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:
Showing 1591 through 1600 of 30,482.00-
The worst car ever built - 1995 Ford Windstar
By edcosta - June 18 - 2:00 amMy Windstar has ONLY 60,000 miles... The first engine last 37,500 miles... The second engine, is costing me $650.00 to replace the camshaft sensor due to ENGINE CHECK light. FORD should buy back this junk and compensate all owners.
-
Dont buy, unreliable, MPG misrepresented, Sync does not work as represented - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By info8 - June 16 - 6:41 pmThe Fusion looks great, but it is not reliable. The Dec 2013 Consumer Reports gives Ford (especially the Fusion Hybrid) very low reliability scores.The Fusion Hybrid is one of the few cars CR expressly puts in its "Not Recommended" category.Its low profile tires rupture easily and it does not have a spare tire which requires a tow (its inflation device might only work on punctures). Ford Sync system does not always work. The warning system and bright light dimmer work sporadically. Ford is slow in suppling repair parts. Distracting warning lights erratically appear and disappear on instrument panel. Actual MPG is 35-7, not Fords bogus 47. Dont make the same mistake that I did.
-
faulty engineering - 1996 Ford Windstar
By sparkyie - June 13 - 2:00 amthis vehicle is a piece of crap. If you are thinking about buying a Ford van... dont. After only 83k mi. there is water in the oil and oil in the radiator. And the transmission has always been a problem. Dont expect any help from most of the dealers... they almost always deny that they no nothing of any technical service bulliten. Lies and deciet
-
Million Dollar Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
By drive alot - June 12 - 2:00 amHave put in over 3000 in repairs in over a year.
-
Should Have Been Recalled - 1997 Ford Escort
By gtrbernie - June 9 - 2:00 amI purchased my Escort in 2000 with 13,000 miles on it. After 19,000 miles of light duty, I was told that I needed new rear coil springs. I spoke to several people that owned the same vehicle, and several mechanics (including the service manager at my local Ford dealership), and was told that this is a common problem that Ford is aware of, but not footing the bill for. Otherwise, a reliable, but not very interesting, econobox. Total lack of ergonomic ingenuity.
-
dont buy a gt model!! - 1991 Ford Escort
By Fix Or Repair Daily - June 7 - 2:00 ami bought this car after hearing great things about escorts, but in the three months that ive owned it, ive put $500 into repairs. now, the engine totally burned out and the stupid thing wont go anywhere with only 110,000 miles on it and a rebuilt engine 80,000 miles ago. the car was a total mistake on fords part. go look for an LX model if you want an escort.
-
Not a bad Daily Driver - 1992 Ford Explorer
By swpke - June 6 - 2:00 amI have had mine for six months and I must say it is a fun vehicle to drive. I will however mention that these vehicles are very high maintenance. Look close before you buy.
-
Car is not the best. - 2000 Ford Escort
By metoo - June 6 - 2:00 amThis car is very uncomfortable. The seat belts are difficult to get to. Its hard to get in and out of. The seats are atrociously bad for driving more then half an hour. Im numb after being in the car for more then an hour. It loses a lot of power with the AC on. The car is a very rough ride and is pretty noisy. I personally dont like this car. If you dont have to do a lot of driving it would not be a bad car. I unfotunately drive too much.
-
Hybrid? Yeah right! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Mike - June 3 - 10:26 amGas mileage is VERY disappointing! The car has been in over 10 times for various issues. The shocks were replaced at 4,000 miles. The car needed a full alignment at 4,500 miles. I have another appointment tomorrow to investigate the terrible gas mileage, noises when turning, gas fume smells and the infamous clicking noise in the rear has appeared again. If you are looking for an Escape - go for it! Just do NOT get the Hybrid! I had a regular Escape when they first came out and was great. Ford just doesnt have this down yet.
-
The Money Pit - 1995 Ford Windstar
By Cathleen - June 2 - 2:00 amThree months after we purchased this van, the engine blew. Fortunately, Ford paid for the new engine due to a recall, but one year later the same thing happened (head gaskets blew) causing another $1500 in damage. Six months later, it appears to be happening again. For what weve paid in repairs ( plus the initial cost), we could have bought a brand new Honda Odessey or Toyota Sienna. Whenever I see a Windstar owner in a parking lot, I love to ask them how many engines THEYVE put in. We all appear to be in the same boat. The transmission is about ready to blow, too.
-
Ford Aerostar 141 Reviews
-
Ford Aspire 71 Reviews
-
Ford Bronco 139 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Energi 36 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Hybrid 124 Reviews
-
Ford Contour 410 Reviews
-
Ford Crown Victoria 334 Reviews
-
Ford E-Series Van 1 Reviews
-
Ford Econoline Wagon 63 Reviews
-
Ford Ecosport 1 Reviews
-
Ford Edge 657 Reviews
-
Ford Escape 2,320 Reviews
-
Ford Escape Hybrid 335 Reviews
-
Ford Escort 835 Reviews
-
Ford Excursion 500 Reviews
-
Ford Expedition 1,452 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer 2,880 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport 207 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 560 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 3,032 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 Heritage 28 Reviews
-
Ford F-250 79 Reviews
-
Ford F-350 37 Reviews
-
Ford F-Series 1 Reviews
-
Ford Festiva 76 Reviews
-
Ford Fiesta 297 Reviews
-
Ford Five Hundred 569 Reviews
-
Ford Flex 299 Reviews
-
Ford Focus 3,280 Reviews
-
Ford Freestar 265 Reviews
-
Ford Freestyle 640 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion 1,419 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Energi 20 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Hybrid 266 Reviews
-
Ford GT 43 Reviews
-
Ford Mustang 3,414 Reviews
-
Ford Probe 258 Reviews
-
Ford Ranger 1,516 Reviews
-
Ford Shelby GT500 102 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus 1,954 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus X 88 Reviews
-
Ford Tempo 99 Reviews
-
Ford Thunderbird 667 Reviews
-
Ford Transit Connect 52 Reviews
-
Ford Windstar 915 Reviews