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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  Jack Nasser ruined Ford in only 10 years - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Compaq_Dude - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Van has had nothing but problems wince purchased. What a "pile"! Transmission is about to go, at 76K. Fought the door sensor thing like sooo many other "lucky" Windstar owners. Now ABS computer has died. $1300.00 to repair. After yelling at the dealer, they knocked 2/3rds off the cost. This tells me that they have that much markup to work with from the beginning. One month ago it was the steering rack,and fluids leaking, $1200.00. This thing is falling apart. I have driven Fords my entire life, but Jack Nasser made himself rich, and trashed the Ford name! I will NEVER buy a F-ound O-n R-oad D-ead again!!!!

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  Will never buy a Ford again! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By LFM - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but a burden to me. Everything seems to go wrong with it! I thought that this car would be different from other Fords, but man was I ever wrong! This has got to be one of the most unreliable cars I have ever owned. It may look nice on the outside, but if you decide to buy one, be prepared to spend lots of money on repairs! Just in my first year of ownership, I have spent over $2000 in repairs!! My next car is DEFINITELY going to be Japanese (or at least GM)

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  Dont be a sucker. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By kiddyvan - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Tested Windstar v. Gr Caravan. Windstar steering was sloppy pedals awkward steering wheel blocked panel, seats were uncomfortable. Tight around middle bench seat. Van small-approx 35 cu.ft. cargo space smaller than GC. Lots of neat gadgets - dont be sucked in by bells & whistles. Interior gadgets seem cheap. GC is the way to go. Smooth as can be! VERY comfortable. Superior design & handling. Dodge has it hands down! If youre making a purchase drive the Windstar first, then go get a GC!

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  95 contour GL V6 - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Wong - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this for 6 mo and I dun find any fun on owning this car. It had many problems car. I had used 1600 to fix all the problems, tire rods, brakes, radiator, water pump, and electrical wires on this car. I wont recommand this car to any friends of mine.

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  look at the facts - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Rick Casorio - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Rust on the inside bottoms of the doors. (common problem) Fuel ecomony averaged 14.9.(common problem) Fuel gauge was always inaccurate. Trans had to be rebuilt at 8000 miles due to a blown gasket inside trans.(common problem) Fog lamps replaced 9 times due to moisture build-up inside lens.(common problem) 3 recalls in 1 year. Driver rear door needed re-adjusted because striker wasnt alined. Squealing from front drive wheels.(common problem) Needless to say after a year and a 1/2 of ownership I just sold the truck. As of date this was my worst experience of ownership of a vehicle I ever owned.

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  put me in debt - 1995 Ford Contour
  By put me in debt - January 9 - 2:00 am

  i got this car with45000 miles on it . 24 valve v6 at first fast ,about a month later the transmission started acting up all the recalls electrical blinkers not working tail lights not working coolant light coming on but didnt need anything than at 10100 miles no oil leaks no overheating the motor just blows up .there is me and my 2 kids on the side of the expressway stranded no warnings transmission problems from day one never buy a ford they are known for bad transmissions

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  Dont Buy A Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Hate my Ranger - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had alot of mechanical problems with this vehicle. The service department at the dealership has not done a single repair correctly the first time. I have contacted Ford customer service about this issue and I am not happy with the way I was treated. I would not recommend this product to anyone. If you want a small truck buy a Toyota.

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  a disaster, my last ford - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jbencheck - January 8 - 2:23 am

  Bought this in Sept 2012 used, private party, 60k miles. Clean carfax, looked immaculate, came back good from the mechanic, and went forward. Summary of repairs then til 7/2014, off the top of my head: Brake issues, bad ring - $400 March 2013 CV joint - $800 May 2013 Hybrid-component water pump/fan - $1600 July 2013 Rear-end rebuild completely - $2000 May 2014 TSB on wiring harness, $240, then brake light still on so ABS module. This is where I walked. They wanted $3400 for the part alone. I traded it in at 86k miles 7/2014. Ridiculous. Hardest part was, yeah, it was a bad car,but Ford, not their corporate, not their dealership, no one would do anything to help whatsoever.

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  No more Fords - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Gerber - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my mustang with a 2.3 and within a week I had to rebuild the transmission, buy a new starter, power steering pump. So basically this car has killed my thought of ever owning a Ford again.Next car will definitly be a Dodge.

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  Stay Away - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By BrianV - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This car only lasted about 60K miles. It had been the the dealer many times for things like radiators, a/cs, suspension, etc. Most expensive car Ive ever owned, and the 160HP engine just doesnt get the job done. 4x4 system is decent but not that great. JBL stereo was good for its time. The bad experience with this car is what convinced me to buy my first Japanese car, a 1998 4runner limited 4x4 (which is light years better then this car).