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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  Terrible Ride - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew Sievert - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This Truck is good in many ways, however it has the most irritating vibration in the seat(rear end problem) between 20-50 mph the rear just shakes and vibrates. I tried to have the dealer fix it but they could not and then on my 4th visit they had a Ford engineer inspect it The conclusion was that this is how the truck is supposed to perform and there is no fix available. I just got it july 29,2004 and will be syuck with it for a long time to come. I would recommend you look elswhere if comfort and a smooth ride are important.

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  My take after 1800 miles. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mfd4300 - September 11 - 5:24 am

  So I have had my 2013 for 2.5 weeks now, ready to share my insight. I had the 2010 6cy escape before this new one. I average 50,000 miles a year, for me its all about the drive and interior comfort, looks are not important to me. I am a ford guy and really wish I could get my old escape back. In my opinion not a fan at all of the new design, overall I think it will hurt ford sales. I consider this a saftey issue, and will bet on a recall eventualy. The gas pedal is way to close to the brake pedal. I have a size 12 foot and drive with sneakers on, I barely have enough room between the brake pedal and center console, imposible with work or snow boots on.

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  Windstar is bad after 50000 - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cody jo - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I had problems with my van after 50000. Lots of small repairs

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  Be warned!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By mschief - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I was just informed that my focus is corroding from the inside out. Nice huh? The first door went this week, they told me at the dealership they could fix it, but next time (not IF it happens again, but WHEN it happens again) the whole latch assembly will be replaced. The same symptoms have already started on two other doors. This is all besides the O-ring being replaced, the Oxygen sensor dying, and a cylanoid being replaced as well. Anyone want a focus?

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  fordman - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By FATMAN - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THREE TAURUSS BY FAR THIS IS THE WORST ONE YET RIDES ROUGH, AND CONTINULY IN THE SHOP WITH FAULTY SENSORS.

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  DONT DO IT!!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Dankel - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Since the day we brought our Taurus home, it has been nothing but trouble. The head gasket, brake system, pumps, air conditioner compresser, and who knows what else had the car in the shop more than in our driveway. I suggest you continue looking for a better deal. We originally paid 1500 and by the time all repairs were made, we put more than 3000 dollars into it.

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  More Problems More Money !!! - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By MoonNStarsGirl - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought it with 115,000 miles on it. So far I have replaced the Gas tank, Starter, entire exhaust system, 4 wheel drive doesnt work anymore, LOTS of rust, Leaks to name a few power steering,oil,gas.... The brake caliburs went this week and the list goes on !!!!!

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  Ford Contour 1999 - 1999 Ford Contour
  By JoeT56 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been a fairly good car. No engine or major problems at all. I think that the gas mileage could be alot better for a four cylinder. The only horrible problem Ive had is a bad dasboard. I had my dash replaced by the dealer because it warped in the sun peeling back from the defrost vents. The new one did the same thing. The dealer will replace it for about $1200.00 dollars! Theyre stupid. They replaced my defective one with another defective one. Other than that, its been a fairly decent car. Personally, I would not buy another contour, or another Ford. I didnt like the way they handled my dash problem. Very cold, not willing to help solve the problem.

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  What a Headache! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By tfroggin - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Repairs:#1 trunk latch replaced at 15,000mi, #2 rust on trunk 20,000mi, #3 breaks replaced at 28,000mi, #4 left rear door latch replaced 31,000mi, #5 front wheel bearings, sway bars, and tires(because of the wear) replaced 40,000mi, #6 pretty sure it was the rear wheel bearings this time(possibly the front again)about 43,000mi, #7 left rear door latch replaced 54,000mi, #8 and #9 towed twice to dearlership would not start, no cause found, #10 fuel pump replaced 58,000mi, #11 plastic wood grain molding on door broke off just recently. Keep in mind I took the car in for the $200 check up ever 15,000mi.

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  lots of repairs - 1998 Ford Contour
  By jbird1979 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  When I first purchased this car, I should have know things wouldnt go well based on the number of recalls! The fuel filler neck, blower swith, airbag sensors, and transmission gear indicator were all in need of repair. Too bad everything else wasnt covered by recalls or technical service bulletins. Ive had to replace the AC system, cooling fan (twice), thermostat, belt tensioner, and much more. At least its paid for...