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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  i rented a brand new one - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Cherylg - April 11 - 2:00 am

  i took the car it had very few miles and i was going from brooklyn new york to lancaster PA the ride was very uncomfortable and the steering wheel shook when the car went over 65miles i would never ever buy any kind of ford cause i had a 1986 sable and thats similar to ford tauras which i think wereboth very unproductive vechiles so think before you purchase one.

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  My truck sucks - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Paula11471 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  i have had the transmission replace 2 time, the head liner is falling and the left driver door wont close all the time and the rubber trim on the right back door is falling off and now the rear end is making some kind of noise . In short this is a Friday truck and the over all quality of it sucks and i will never own another ford!!!!!

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  transmission problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Matthew and Jenna - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several transmission problems with my 1992 Ford Explorer. I had to bring it back to AAMCO about 5 or 6 times Ive actually lost track but the couldnt find the problem. they were stumped. So finally the last time i got the truck back from AAMCO the mechanic said that ford explorers have transmissions from a Ford Pinto except its built a little stronger but when i say little i mean little. from a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being crappy and 10 being excelent i would give it a 2.

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  Careful with this one. - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Mr. Mike - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a big headache. Nothing but problems. 70,000 mile vehicle with a BLOWN HEAD GASKET, SENSORS NOT WORKINGAND A TRANSMISSION THATS STARTING TO SLIP. VERY POORLY BUILT VEHICLE. What is sad is that it is my second windstar that has done this to me. There will be no third FORD vehicle.

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  Never Again! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By mutsye - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Interior door panels - all plastic - crack and break under normal use - door handles fall off, engine leaks oil at 70000 miles despite routine oil changes, oem brakes, mastercylinder and front suspension all replaced at 80k mi, engine does not hold compression when pulling my boat - 3400lbs - vehicle rated with 5000lb tow capacity - No Way!!

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  What is Fords problem? - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jude Fritz - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I once had a 1995 Ford Windstar and after a blown head gasket just 2 months out of warrranty and no help from Ford although they were aware of this problem. No response from Ford until 2000 when for some unknown reason Ford offered the 1995 Windstar owners an extra $4,000 rebate if they bought a new 2000 model. Why the offer, did they want to unload the 2000 model? My 2000 Windstar gas pedal has been vibrating since I purchased it, a little at first and now becomming worse and more annoying. There answer "its a normal operating condition" to them maybe, but I would have never purchased a 2000 model if I only knew of this worsening problem.

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  Ford headgaskets Blow - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By stacey - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 Ford vans and have had head gasket problems with both of them. I replaced Head gaskets on the first one 3 times, then traded it in. I was assured at the dealership that it was a fluke and that ford vans were built well. I foolishly purchased my 2nd ford windstar and have replaced head gaskets on this vehicle 5 times. The first 3 times were under warranty, the 3rd time I was reimbursed partially, as a recall issue. Ford extended the warranty as "good faith" to 100,000 miles or 7 years, but failed to mention that the warranty was only good for 1 time. When my head gaskets failed again, I was told my warranty was only good for 1 time under the extension.

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  Upset Owner - 1999 Ford F-150
  By FWornick - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After reading the Consumer Reports 1999 ratings on New Cars I decided on the F150 XLT 4.6L engine 2WD Pickup. What a mistake. In the last 15 months I have had the vehicle in the shop for service 12 times. Twice for head gaskets, four times for a stalling problem when it is damp out, once for a starter cable that went bad, twice for brakes, once for door locks not working and other minor items. I talked to the service manager today and my salesman. I cant afford this truck anymore. Luckily I have a extended service contract but the items not covered have cost over $2,000. This is not a reliable product.

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  FIRES IN FORD AEROSTARS!!!!!!!!!!! - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By Randall Selby - March 29 - 2:00 am

  My sister had a Ford Aerostar and it caught FIRE.Followed by that the transmission BLEW UP, AND THE AC WENT OUT. I would never recommend this van to anyone. It doesnt compare to any of the Japanese or European vehicles.TALK ABOUT UNSAFE, IF YOU GO TO, www.highwaysafety.com,you can clearly see that the airbag didnt inflate all the way, and the stearing broke off and landed in the dummys lap. This was a 40 mph crash!!!!!

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  Not good - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By mkahler - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with this vehicle and the dealership. Many recalls on this vehicle. Many small exterior problems, like the edging coming off, missing caps for rear wipers. I purchased two of these at the same time.