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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  Not up to par - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By j knight - April 5 - 7:40 pm

  Power steering went out at 59,000 miles. Not covered by warranty. Transmission went out at almost 100,000 miles. Steering control is poor on this vehicle. Removing seats very difficult. Paint finish (red) chips off easily. My 93 Escort had a superior paint job.

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  Green Explorer That Wouldnt - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Blue from VB - April 4 - 8:58 pm

  It is a roomy midsize SUV and the ride was car-like. It had a lot of nifty features as one would expect from a Ford that was not entry level, including a compass, temperature gauge, reclining front and rear seats, etc. The downside to it is when it goes it goes! In a twelve month period I spent almost $2,000 in maintenance ($900 for a heater core, $600 for a water pump 6 months later, then $500 for brakes and front tires). The vehicle left me stranded on two seperate occassions and I do my regularly scheduled maintenance on all of my vehicles. Fords service was subpar and it was the last Ford that I will buy!

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  Its gonna cost you! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By costmemoney - April 2 - 3:22 pm

  Purchased with 32K. Had Windstar for one year and felt a "thug" on transmission. Thankfully I bought an extented bumper to bumper 3 year warranty for $1,800. Tranny went at 37K! Would have cost me $2,300. Now the front windshield wipers work only on the "fast" setting, passenger seat belt doesnt work, electric side door has problems closing, interior lights go on whenever. Paint on roof rack peels, engine is loud. I bought this car for my family need the room. It looks nice and its interior design is interesting for the passengers. But, if you plan on buying this car make sure you buy a least a 3 year warranty. If you dont you will spend at least $2,000 in the first 18 months. Good Luck!

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  Bought it for price - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By shoob - April 2 - 12:22 am

  Bought Freestar SEL 4.2 for $14,800. 2004 leftover - list price $30,440. Van rides nice so far. Concerned about the electronic problems. The day i picked it up the driver door lock was not working. 5 days later indash 6 CD player not working and had to be replaced. I have 1,000 miles and I have to bring it in to get the brakes checked out. When applied hard theres a lot of vibration. Van is good looking and feels safe. The fuel economy could be improved along with the horsepower. We were going to buy a used Odyessy but we couldnt pass up the discount and rebates from Ford. Interior design looks cheap and cold. I suggest buying extended warranty.

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  Great looks, value crummy reliability - 2001 Ford Escape
  By SoCal commuter - March 31 - 12:21 am

  Bought new 29,000 miles now. Have replaced SINCE WARRANTY ran out at 27,900: 2 power steering pumps, steering column, brakes at 26k, tensioner unit, tires, power brake assist motor, power steering hose, air filter unit, and 2 other engine repairs that details escape me now but each ran more than $200 in parts. Also, there is something in the engine manifold which cannot be fixed but is a "known issue" - theres a TSB on it - high-pitched squealing from manifold, Under warranty, about 5 breakdowns/year first three years. Always something new. Im going back to Toyota or Honda. This is the worst build quality I could imagine.

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  Will replace at warranty expiration - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Tom - March 30 - 2:04 pm

  Fairly solid feel and good amenities. Front seats are not comfortable. Have had transmission problems that have not been repaired after several trips to the dealer. This is my 2nd Explorer and will be my last. Am very disappointed in the early problems that I am having and will get rid of it at 36,000 miles.

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  Ok vehicle, but get a cheap mechanic! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By dirtyone - March 28 - 1:15 pm

  The SE/SVG looks good, inside & out, but underneath there are some pretty expensive repairs waiting to creep up on you: just after buying this car, had to bring it back in (with dealer plates still attached!) because condensation from the heater/a/c unit leaked water all over the front passenger side floor. Dealer tried to charge $800+ to fix & then I had to bring it right back in to get them to fix it completely chirping noise from front wheels was never correctly diagnosed - front rotors were shot, had to get private garage to fix, probably saved me $250+ than having incompetent Ford dealer try to fix it steering wheel shakes around 60 mph & when braking from 60+ down to ~30 little things kill this car.

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  NO CONFIDENCE - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By BIGREDSPENDER - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ever since the rollover controversy during which I watched Jack Nasser appear before Congress on CSPAN, I have had a dreaded fear of rolling over while driving my Ford Explorer. Other than that, it has been reliable. One time it died at the mall. The radio has been replaced. So has the torque converter and the vapor management valve. The front seats are confortable, but the rear seat is crowded for my wife (53").

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  Not Happy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By clarkdnr - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus (ZTS)initially seems a great buy, but buyer beware. While the interior is comfortable and well designed the build quality is ridiculous! My car was in the shop for over a month two months ago then a few days ago I had a wreck due to a malfunctioning seat, so back to the shop it goes. These are just two instances in a long line of problems.Ford is not terribly helpful either. Before you buy PLEASE got online and look for customer chats, not reviews. I was astounded to see how many people were having non-stop problems from these cars from the beginning.

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  Never another Ford - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By VarmintShooter - March 20 - 10:00 am

  First new car ... what a disappointment. Rotors warped coming off the lot, Ford wouldnt replace. Seat belt wouldnt retract after a few months - two trips to the dealer. Transmission seal failed after 1 year. Transmission, rear differential, and clutch all died after 1.5 years - 3 trips to the dealer (total of 3 weeks in the shop). Had to beg for a loaner car. Window now rubs the frame when shutting the door. Got rear- ended, dealer body shop put a bumper on that had a bend in it where one corner of the bumper sat an inch out from the rest of the body, told us "if you want quality parts, buy a Mercedes." Had to force him to fix it.