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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  small problems - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By stan2 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer because it was most relaible at the time of purchase. I enjoy my vehicle but driving so many miles per year the gas mileage is very poor. The resale value is on the poor side. I am having to get the heater coil fixed and it is very expensive.

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  Dont buy a Ford F-150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Derrick Manqueros - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this vehicle, because (2) Ford Dealerships and the manufacturer will not take responsibility for a product that I spent $31,000 on.

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  Still not sure - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Roslyn Levit - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  I just purchased by 2014 Ford Focus in February and after driving it for awhile I was not happy. The jerkiness made me crazy, especially in stop and go traffic. I then received the recall notice about the software update for the transmission. The first two days after I received it, it was worse, but after a couple of weeks it pretty much stopped which is what the dealership told me would happen. The software update made a big difference and I also felt more comfortable putting my foot on the gas. I had become hesitatant because I was afraid of the jerking. I have since received the notice about the transmission extended warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles. I am still not 100% comfortable but felt better than I did in the beginning. Other than the transmission issues, I have enjoyed driving the car. I like the phone Sync, being able to get Sirius.

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  Windstar Reliability - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By CEPJ - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The reliability the 1998 Ford windstar has been poor over the last two years of ownership. At approxiately 98,000 miles we had a new certified Ford transmisson installed. Numerous tie rod ends problems have occured over the last three years. This vechicle was purchased new in August 1998 and has been a one owner family vechicle. Our latest problem has been the failure of a computer module.

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  Worked Great Until 60K - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By challenger867 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car offlease with 35K. I started having problems last year with the electrical system. I just replaced the intake manifold gasket including the bolts, the mass airflow sensor and just about every other sensor to finally get the check engine light off. The light is still off, but is not allright. It continues to have new electrical odd problems that cannot be easily diagnosed or fixed. Do not buy Windstars!

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  Buy This Car If You Hate Yourself - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Arun Singh - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my parents, mainly because they severely disliked driving it. While I am grateful for having a means of transportation, I would have rather had a good used car than a brand new Escort. They had only used it for 2 years when they gave this car to me, and had taken fairly good care of it. I only recently started having problems (when it was roughly four years old) with the transmission and the engine. It has surges of powers and shifts very hard. The interior and exterior styling is forgettable.

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  5 Trannies - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Hoppity - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Just got rid of this thing. I bought it certified used with an extended warranty, with 47,000 miles on it. It now has 84,000 miles on it, and I had 4 transmissions put in it. CD player broke, all of the sensors started going out. Glad to get rid of it. Dont bother with Vista Ford of Oxnard if you have a problem. Go up the road a few miles to Mel Clayton in Santa Barbara.

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  What can go wrong next? - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Emac - June 18 - 2:00 am

  At 64,000 miles, I had to replace tie rod ends and my transmission. Dont know if I should sell and cut my losses or just keep replacing parts!

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  dont buy 1 - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ihatemytauraus - June 17 - 2:00 am

  bought this car with 86,000 miles from a certified dealership. since then ive replaced the transmission 4 times and have had to replace the entire engine. a truly poorly built car. the only reason i still have it is because i still owe money for the piece of junk. DONT BUY ONE. STAY AWAY FROM FORDS ALL TOGETHER!!!

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  I hate this car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dunndee - June 16 - 11:23 pm

  I am in the process of looking for a different car. I have had nothing but problems from this car from day one, and I bought it brand new. Tires, ignition, fuel pump, fuel lines, stereo, brakes, paint chipping, gas door, you name it, I have had it. Like other reviewers said, Ford does not care. I know it was the first year for this car, but they should fix what they have done wrong. It also has no power when air is on.