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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  taurus problems - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Melvin - February 12 - 2:00 am

  stalls often cant find out what it is transmition problems advice do not buy for a first car for teenagers

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  CVT Transmission = Worthless - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dee - February 11 - 1:20 am

  Our family has owned many ford products but this one is a great disappointment. This car has been at a Ford dealership since June. The transmission went and Ford wants $5500 -$6500.00 to put in a new transmission that comes from China. Ford will not help in anyway. The looks beautiful but is not drivable. My daughter and I could have been killed on the turnpike because the car slipped into neutral when you tried to get above 50mph. Greatly disappointed with Ford.

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  My hunk of junk - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Flower - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have at least one recall a year on the breaks,and trans every 2 years. Every one in my family hates the car. (Except my 6 year old son because when ever we go over a inch hole in the groud at 20mph the back of the car goes flying up) This car is just an over sized shopping cart with a 6cyl.

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  Beware of the affordable price - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Hockey Dad - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Made the mistake of buying on price. I pride myself on my research before purchasing. This was an impulse purchase on price and need as a new parent of twins. As we fixed one problem the next would occur. Purchased at 53,000 and sold at 85,000. Never again. Notorius for head gasket problems, yet Ford does not acknowledge it. Further validates the foreign vs. American debate.

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  disappointed to say the least - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By anewman - February 3 - 2:00 am

  virtually every feature on the windstar that is supposed to make my life easier has broken down. we have had our new van in the shop about 10 times for recalls or repairs. very disappointed

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  Unreliable - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By brettt - February 2 - 2:00 am

  The interior and exterior are sharp and very functional. The accessories are acceptable and preform normally. The drive train and critical components are severly lacking reliability. I put 4 transmissions (3 under warranty), a replacment head gasket and a computer. These are common complaints about the 95/96 Windstar. New transmissions/engines are no better as there are design flaws. I didnt know you could buy the whole citrus tree.

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  stay away - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By FORD explains it all - January 31 - 2:00 am

  overall, this explorer has lasted me a year,so far, and its been in the shop three times already. hubs went bad, wheel seals went bad, new motor put in & its now needing another new motor and a tranny. these are for the money bags of the us because youll need it to keep it on the road. oh and dont take them on the interstate b/c the engine light comes on frequently! nowhere else!

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  LEMON - 1990 Ford Escort
  By alll - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Engine rebuilt at 50000km, tranny at 150000km, fuel pump twice, timing belt twice, ball joints and tie rods twice, numerous oil leaks, floor rusted right through

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  A mechanical nightmare! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By i hate this car - January 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a decent car to drive, especially for the money paid, but its a disaster on wheels. The engine revs itself at idle, and I cant start it without keeping my foot on the gas or it stalls. The brake pedal will only depress half-way (new pads and rotors turned 6 mo. ago). This car also jerks and shakes when in drive gear below speeds of 20 MPH, causing me to hit a car in front of me while I was parallel parking. I like Fords, but this car seems to be poorly designed (ie. cupholder, lack of rear legroom, locking gas cap wont open etc).

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  DON"T DO IT - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mikey1971 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this behemoth becuase at the time it was the rage.Now I wonder what drug I was using at that time.Gas milage is a term we do not use,and the interior has pieces falling apart constantly.Only 54,000 miles and already had in shop twice for intake gasket and fuel pump(V-10).Poor excuse for a large SUV.If you insist on Ford,than get the diesel engine.Otherwise get a Chevy or GMC like I did 2 months ago.By the way,dont be surprised if you get laughed at when you tell the dealer you thought it "was worth more than that" on trade.Be prepared to take a beating on trade in value!!I am trying to sell mine private, and have had 0 calls on it.I wonder why?!@#.