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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  Its good on the inside - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nate1tate - July 30 - 3:37 am

  We bought this van because we had a second kid on the way. It was fine for family trips and such at first, but the alternator went with under 60K miles. Had major engine problem that required installation of a special valve and head gasket. Trouble with power sliding doors staying on track. Had tranny gasket leak, speed sensors, etc. After reading these reviews Im worried about the steering and tranny now. Buying used we got an upgraded interior. Thats the best part of the whole van. Im not totally unhappy with it, just tired of spending money on it. Trade value is miserable and makes me want to hold on to a vehicle that will likely cost much more before I can afford another car.

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  Fords just cant get a transmission correct - 2014 Ford Focus
  By John - July 27 - 2:15 pm

  The issues of junk transmissions keep on coming when it comes to Ford. The Focus has an automatic manual transmission (it is a manual trans that shifts automatically) but this one has been in the shop 4 times to have the trans gone repaired. They have done a recall but just cannot seem to fix it. My friend is on her 3rd repair at 20k mi and is going to lemon law the car. The trans slips under mild acceleration causing it to shudder in the 1st couple gears. The electronics package for cell phones is terrible. We would struggle to get it to pair with our cell phones and it would work for about 2 months then stop again. We just gave up. Also the interior is made out of cheap materials. The sun has completely eaten away the vents in the rear window deck and it looks like the car is 20 years old. Bad thing is we live in Oregon and get like 3 months of sun a year. Lastly there is no rear seat leg room. When I am in the car I have to jam my legs up against the dash so that my 11yo son has some leg room. I would not recommend this car.

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  It fits in the garage - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By CSnow - July 27 - 12:40 am

  Over all, itÂ’s OK. The ride is choppy and rough and it averages 18mpg even with the best riding tires I can find. I would not recommend this vehicle for long cross country drives. The spark plug wires have been replaced every 30,000 miles due to heat damage. The brakes lasted 50,000 miles, the A/C lasted to 100,000 (4 YEARS). The engine drive seal failed and now leaks oil on to the manifold, leaving a wonderful smoke trail. The radio lights fade on and off at will and the front driverÂ’s side door lock wonÂ’t unlock with the remote. Most of my driving is dry smooth Arizona highways with no rattling problems and a never used AWD and tow package.

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  Not happy with my Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By notahappydriver - July 25 - 3:24 pm

  I have had my Escape for a little under 2 years and I am ready to get rid of it. The acceleration is great thats about the only thing I like about it. It does not ride smooth and feels rough around the edges. The tires and wheels get covered in brake dust within a day washing them you can never keep them clean.

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  Not Impressed - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Stonemannn - July 25 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car in 1998. Ran well for a few years. A transmission part needed replacement at about 70,000 miles. Now I have a fluctuating temp gauge and dont even want to know where that is taking me repair-wise. I wont buy another Ford.

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  NOISY VEHICLE - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By BOERNER - July 24 - 11:56 pm

  Noisy engine. Diesel engine noise same as 04 model year no dampening material under hood to eliminate same noise. Factory will not correct the problem. Also pulling a 34 foot Airstream trailer the rear of the tow vehicle sags 2 inches low, making the connection look like its dragging down in the middle at the hitch point.

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  What If - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Draco - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Wouldnt it be nice if automobile manufacturers got back to satisfing a customer and not just making money. The Ford Explorer is an ok, suv but unless you want to spend the extra 5-10k for the eddie bauer eddition the XLS is not worth your money.

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  a good big car - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Barry - July 19 - 11:29 am

  We own two Expeditions, a 99 and an 05 and there are big differences. We like the handing as far as turning radius on the 99 but like the highway feel on the 05.

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  If you have to buy American........... - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By tbaran - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is a good overall value; if you are someone who’s only interest in driving is to get you from point A to B! The engine is strong, if only the brakes and suspension were designed as well. The braking is a very weak part of this package with the suspension close behind. The steering offers virtually no feedback for road feel. It you are a driver get a Passat! If you have to buy American, such as I, then this is a good deal. I have driven American all my life, but my last car was a base 1995 Jetta with the weakest engine you can imagine! The cheap 95 Jetta right now feels more solid and is more fun to drive than this brand new car!

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  A good "starter" car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By jenbeaner - July 19 - 1:33 am

  I agree with other reviewer - I would only recommend a Contour to a high schooler buying their 1st car. I bought this car 5 years ago, and it started out with minor problems - the cup holders breaking (was told they "overload" too easily). But the last 2-3 years, Ive noticed every time it gets humid, rainy or even when I have my air on, my car wants to stall. I know someone else who has a Contour, & the same thing happens to hers. Now my temp gauge is not functioning, & not too long ago, my cruise control broke because of an electrical problem (too expensive to even bother). I also was surprised to find I couldnt get my car out of park one day also because of an electrical problem.