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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  The worst piece of metal ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By EdCosta - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I got this vehicle brand new in July 1995. This is the WORST piece of metal mankind put together since the bronze age !!! With 70,000 miles the steering wheel has been replaced 3 times, the engine once, the transmission twice, 3 sets of tires, several ENGINE CHECK light problems, ABS light problems, air conditioning spraying gas in the drivers face, etc. etc. etc... I will never even be a passenger of another FORD during my lifetime. Thanks God I just got a new 2004 Sienna. GOOD BYE FORD !

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  This mini van is a lemon - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By denise gibson - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van in June 2003 and it has been in the shop 3 times now and at 800 it had to have a new motor put in it. And we just keep having problems with it. Popping noises in the rear and shortages in the passenager side. I would not recommend this van to anyone and this is the 8 Ford vehicle that we have owned.

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  Disapointed - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By henry_thoreau25 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  All the platic parts break. Engine compartment is very noisy -- fan belt, air conditioner, power stearing. Passenger seat reclining mechanism broke. Shifter knob came off, never to stay on again. Sometimes the window washer works, sometimes it wont. Door sensors have false readings often.

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  2000 Black Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By HotGirl - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mustang in July 2000, at first I liked it, but then as I began to drive it I realized alot of wind noise comes through the car. When it rains, pinging on the hood. A couple of months after having the car, there was a rear seal leak, it was leaking transmission fluid causing an awful smell while the A.C. was on, the delaership had the car for a week, stuck with awful rental car, which I had to throw a fit to actually get a rental car. My black paint has looked awful since a few months after buying, it does not have the sheen other cars I have had, not matter how much it is cleaned, waxed, etc. I am currently looking to trade my car in, and it will not be a FORD.

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  In addition to my other review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CN - July 30 - 1:06 am

  I just walked outside last night to find my back hatch cracked in half by the Ford symbol. This is apparently an often occurrence with this model, but Ford will not pay to fix it even though I have the Premium Care Plan. Im on my fourth transmission now (at 56,000 miles) and I forgot to add that the six CD changer broke right after I bought this SUV brand new. Its a pretty, comfortable, fun, lemon of an SUV. Hope others have had better luck because I will never buy a Ford SUV again.

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  FORD, Fix Or Repair Daily - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By theaxeman - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Nothing special,not worth the high price.the drivers window was repaired and now works. but the mirror hasnt worked properly since day 1. The cd player quit about a month ago. brakes "grabby" when it rains. the rear sliding window has been leaking since the first time it was opened. Its a lease and Im really glad to be giving it back. Ill even (reluctantly) pay the 400.00 for the 1/4" dent on the bumper. this was my 3rd new ford but each one was a little worse than the one before. The dealer service is NOT terrible its just not really great.Although Im not wealthy I CAN afford to NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD.

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  Focus on your lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By casie - July 26 - 2:00 am

  8 recalls speak for themselves. Plus new tires every 38,000 miles. Car only gets 20 miles per gallon. With its size thats terrible. I am expecting 2 more recalls.

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  Crappy Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jane P. Doe - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had several recalls on this car, It continues to fall apart on me so I am trading it in for a VW. When im using the AC it leaks on the inside of the car! I had that fixed 8 times and it is still not fixed! I have also had key problems!

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  Been had by Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Been had by Ford - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission, Head and Engine Gasket failure and very expensive

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  What a mistake I made. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By batrol - July 21 - 10:00 am

  No power, engine makes lots of noise, however. Gas mileage is awful considering lack of power.