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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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ladd - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It sways too much during normal driving at safe speeds. There have been three recalls in three years which says a lot. No improvements in at least thirty years in the electrical system. Fords have problems with tail and stop/warning lights frequently burning out and the modular problems which I first incurred in my 1978 Mercury Colony Park to this day are not corrected. On steep inclines when shifting from park into gear, there is a loud clunk in the transmission yet Ford claims they do not know the cause.

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  Always runs, but always has many problems - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By rambo76098 - December 30 - 12:06 am

  This car which I bought with 112,000 miles on it, has about 119,000 in 5 months and since then I had to flush all fluids, change stereo, previous owner blew all speakers, new exhaust, master cyllinder and brake booster. Car now needs complete rear brake system overhaul, a radiator, door seals, plugs and wires, headlight covers (sun damaged plastic), a door lock motor, headlight and seatbelt dinger, a battery, tires, and soon will need rotors and pads in front as well as alternator, fuel, water and power steering pump acting up. Car has always started but does not ever function right. Gas mileage is horrible.

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  Done - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By RB - December 29 - 6:46 pm

  Gas has gotten too expensive for this truck. Also parking it in most lots is a challenge.

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  FORD (Frequent Overhaul Repair Damage) - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Getting _Me_A_Honda - December 29 - 8:18 am

  Bought new - continuing trips to the dealership for repair from the first 100 miles (now have 70K miles) while under warranty and the problems described by other posts just escalated after warranty expired. Total cost of repairs to date: $5,000.00. NO MORE. Buying a Honda CR-V this week. Most unfriendly mechanics, but with a product this bad one should expect nothing but bad.

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  Oily Problem - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Bruce S - December 28 - 1:42 pm

  Frustrated owner of a new 2004 with only 1400 miles. The first 300 the car started leaking oil. They supposely fixed this then went on a road trip around 350 miles oil leaked again. Found out that there are 181 cars out there that have this problem. Ford will not take back the car which I want them to do. Dealer is ok, but certain higher ups were rude to me...WATCH OUT....

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  A few problems - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Kyle Brashear - December 27 - 3:24 am

  First the engine I havent had any mechanical problems with the engine, it has 130,000 miles on it so far. I had to replace the bearings. The door ajar light used to stay on. The dome light has some issues. My speedometer cable currently isnt working. I get about 25 miles a gallon, with the 4 cylinder, which is pretty slow to me.

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  The truck is falling apart ! - 1994 Ford F-150
  By horsetackinc - December 22 - 3:54 pm

  I have put about $2,000 into this truck after paying $2,000 for it.

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  Ford - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bud - December 19 - 2:14 pm

  This Lemon breaks down about every 1,000 miles or so. Had it towed in twice this month--one time on the way back home from the dealership from its last repair. Frequent failures apparently due to the electrical system, factory installed stereo not wired in correctly, coils have failed twice, not what we expected for a "high- end" car.

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  Cant wait to trade this in! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Momof1 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant wait to trade this in and get rid of it for a Honda Accord. I purchased this in July. The interior is just plain cheap. If you are looking for luxury forget it here. The seats are so cheap I feel like my back is killing me when I get to my destination. I dont feel safe with my child in the back. The back doors seem to be really thin. I have had this stall several times on me. I just dont feel safe in this car it doesnt seem hefty and it is so cheap! The only good thing about it is the basic size and the CD player. Good gas milage but I would trade that for a little more heft in the doors that are feather light.

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  Nomorefords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nofordnomore - December 9 - 4:27 pm

  I have owned two Windstars 95 & 97. Bought the 95 used. Engine blew. Bought a new 99 LX with 4 doors. Justification was the 99 was "redesigned". I learned "redesigned" does not mean "improved" it just means different. All of the same problems everyone else has had.The pinging started at mile 1 off the dealer lot. Blamed many times on bad gas in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Finally with 74K they replaced intake manifold - on my nickel. What a difference! First time it ran right. Now the tranny problems begin. At 94K traded for used Tahoe.