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:

• 

  Will never buy a Ford again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By acer111 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  It has had a new lower engine. Then replaced Head Gaskets, Then the whole engine, then ABS sensors, then front rotors, then continuous engine check lites, then Airbag light, then speedometer goes haywire. IT DOESNT STOP. Rear windows stopped closing. Power locks stoppped working. NEVER GET ANOTHER FORD.

• 

  Unreliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By AP - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Explorer has a weak V-6. The vehicle is unreliable. I have had numerous problems with the drivetrain, the transmission, and the rear end. I cannot trust this vehicle. On top of that it gets poor gas mileage.

• 

  cheap car - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By The Mann - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Well, I bought this car because it was inexpensive. Right after I got it, it started getting all kind of leaks. The CV joints went bad though the boots were good. The motor, tranny, and power steering all had minor leaks. The AWD didnt work, the car got bad mileage, and the door handles ALL fell off. The radiator fan needed replacement, along with numerous sensors. The auto front belts were slow and noisy. Chaep car. Avoid these even if theyre inexpensive and look nice.

• 

  Repair, Repair and Repair Again - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By JimS - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Head gaskets (twice), 4 starters, 2 alternators, bad factory rotors, 2 radiators, brake lines, water pump, rack & tie rods the list goes on and on. But Fords are my mechanics favorite cars, and he has a new boat to prove it. Many rattles, sqeaks and noises. The repairs were many even when the car was new. I should have sold it years ago.

• 

  Problems - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Amanda Segura - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. To begin with, I had to take it to the dealer to replace the AC control valve and the starter. A couple of months later, I had to take it back to have the fuel pump replaced. I will never own another Ford Escort ZX2.

• 

  stranded @33,000 miles - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By curt jones - November 24 - 10:00 am

  No problems for 3 years, I was a booster of the vehicle. It failed me coming home from a short trip. stranded for 3 days ( holiday weekend).I was one week over the three year warranty, the "on call" service would not help. It seems my thermostat self destructed, sending pieces to lodge in the water pump, the pump seized and froze causing the drive belt to overheat and break. I have also had many close calls when I change lanes due to the huge blind spot of its design. have taken a second job on weekends to pay for gas, will sell it soon.

• 

  Do not buy this or any Ford Vehicle - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Don Smith - November 23 - 2:00 am

  At 22 years of age I purchased my first new car, a Ford Contour. Since then I have had nothing but problems both with the car and dealing with Ford. A quick summary of problems with the car: constant wind noise on the front passenger door, water leaks into the trunk, air conditioner went after 1 year, rattling noise while accelerating, clogged catalytic converter causing my damage to my exhaust manifold. In addition, dealing with Ford and any Ford Service dealer that I have brought my car to has been a nightmare.

• 

  Not Worth the Headaches - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By WeaponX - November 23 - 2:00 am

  After many years of driving GMs I started looking at the Ford Mustang!! The Transmission Blew at 31,000,the Tire Rods also had to be replaced and It has No Power for a V8 Engine!! Needless to say I have Happily Sold this Car(after wasting over $2,000 in repairs) and I am VERY Dissapointed in a Car w/Less than 32,000 Miles on it and It Literally Needs a Complete Ovehaul!! I Would Never Buy a Ford Agian!!!!Reality wise I cant call it a Muscle/Sport car since its True Competition is the Mitsubishi Eclipse!!! The Need to Go back to the Drawing board and Re-Invent their Engine and Transmisson to seriously be a Contender to Chevys Monsters!!!

• 

  Has problems - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Jim Hertel - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems in the 75k I put on. I brought it in 11 times in the first 36k miles for everything from a speaker going out to the rear end making noise between 75-80mph (3 trips and still was never fixed). Replaced tranny at 65k. Front brake rotors were warped when I drove it home from dealer, now on 3rd set. Starter replaced. Screws are failing out of the molding, and the drivers door doesnt seal tight anymore. More little things then I can mention.

• 

  Blown engine - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By steverob - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket failed and destroyed the engine (3.8). Only has 77,000 and Ford will offer no assistance. We will never buy another Ford product.