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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  bad ride - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ilersg - February 2 - 3:38 am

  This truck looks good but on the concrete freeways it has a real bad washboard ride the whole way. I asked the dealer if there was anything I could do to improve the ride and they said not to their knowledge. So now I will buy a GMC.

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  Next van will not be a Ford. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By payton - February 1 - 1:02 am

  Only reason for buying van was the low price I aquired it for & having 3 children. All kinds of things were replaced under warranty (previous owner). At 40,000 miles a valve spring broke! As of now, 5 yrs old engine light showing, rear side defroster not working, driver door lock not working electrically, passenger sliding door rattles & paint peeling! Glad I didnt purchase it new. Wish I had not of purchased it at all.

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  Transmission problems - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By andrea - January 31 - 11:44 am

  I bought this car used at 70K miles, six months later the transmission went up. I replace brakes once a year and the interior light/door ajar bell wont go off in the winter time. 2 yrs. later, transmission went up again at 120K. I will never buy another Ford! The only good thing about the van, comfy seats and easy to get our 2 small children in and out of. I am going to purchase a Toyota or Honda this weekend!

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  2000 Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By JOHNPIERCE - January 24 - 3:42 pm

  The heated seat on the drivers side went out at 36,000 miles. 6 way CD player was replaced under warranty. Ball joints replaced at 29,000 miles, was just out of warranty 3 weeks dealership replaced them free. You expect something like this at 100,000 miles, not 29,000. stabilizer control links were just replaced at 42,000 miles. This is the 2nd Explorer I have owned. My 1994 never had suspension problems like this one. I do not drive off road and maintain the car to manufacturer recommendations.

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  Ford doesnt back up product - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gregvicwill - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second(and last) Windstar minivan.Our vehicle has been plagued by a pervasive and enigmatic problem involving the complicated traction control and theft deterrent system. This problem causes the vehicle to fail to start up at random intervals leaving us stranded. Ford seems helpless to find or fix this problem despite over a month total time in the shop since purchase. Two Ford engineers have examined the vehicle,each in turn declared that the problem was found,reproduced and repaired,however the problem continues to this day. Trade in day! and not on a Ford product.

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  Dont Buy! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By DDan - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The automatic transmission had to be replaced before the truck had 3000 miles. The four wheel drive is not as good as the competitions. The engine lacks power and the fuel economy is poor.

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  For your Own Sake, Dont do it. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By kobken - January 22 - 4:29 pm

  The V6 engine is good, very powerful. But, for your own sake, please do not purchase this vehicle. We had to replace alternator, check engine shows up all the time, you wont feel safe driving it because there is always a possibility at the back of your head that says, it might break down. The chances are always big for Ford sedans.

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  Poor Steering - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By louie - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a 2003 XLS. When parking, an extreme turn of the steering wheel causes it to bind in that position and car has to be mamhandled into space. Testing in empty park lot shows that the stuck steering wheel will remain in that position up to three full circles at low speed before beginning to unbind by itself. Also, power steering appears not to help much in parking. Original dealer said nothing was wrong. J.O.Williams dealership changed rack and pinion, but that did not solve problem. I have driven several other new Explorers at dealership and they all appear to have same problem.

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  Would Not Buy Again - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Would Not Buy Again - January 17 - 11:33 pm

  In two years of ownership I have had to spend well over $5,000 on repairs. Was dealer vehicle as well, so it should have been fine. Rear windows dont work well, transmission had to be replaced, many interior lights out, certain switches do not respond well, does not handle very well, acceleration leaves something to be desired, power antenna went out, gas mileage average (17 MPG average), the interior is loud during ride, and the suspension is really bumpy. I have enjoyed it sometimes, but it is too expensive to maintain and it seems as though something else breaks too frequently. The car just doesnt seem to hold up well over time. I hope to get more out of it, but I dont see buying one again.

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  Not Bad Diesel F350 - 1996 Ford F-350
  By Clive - January 16 - 1:34 am

  This isnt a bad older F350 diesel. Works well for towing our smaller 5th wheel with power and economy. Interior isnt as refined as the newer trucks, but it works for us.