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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  This car has to many problems - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Casemann27 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has cost more to fix parts that are defective then a my old 85 truck. Very unreliable.

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  Hello Ford? No Answer. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By bigdriver222 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  With a new child we went looking for a safe and affordable minivan we could grow into. However 53,000 miles down the road I am ready to drop my Windstar like a bad habit. First problem was at 43,000 miles - a new transmission. Ford offered to help with 80% of the costs, still thats money you shouldnt have to shell out after 43,000 miles. Then 1,000 miles later the Rack and Pinion steering went out. $700 more dollars. Just yesterday the air intake system went. I would not buy a Ford again unless they offered a 10 year/100,000 bumper to bumper - on everything from light bulbs to engine block. Be afraid - be very afraid.

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  Ford Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By brenfin - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy another Ford Explorer. Plagued with numerous recalls from the beginning, this vehicle performed poorly. Comparing cost to value received, I did not get my moneys worth. I expected more from a $30,000 vehicle. Little things like malfunctioning windshield wipers, stereo/radio,sticky gas pedal, etc. are results of slipshod engineering.

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  Dont buy this car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By alviesfamily - May 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car hoping that it would be a reliable family car, and from the very beginning this car has given us nothing but problems. Every month something goes wrong. We have had to in two years replace just about every major part (minus the transmission) of the car. If you want a car that will run well and be reliable take your money somewhere else. Ford Tauruss are terrible cars. I will never buy a midsize ford again.

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  Please Take My Wagon - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By MO - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The curved rear doors are nice to look at on the outside, however dealing with children in car seats is a "head bumping" problem. The seat belts for rear seats jam constantly and we have to take the side panel off to fix this. Transmission is also starting to slip (a typical Ford) as I have been told. Power, even with the 6.0 is not enough to get you onto the highway quickly enough. All seats are hard and uncompfortable and the third seat is an oven - no A/C past the front row. Interior rattles are a norm.

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  BUY THE S-10!!!!! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By rangerhater - May 17 - 2:00 am

  i got this truck last year as a first vehicle. what a dissapointment. I bought the truck w/ 120000 km on it. 17000km later i hate it more than ever. The suspension on the left side is shot. the steering is loose and bulky. the engine...oh hell it wont run smooth until im 10 minutes into a drive. there is no fun factor other than the reardrive on a gravel road. this truck is way underpowered.hit a bump while accellerationg and it feels like the rear end is gonna blow up or drop out. If you need a small truck, get the S-10 w/ the 4.3L. I test drove a 94 SS and it could blow the doors off of any truck out there. i wish i hadnt taken the cheaper route

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  A Big Let Down - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By a big let down - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major problems!!!! I am the original owner of this truck. I have had numerous recalls!(Tires, Switches, etc...) Massive electrical problems. 4x4 problems. Numerous dealers could not figure what the problems were. Finally they said just replace the transfer case,(at my cost of course), and it was still never right. ABS problems. Again, dealers said it was corrected, and as soon as I leave the dealership, more ABS problems. This was the cause of my Wreck. Bottom line is BUYER BEWARE!!!! Ford Quality care in plain english SUX! Techs are uneducated in their product. They can never figure out what is wrong with it. I will NEVER own another ford again.

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  Never by Ford again! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By THARRY - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the van because of size and safety rating. It always has problems. The power doors work intermittently, the automatic headlights dont work, rattles. Best of all, I have to use premium to keep the pinging down.

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  Bad Experience - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Nelly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We had a head gasket blow soon after we purchased this vehicle used. Four years later weve just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the head gasket has blown again. In addition to this there are minor problems all over the vehicle - inaccurate open door warnings, interior lights that wont turn off, seat adjustment knobs that work only sporadically, pieces of interior that have easily broken. Constant maintenance needed on brakes and drums.

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  Bad Experience - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By nelly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We had a head gasket blow soon after we purchased this vehicle used. Four years later weve just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the head gasket has blown again. In addition to this there are minor problems all over the vehicle - inaccurate open door warnings, interior lights that wont turn off, seat adjustment knobs that work only sporadically, pieces of interior that have easily broken. Constant maintenance needed on brakes and drums.