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 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 1230 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I never could get more than 16 m.p.g. in the city and 20 in the stix

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  Very Disapointed - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Cosgrove - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car because we liked the styling, safety and size. Went for a loaded SEL because we planned to pay it off and keep it for 8-10 years. Suddenly, with 55k miles, the car just stops. It will only go into reverse. We have it towed to the shop and find out we need a new transmission for $2500! Looking through the internet I find dozens of people that have had the exact same problem. How Ford can state or even imply that they build quality vehicles is beyond me, this will be the very last Ford product I ever purchase. I want my money back!

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  Ok vehicle but a new problem every month - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By SHELL - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 13k miles. It was a good purchase price possibly too good to be true. I have had problems with engine knocking since it was under warranty. The service manager said - we cant find anything it must just be bad fuel. To this day (80K miles later) it still knocks. The brakes squeal no matter what you do to them. Now the air conditioner has decided to work when it wants - I live in the south so this car will be traded in very soon. I really wanted this car but it is always something. It may be minor or major but it will keep you busy driving to a mechanic!

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  LUV my Ford But!!! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By CJ Ford - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my favorite ford of the 5 I have owned, all 150 and 250 4x4s. However this is the most expensive truck I have owned. I have replaced the auto tranny, head gaskets, instrument cluster, both power door lock units and after several attemps to correct the left rear wheel locking up when applying a cold brake, i just gave up. It will turn heads and is a pleasure to drive when not driving the the local dealer service department! Oh, the top of the engine makes too much noise on a cold start.

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  What happened to Quality being Job 1? - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Detroit - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle but everything fell apart after 70000 miles: tranny @ 93k, radiator @ 100k, transfer case @ 105k. Never buy a leased SUV, you dont know what someone did to it. Overall though, I am very disappointed and would not recommend a Ford SUV to anyone. Maybe mine was just a lemon waiting to happen, but Ill never get another Ford SUV again. I cant even begin to say all the things that have gone wrong.

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  A dull Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By EdgeownerVA - May 7 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in June with high hopes, Im over 6ft. After living with the vehicle I am sadly disappointed in its comfort. If your over I say 510 you need not apply. The seat bottom cushions are far to short to offer support for longer legs. The footwell for the driver is short on space also, making driving very uncomfortable and your only relief is when you go to cruise control on a hwy. Despite the suspect claims of good gas mileage from other reviewers the gas mileage stinks, only 18 for a 6cyl. is absurd. An Expedition gets as good. I was only getting 10 at first. Im light footed on the gas so I dont hotdog. Im looking for a new vehicle.

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  Ford lost a repeat customer - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By jimmck - May 4 - 2:00 am

  2nd Expedition for this family. First was a 99 XLT - no major problems (windshield wiper issue - and rear wiper motor went - thats it) in 66K miles. 02 Eddie Bauer (subject of this review): After 44K miles: Rear sensing system failed. Drivers heated seat element failed. Minor build issues (annoying) - headlight/foglamp switch fell apart, read quarte pop-out windows always noisy when operating. Transmission FAILED at 44K miles. Ford/dealer not standing behind their product means that I will look at the competition when the lease expires. Ford / dealer - you lost a repear customer.

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  Sadly disappointed - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By boizmom - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Windstar we have been afflicted with. The first was a 1999 and we finally got rid of it because in the heat, the rear sliding doors would pop ajar. This new one has also had issues with the sliders ( the same issue). Now, I am finding plenty of little things going wrong. I am just tired of spending my time in the dealership. We have also discovered that the rear heating system is poorly designed. There is a vent aimed at the drivers seat. So, when the kids are cold, but the driver is warm, too bad for the driver (or the kids)- the driver roasts while the kids still shiver.

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  Dependable - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jrossodi - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car wont die. It has had a few minor expectable problems, such as brakes, tires, battery, etc. But the engine is tough, the mileage is great, an it has NEVER missed a start in its 8 years of life. I am now looking for another one for my son, same year. I know what to expect from the Escort.

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  1999 Ford Windstar SEL - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By psalm37v11 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Too many mechanical failures. Required immediate replacement of power steering pump when brand new. Has needed two rebuilt transmissions in less than 80,000 miles at over $2,000 apiece. Neither transmission incident was covered under any warranty. In short, total cost of ownership of this vehicle is way too high. It was expensive to buy initially, and the repair costs make it infeasible to keep.