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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  Bulky Vehicle 4.2 6 Cylinder - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Dadwithkids - June 18 - 8:29 am

  I bought this truck as a replacement for a small Japanese truck. That being the case, it is just too big for shopping malls, and city driving. Really good for hauling mulch, bicycles, etc. I chose this truck because I could stick the kids in the back seat not everyday, but once in awhile. There was no better value on the market. It drives well, manual transmission is slow, bulky shifting (not fun), problem with heating system (header adjustment door locked up, expensive fix), cruise control recall. It is not as well made as a Toyota or Mitsubishi. Mileage - I get 15-17 in mixed driving.

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  Windstar - Quality is Job none! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Parents of Three - June 17 - 4:19 pm

  Bought 2000 Windstar new. Day1, heard clunking transmission when shifting. Dealer said its fine. At 54k miles, transmission died. I had original complaint documented. They gave us a break - still cost me $800. 5 minutes later, transmission died again. Cost $100 deductible plus other $125 transmission problem they said not related. Yeah right! At 63k miles the front spring broke. Cost $925 for 2 springs, alignment, etc. Had that back 3 days and the ABS/Brakes lights went on. Took it back - $1157 quote for "Modules." No way Im paying them that. Dealer/Ford gave no other help. Please research before buying or get extended warranty. Im trading for Sienna or Odyssey this weekend. Should not have so many problems at 63k miles.

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  Dont do it - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy - June 16 - 4:03 am

  Needed new engine after 79000 miles. Thrown rod caused metal to punch holes in 2 places in engine, blew a hole in oil pan, perforated the starter...Cost ended up being more than van was worth. Replaced transmission at 50,000. Transmission needs work again. Roof rack bolts caused rust in roof and ruined paint due to bad seal. Head gasket, fuel tank, & other warranty repairs done. MULTIPLE tie rod jobs in front. All this despite excellent maintenance by owner. WILL NEVER buy a Ford again.

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  Reliable vehicle - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Michael Kraus - June 14 - 11:55 pm

  Ive had good reliability. Plus I get 43 mpg!

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  Its at the dealership right now - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Taco - June 14 - 2:27 am

  I had all the alarms on the screen and it just died on me for the 2nd time in as many days the it would not start for me at all so I had it towed to the dealership. They have had it for 4 days now and still cant give me an answer. The car has only 5k miles on it. I didnt qualify for a loaner because I didnt get an extended warranty , didnt think I needed it on an brand new car. I will never buy or lease a Ford product in the future.

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  Not entirely happy - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cpence - June 13 - 11:17 am

  It has basically been a decent vehicle, but Ive already had to replace the rack and pinion and the cv joints. Not good for a car that new. Its not like I go off roading in it. Im pretty sure I wont buy another Ford. The Focus was my first and will be my last Ford. It does get good mileage for gas and runs well. Im just not impressed with it. Not a good car for taller men. Almost impossible to fit a baby car seat in the back. The seats arent comfortable either. They slump you forward.

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  Cant hear you over the brake squeal - 2000 Ford Focus
  By previous lemon owner - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I was called in for every possible recall except the most irritating one, brakes. At 20,000 the pads had to be replaced. At 41,000 the pads, calipers, and rotors went. The following day I bought a Honda Civic LS. I will not own a Ford again because they did not stand behind their product.

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  I liked it. - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By dawn - June 10 - 1:09 pm

  But, you have to replace the transmission, Ive had two Aerostars and had to replace the transmission in both of them, but otherwise, I really liked the van.

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  fine but - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By haddock - June 10 - 10:00 am

  replace water pump, rear wiper motor (3), heater front drive seat ()3), power front driver seat (3), computer problems across the dash

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  Never again Ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never again Ford - June 6 - 10:24 pm

  Ive owned since new. They call it Windstar for a reason. You can hear all the wind and road noise! Noisy engine. Paint came off hood. Roof paint cracked and had to be repainted. It shakes and shutters when turning if you press the gas pedal. Continues to roll after putting it in park (scary). I have 75,000 miles on it with no major mechanical problems. But from what I heard, there will be a transmission in the future. Stay away.