford Focus SES with heated leather seats, and I must say they are impressive. The pickup is a little slow. But what do you expect from a Focus? But it gives a nice smooth ride and is pretty quiet for such a small cheap car. The six disc CD changer moves VERY slow when changing CDs. The car also, when you drive it for the first time, almost feels like your driving a minivan or something, because the car sits so high up (or it seems to feel that way). But once you get used to it, it feels fine.

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  Gets the job done - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Tuna - December 13 - 2:33 am

  Have had my Taurus for over a year now and no major problems yet. Ive beat the heck out of this car (taken it offroading, hit a good few curbs). Its slow and the acceleration is pretty mediocre at best and not to mention its one of the ugliest cars on the road. But it takes a lot to kill one of these things. All my power windows and locks still work - radio still works fine. Wipers are starting to short out and the one door wont open from the inside but thats about it. If youre very frugal and you need a car that will last then get a Taurus. If you want something good looking then buy anything else.

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  1995 Ford Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By glennwood - December 10 - 2:01 pm

  My Ranger has been a reliable vehicle. However, it is gutless. Barely gets out of its own way. A/C and heater work great. Never overheats. Dont feel safe in it going over 70 MPH. Does not track well.

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  The big box - 2008 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By William - December 2 - 1:33 pm

  I have owned many ford f350 trucks, and switched to a ford e350 van to be able to haul more people and keep my tools inside. All my trucks had problems and this van is no different. The trim was falling apart and making noise, the transmission overdrive went out, and now the fan motor has lost one of its four speeds. I bought it when gas was outrageous and saved a load of money, which I will use to put in some real seats, and have some of the ultra cheap interior plastic panels replaced. If you need a big hauler and lots of space then go for it. Past history has shown me after some very troubling problems, eventually everything gets fixed for free by ford and then you are good to go.

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  You better be ready for this... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Steve The Bluesman - November 28 - 12:37 pm

  Bought used 3 1/2 years ago with 68k. Had to repair brakes twice, coolant reservoir, heater core, wheel bearings...but the car has never stranded anyone. Know going in that this car has a lot of design defects that you need to be aware of. Brakes, transmission, coolant system (including heater), are all going to fail. I do like the car though. Comfortable and safe, and it has turned me into a mechanic.

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  Transmission problems -get Extended Coverage - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dissatisfied - November 27 - 8:37 pm

  My transmission suddenly went at 63,000 miles. I didnt purchase extended warranty coverage when I bought the vehicle. Big mistake. It cost me $1,900.00 to have the transmission rebuilt by the dealer and $300.00 to rent a car for the week as the dealer didnt have a loaner. The dealer found a cracked piston and thought it might possibly have been a bad casting. I got no help from Ford. I am also having trouble with my instruments. They tell me I will have to replace the whole dashboard to fix these. The vehicle was just paid off last year and now I have big repair expenses. I feel Ford should put more quality in important parts of this vehicle. I feel the Escape is overpriced.

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  Done With Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Towers - November 18 - 3:07 pm

  I needed a minivan because we were having twins. It was a great vehicle while the kids were infants. Easy to get babies into and out of the vehicle,and was roomy enough for everything. Too many problems were shared between me and another Windstar owner: both had idling problems in the morning both have a transmission that slips both have a stuck temp. control switch and both have a check engine light due to a vacuum leak. Its a safe vehicle that is great on road trips, but its time for a more reliable vehicle for me.

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  Major Repair After 41K - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By matt2007 - November 16 - 9:00 pm

  After 1 year, 9 months (41,200 miles) and two recall notices, my 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD had a transfer case break. The transfer case was back ordered for at least two weeks. In my opinion, a all wheel drive SUV should not have major repairs with just 41,000 miles. This is especially true because Ford has had a reputation of good and sturdy cars. I had been very please with the other 5 Ford Vehicles that I have owned (3 new, 2 used). I encourage anyone to consider very carefully my experience before they purchase a Ford.

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  Ford should recall Sport Tracs - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By last ford? - November 13 - 1:36 am

  Only complaint on the interior is the lumbar support on the drivers seat. Love the floor (no carpet), plenty of room, lots of adjustability. The exterior is great. Fuel mileage has been as expected (15 city, 19 highway). Good power. Rides like a truck, but it is a truck. Mechanically, Ford should issue a recall for brake problems. At 70,000 miles, its on its 4th set of brakes and 2nd set of rotors. Our Honda just had brakes for the 1st time at over 100,000 miles. We dont drive off-road, weve had no accidents, and we dont tow anything. We dont ride brakes, and we dont slam on them. This is clearly a Ford problem.

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  Not a happy camper - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Not A happy camper - November 12 - 6:54 am

  New transmission at 37,000 miles this was a nightmare since the new transmission still slips. New rack at 38,000. At 99,000 I am installing a newer used motor due to the loss of the original motor. I would drive this van off a cliff but cant find one high enough around here. I now have a new Toyota Tundra in the driveway.