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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  Very disappointed - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ray - August 26 - 2:01 am

  In 4 years that we have had this car, we have in the past year put in over $3500. This includes $1200 for intake manifold problem where the oil leaked. Funny I saw the same problem noted also on this website review. Then a few months later we ended up replacing the engine at a cost of $2500 with Ford pitching in the other half. Now we are having to replace the ABS computer brain that controls the hydraulics for the brakes. That is $1200. The dealership has offered to work with us on this repair as well as offering us an option on purchasing another car with them like a Freestar. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED that this car would have had $5000 in repairs while under 85k miles.

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  2 Windstars - Over 100k Miles each! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lovewindstars - August 25 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased a 1995 Windstar from a private party in 2002 from a soldiers wife on Ft. Carson. I have to say this car has been a REMARKABLE dream to own. We have had ZERO major repairs and have been incredibly impressed with this Windstar. We have had one tune up, one alignment, new tires twice, one serpentine belt replaced, and new brake pads a couple of times. and 100% Mobil1 synthetic oil changes. It runs quiet, stays straight, and never fails to start and run well. We keep wanting to trade it in, but its almost become a challenge to keep this one going to see JUST HOW MANY MILES we can put on it with the original transmission and engine!

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  Best and Most Reliable Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Matt - August 25 - 8:35 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. It has 199k miles on it and has never had any problems, except for the drivers side power window (regulator broke twice so i converted both windows to manual). Only basic items, i.e., a few timing belts, radiator, few sets of brakes. Believe it or not it has the ORIGINAL clutch and it is perfect. The best car Ive ever owned.

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  NICE JOB FORD! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By WKevin - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Everything is right about this SUV. Been driving it for about a year and no complaits, well maybe one, the gas milage could be better, but it is a huge SUV, what do you expect. All in All this SUV is perfect!

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  Ford Explorer EB - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By NascarFan - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall Im pleased with my new Explorer. The only complaint I have it that at 9,500 miles it developed a rattle in the dash board behind and to the right of the radio. I plan on taking it back to the dealer for repar, however, Im afraid that they may make it worse. The truck is sharp looking and I like the ride and handling compared to the 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee I had before this purchase. Now at 11,500 miles Im averaging 17.5 miles per gallon.

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  Avoid this vehicle at all costs! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jane H - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for approximately 2 years and I absolutely HATE this car. It has been terribly unreliable. I realize that I have high miles on the vehicle, however I do not think that a 2 year old vehicle should have to have the alternator replaced after 35,000 miles. Right now it is stitting in my garage collecing dust becasue yet again it has another problem. I am done with Fords.

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  Bad engineering - intake manifold - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This has been a dependable car, with the exception of a few manufacturing defects that Ford isnt ready to believe. 1. Plastic intake manifold tends to crack and loose antifreeze around 60m+ miles 2. Ball joints have no greasing feature and tend to make considerable noise and will fall out at 60M+ miles. 3. Hood safety catch will let loose when going down the road, making this car extremely dangerous.

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  Rattles Abundant - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The major problem Ive had with this car is the plastic on the doors make terrible noises with going over rough roads. Its the noiseiest Ford Ive ever owned. Ive owned quite a few Fords and Mercurys and this is the least acceptable.

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  Its great! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sailor - August 25 - 9:16 am

  I special ordered it the first day possible. It is a wonderful vehicle. The acceleration is very good (I havent yet gotten to the pedal to the floor going "go, go!" )in every instance. The higher visibility is what led me to it. FInally, an SUV that I can justify on ecological basis. It rivals my Ford Escort in mileage

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  love my bird - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bob L - August 25 - 8:10 am

  Ive owned an 84, 90, and this 95 bird. I liked them all, but I love this one. A wonderful combination of power (4.6 L V8) and luxury combined with reliability and just flat out fun to drive. Have wood trim on dash, nice with tan leather. Have gold trim with chrome wheels, pacific dark green, and its a beauty even being 10 years old. Still get comments on it.This car drives like its brand new, and still love to drive it. Have 90,000 miles on it and it has been very reliable. I use Mobile 1 oil, I want to keep this car for a long time. I dont think I could buy a car new today for under $40,000 that would compare.