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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  Disappointed - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Tazana - May 29 - 2:00 am

  After saving for 3 years for the car of my dreams I fell in love with a black beauty. The handling and styling was perfect, but then things started happening. I noticed after I had the car about 3 years, the paint started to peel off of the rocker pannels and now it is pealing off of the doors. I can not take it to a high pressure car wash, it leaks around the windows. When I told ford dealership about this they said oh it is a ford defect we know about it and have done nothing to fix the problem.

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  95 Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DSJ - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Lots of trips to the dealer for repair. Not the wisest purchase weve made. Very weak brakes have made for some scary times. Rides well, though, and the kids love the space.

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  Van is Junk Ford has No Integrity - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ihateford - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has blown its head gaskets five times! Three times after Ford Dealer installed an engine remanufactured by Ford. The transmission also failed at 40k miles. Ford not only been extremely reluctant to fix this piece of junk they seem to be incapable of doing so. If anyone tries to sell or even give you one of these things RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!

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  Worst gas hog I have ever owned - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Reed Thwaites - May 20 - 3:53 am

  This truck was a wedding gift from my father so I probably shouldnt complain about it, but people want to hear it so hear it goes. It is a very heavy truck it takes a lot of effort to drive, the steering is tough the shocks are tough and the breaks are touchy. The fuel economy is not 16-17 its more like 10-12. I cant wait to pay off my other car so I can trade this hunk of junk in.

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  Worst car on the road - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By rkuef - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive noticed most of the good reviews are in regards to the SHO. SHO may be a better car I had a 91 GL Wagon I bought in 96 with 65K on it. I never put more than 6K on it per year. I couldnt, it was never out of the shop. Whenever I told a mechanic I had a Taurus, theyd reply, "Im sorry to hear that." There was no end of trouble with suspension, alignment, and sealed bearings. The alignment was so bad the tires went bald on a 500 mile trip and nearly killed me. After the second time the transmission went out Id had enough. If you get this car, drive it straight to hell, because thats where it belongs.

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  The All New Ford Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Classicfindz - May 14 - 3:26 pm

  I am unhappy with the all new Mustang. In addition to poor gas mileage, I have had the gas tank replaced three times already. The pump was stopping as if the tank was full, as well as slow fill and spitting back. Dealership said nothing was wrong. They did contact headquarters to find out that there is indeed this type of problem with the vehicle, but not on all of them. They replaced it twice and did not work. Finally they redesigned it. Took 5 months to solve problem. It is a fast car with a great sound system. But, too many "characteristics" that take away from the car. Any problem that I have with the car, they say is a characteristic of the car.

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  This car is a P.O.S. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By AshleyAsh - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Fuel pump has gone out more times than I can count. Electrical everything goes out more times than Heinz has ketchup...good luck to anyone who buys one of these damn things! Get a good warranty.

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  good car? i say no... - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By anti-ford - May 14 - 2:00 am

  this is a terrible used car. these cars no matter what engine you have in them are bound to die on you when its least convenient. ive had to replace the transmission on mine three times and in the end, it caught on fire. i recommend staying away from these cars. the 3.8L engine is built sound, at least for me, but the transmissions arent worth the cheap paint that covers the body.

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  Dont even think about it - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ARGGGGGGG - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This van is TERRIBLE. Consumer Reports warns to avoid this van. Weve had to replace head gaskets, ac, transmission, computer chip that tells car when to shift (1,200), the hood flew off, etc.

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  Do Not Buy a Ford - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By KarenT - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Just after warranty expired, transmission went out at 48,000 miles. We live in Germany in support of US military and Ford was of absolutely NO help. These cars are not built with European specs so it took us 6 months and $2500 to get it fixed. Again, no help from Ford! We have had problem after problem with things such as broken seat belt, interior door coming loose, broken CD player, etc...