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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  All before 20,000 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TinkerM - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Well, the first thing was the battery it went within a month would not hold water, had to wait until they got another from Mexico? And when installed they left it filthy. Second was the drivers window, when lowered was rubbing on panel had to be replaced. Third, a recal for staling at 40 or over MPH we inquired and were told it was not a 2002 problem as with the 2000s and 2001s. And the most scary the bearings were going out on the front wheels. We noticed on right turns around bends going over 40 a noise, thank someone above we did not let it go. We swore no more American Cars and now are back to that.

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  Donalds windstar review - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Donald D. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I, too am tired of spending so much time in the dealership. 37,000 miles are on the odometer and it has had 9 trips to the dealership. I once was an avid Ford fan. After this Ill never buy one again.

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  Nice SUV - Needs some improvement - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mike0202 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My two biggest complaints is the fuel economy (typical of all SUVs, and some mechanical issues. I do allot of driving, however I wish there was a diesel model available! Regarding the maintenance. Absolutely get an extended service plan. It is worth every penny. My Explorer has 50,000 miles on it...and approximately $2,000 worth of mechanical issues have had to be contended with. Maintenance is to be expected from a used car. However, I am thankful that the repairs have been on their dime and not mine. Buy this car if you can get all the maintnence records to ensure that the major stuff has been repaired or get an extended service plan.

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  Lives up to its name. - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By A.J. M. - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Alright, I bought my 93 with 117,998 on the clock and a 5.0L engine. She rode like a dream and still does but she is a high maintainence machine. Ive spent almost half of what I paid for her in repairs in less than a year later. Some of the problems recur.. like the cooling issue, this is my 3rd thunderbird, I previously had an 83 and a 90. Had cooling problems with all three.

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  ok car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By sfawcett2003 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  a lot of things have went wrong on the car. it gets u from point a to b and sometimes c however. i would not recomend buying this car unless it is the only thing in ur price range.

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  Not worth the high sticker price - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sangelaspop - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had alot of minor problems overs the years,especially the wheel area. Have problems with tire inside/outside tire wear. Have had two alignments, shocks all the way around,problems with led on radio/CD player, etc... Not too bad I guess, considering the amount of miles driven. But it nickles & dimes you. Probably the worst Ford Ive ever owned. Miss my SHO!

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  Fun car with a lot of problems - 2008 Ford Escape
  By brandi - July 11 - 1:56 am

  Bought this car in July 08. Replaced an 06 Ford Escape. Have had nothing but problems. I love the car design, comfort, features. So far I have had it in the shop 4 times, in 4 months! Starting with a steering problem. The left boot shaft keeps slipping. Ford has informed me that they have no fix and to just keep bringing it back in. replaced shocks, struts, set toe, recalibrated steering wheel, caster camber,alingment etc. all within 3,000 miles. Now at 8,000 miles, I have taken it in for a right front half shaft leak, cv boot, which leaked on and blew the engine sensor. Replaced the engine sensor, oxygen sensor, instrument panel. Now the steering is sloppy again and taking it back again!

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  If You Like Sloppy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Yuck - July 10 - 1:10 pm

  This truck has the WORST manual transmission Ive ever driven. Shifting from 1st to 2nd is impossible to do without forcing/grinding the stick into position. Shifting down from 3rd to 2nd IS impossible unless you are travelling at less than 5 mph. I took the truck into the dealer to have them check the transmission. They said it is normal. Ive had several manual transmission vehicles in my life, and this is the absolute worst.

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  sell 450.00 - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Mitch Christmas - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Lot of miles but properly matained needs a driver side window Needs to be cleaned up Two new front tires Needs Rear tires. This van would get you to and from its not new but it is reliable.

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  What a rip-off - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Vada - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Broken speaker, squeaky brakes, smell coming throught the vent, stalling. What more can I say? LEMON. I do not feel safe driving my son around in this car. Everything else is fixed, but the dealer cant seem to find the reason for the stalling. Need to get rid of it and buy something else.