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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  Ford Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By kleinjo - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Persistant engine/electrical problems, however I wasnt disappointed witht the performance capabilities of the V-6.

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  Wouldnt buy another Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By dmlj - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I also have a 1996. It is a much better vehicle than the 2001. The 2001 has been in the shop at least 6 times since October. Stalling problem, engine knock, brakes, and overheating. Only 40,000 miles on it - time to get rid of it. Will try foriegn next time!

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  Fords Confusion - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By SLM98 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van from a family friend who sells cars. Little did I know it would cost me $3000 a year in repairs to keep it going. I foolishly bought it because it looked good and I thought Ford meant quality. It seems 50,000 miles is about as long as atransmission will last. My coworkers soon informed me of numerous expensive problems they had, head gaskets blown, steering racks going, springs breaking, air conditioning controls breaking, etc....etc. And Ford standing there saying we stand behind our product. Aw shucks cant help its past warrenty. Stay away even if its a freebie.

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  worst transmissions - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jdk01 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  the transmission in this vehicle is the worst i have ever seen. It has been replaced twice and it still shimmers when shifting. beware!

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  my tempo sucks - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Pudge - April 14 - 2:00 am

  THe first thing ford should have done is put a 4-speed automatic in the car. The car sucks on the highway and it sucks for passing people. Interior is ugly and uncomfortable. extierior is a cheap ripp off of the mustang (front end) Not the best car in my book.

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  No More FORDS for me! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DeltaPDave - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 3 Fords in 10 years and each vehicle was worse, culminating in the Windstar. Car "chimes" for no reason due to an electrical "gremlin". It also stranded my wife at work refusing to start. Dealer shrugged his shoulders. Transmission #2 at 20,000 miles and the thing still lurches and groans. The front bumper began to deteriorate as a crack developed and began spreading. Dealer says I hit something, but vehicle has NEVER come in contact with anything. Rear bumper has crack too. (I must have backed into a water buffalo without noticing!) The dealer has been worthless only surpassed by Ford Regional Management.

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  if you are in for the long-haul... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By freelisa - April 6 - 10:00 am

  If you are in for the long-haul, dont waste your money. It is ridiculous how often Ive had to put my Focus in the shop. Ive had about 9 recalls so far, and a lot of other repairs including a transmission leak twice, faulty rear seat, and a blocked ignition, to name a few. I love the size of the car, and the functionality of the hatchback, but that is not enough to make a consumer happy. A car needs to be reliable. This one is not. I cant wait to get rid of it.

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  2012 Ford Focus - Tech Saavy Buyers Beware !!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By spbio - April 5 - 2:11 pm

  If you want to buy a new car that breaks after 30 days and cannot be fixed by Ford, the 2012 Ford Focus SEL is the car for you. I bought my 2012 Ford Focus on May 27, the BRAKES, Antilock Brake System, Traction Control, Uphill Assist and other Safety systems Failed before the end of June. The car has been at the dealership for repairs for >45 days and Ford does not know how to fix it . Attempts to resolve the problems at the Milham, PA dealership, service department and thru Ford Customer Care were futile. Ford markets this car to young tech saavy first time new car buyers, then treats them poorly. Do not be fooled or you will have a Bad Case of Buyers Remorse.

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  FORD TAURUS (PIECE OF JUNK) - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By boogs11233 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  MY 1997 FORD TAURUS IS A PIECE OF JUNK. I NOW HAVE 60000 MILES AND I NEED A NEW TRANNY. I ALSO KNOW TWO OTHER PEOPLE, WHO OWN TAURUSES WITH COMPARABLE MILEAGE, THAT NEED NEW TRANSMISSIONS. I WILL NEVER AGAIN GET ANOTHER FORD. "GOOD RIDDENS"

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  This is the last Ford I will buy! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Brian Teflen - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this as a relatively new vehicle with only 46,000 miles on it thinking I would be free from repairs. Was I mistaken! We have replaced the transmission and engine, and continue to have transmission problems $6,000 later. We love the size and the comfort, but cannot afford the repairs. We have never been able to relax with this vehicle as it seems there is always a new noise, rattle, or shake.