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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  1995 Ford Contour GL - 1995 Ford Contour
  By JRBNH - July 1 - 2:00 am

  We inherited this car from a family member over 3 years ago, which we use as a daily driver. 4 cylinder GL with automatic, 92k miles. Its just one problem after another, too many to list here. Im a firm believer in maintenance by the book, so Ive taken good care of this car. Sadly, its an exercise in futility. Lots of design flaws, inside and out that irritate on a daily basis. Subpar power and fuel economy. For a domestic car, its actually a nice compromise between ride and handling. For any trip, we use our 1991 Acura w/ 260k miles because we know that itll get us there and back without a reapir bill.

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  Last time explorer buyer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By bama - June 30 - 2:00 am

  It has been in for maintenance on the horn 7 times.

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  never again!!!! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By corey469 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  After having this car for only about 3000 miles (41000 when purchased) the cv joints went. Then it was recalled for not having the shock covers on the front. Then the air blowers went, all the air came out the defroster!! 5000 more miles, the serpintine belt went along with the spark plugs. Now my car always says its cold. Broken Sensor. The air always smells like anti-freeze when i drive!! When i put the a/c on, i lose about 30 hp!!! The car is slow, unreliable, uncomfortable, and too much to maintain!!!

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  Can ford do anything right??? - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By fordhater - June 26 - 2:00 am

  since new had to go back in the shop in 3 months for various repairs..since then all down hill...rpm needle jumps up to 2 at idle and they fixed it but it still does it when i stop the brake pedal will vibrate and the car will too oh but the reverse sensing sys. fails to work everytime its dirty..but now i would like to sell it and it only has 16000 miles on it and it cost me 42000 and its only worth 24000, thanks alot i really got my bang for my buck...ford look at toyota and honda, and nissan about car values for crying out loud

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  Dont buy it just for safety - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By windstarsucks - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I know this vehicle is safe and powerful, but it has nothing else to offer but trouble. My wife has to make just about 1 trip per month to the dealer. Also, all that we could get for the van was $15,000 after a year although it is nicely loaded. However, we bought a new Dodge GC eX and it is perfect. No problems, and it comes with more neat features than any other van. I know everybody likes the Honda, but it is just a waste of money for a less featured boring Japanese van. Also, its reviews dont seem to be impressive as compared to the Dodges. Always stick with either the original maker or best- seller (Dodge is both in this case.)

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  No More Ford Vans for Me! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By AntiFord - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This car had no pick-up! Suspension was horrible. It ate oil. It had to be brought in for servicing several times because of recalls.

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  PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By NMNORRIS - June 23 - 2:00 am

  We have had it!!!! Problem after problem with this van and happy to say finished with it. Braking problems, air bag problems, exterior noise from the road is terrible, not a smooth ride and packaged with recall problem that never seems to get repaired despite several dealer attempts. If your considering this van DONT.

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  How can you love it when it’s in the shop - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Don - June 21 - 2:40 am

  Fords abiility to diagnose issues is suspect at best. During the summer of 2016, Ford replaced the points on clynder # 7. Then replaced the short block then sent out and had the heads rebuilt. In the spring of 2017 a shutter in the transmission developed. Ford reset the learning process but the shutter never went away. In the fall ford indicated that they thought the torque converter was bad,but they could not get one. As such they replaced the entire transmission. Now after three resets of the learning process the transmission continues to clunk going in and out of first gear. Ford at this point doesn’t know what to do? My truck has been in the shop for over 40 days to date with no resolution in site. Thank god I bought the extended warranty!

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  95 Ford Windstar -- Not Recommended - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kh550 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many problems which include: Transmission problems, Head Gasket Replacement and continual Oxygen Sensor replacements ever since the Head Gaskets were replaced, Electrical Problems including windshield washer fluid not working, lights staying on and the related door ajar sounds it likes to make, etc... It has had brake problems and a surging engine problem. The sliding door fell off when it was opened all the way. Of course when it fell of it scratched the paint on the back quarter of the van. The most reliable component has been the check engine light which usually came back on within a week of having it out of my local Ford garage.

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  Oh, Man! I dont need this. - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By oh, JOY! - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Up to 60,000 ran fine. (Got it at @30,000) Then: Brakes replaced. Brake light faulty. Traction engages inconsistently. Sides like paper - a rub is a $1000 dent. Engine light on and off, computer cant dx, head gaskets "might" leak - symptoms inconsistent. stuck with it for 6 more mos. Id have given away from week 1 of driving it. Dont go there.