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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  No more Fords for me - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Penger5 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  when I picked my car up today my mechanic thanked me for buying a Taurus. He said that he would plan on seeing me again REAL soon! Now that Ive found this site, I know I should count on the head-gasket going any minute so I guess my mechanic might be right: "Tauruses are money pits" Its leaving my posession shortly and, as I dont want to curse anyone else with its disastrous heritage, I guess Ill sell it for scrap!

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  Lemon - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By UnHappy Ford Owner - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Since we drove it off the lot, it has been a bad experience and Ford has been difficult to deal with. While it was under warrenty, we had everything electrial and the air fixed. As soon as it was out of warrenty, the transmission went out. We asked Ford for assistance and they refused to help us. Now it has 75,000 miles and we have the head gasket problem. s. I been talking with three dealerships about the TSB Ford has out to replace head gaskets if the car is less than 7 years old and 100,000 miles. Non of the dealers are aware of this TSB. I will never buy another Ford. .

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  After 70K Watch out - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By bowwowWindstar - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this with 48K on it from an individual who had done all the scheduled maintenance. At around 70K the problems started occurring including, but not limited to: Transmission and A\C compressor. Other problems include a multitude of minor problems which have all added up, including but not limited to: Cracked gas tank - We didnt hit anything Rear wiper motor went out rear vent window motor went out CD player spits out 90% of CDs without playing Both cigarette lighters wont charge Alarm system goes off for no reason Ill be trading this in soon, so id advise against anyone in Austin against buying a used one. It might be this one.

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  It was okay - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By michaelharvey - April 26 - 2:00 am

  bought my car with 40k it was my first nice car but it had some problems I would just like to name some of them I had problems with the motor mounts was a recall though, also had problems with AC and water pump and blew head gasket and had transmission problems also had some electrical problems also power steering pump had vapor lock one time donÂ’t know what caused that seemed to go away also had things go wrong with it that cant remember at this time just like to say I am glad that I dont have it anymore

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  Never Touch THIS car! - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By ACE - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ford tempo one year old, and before 50000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. so i spent 500 dollars right there. thinking bad luck. oh boy was i wrong. then all of a sudden it got this noise in the engine that sounded like a coke can stuck in the belt. so i brought it to the shop and they fixed it, but then it came back louder not even 1 month later. come to find out it was yet again the transmission. then i tried to trade it off to a dealer... they said that it by itself would not be a good enough down payment for a decent car, and that i would need atleast 2 grand more to put with it to make a nomal down payment.

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  be careful - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lemon - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Head Gaskets! we are on 3rd motor.

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  Getting parts a mystery - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Bluejay6 - April 19 - 1:24 am

  Bought 2016 Explorer LTD in August. Enjoyed car ran fine including a trip to Florida. Middle of March with 13,000 miles car went into "limp home mode" which caused loss of speed, power and safety. I went from 55mph on the expressway to 8mph with giant trucks on my tail. Needed a new Electronic Throttle Body, none available anywhere in the country. Its been TWO weeks so far without any fix in site. Ford has not stepped on this one, very poor customer relations. Its a nice car, lots of cool gizmos and doodads, but this problem has soured me on Ford and this car. Be wary

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  never buy another ford - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By chan - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This car with 60000 miles has had water pump($350), 4 altnators($500), heater leak($600)and transmission acts funny. other cars i have owned (Hondas) have never had problems like these. Next Ford I get will have to be 1948 or older.

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  electrical nightmare from hell - 2000 Ford Contour
  By rjsindy - April 16 - 2:00 am

  this car has been in the shop at least once a month for the last year with engine electrical problems. When I have asked the service writers if this is normal, their response is "thats why they stopped making them"

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  terrible - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By breanna - April 14 - 2:00 am

  i own a 1995 ford windstar,and it is the worst van i have ever owned. the transmission went out 6months after i bought it. 4 month after that i replaced the engine. the starter has been replaced,the tie rods the cylinder was replaced, the brakes twice(8 months apart)the heater is shot and needs to be replaced,right along with the crank shaft pully and theres a noise still underneith. i also replaced the rack and pinions. now the head gasket is out again. its only got 16,000miles on this engine and 2 months past the warrenty. ford refuses to help in any way or stand behind this windstar. stay away from these or youll be very sorry, i know i am