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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  Ok Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Tuko - April 14 - 6:05 pm

  Just turned in 2013 Fusion Hybrid at end of 3 year lease. Nice looking car. Pretty good mileage averaged around 41 mpg over the lease term which isnt bad but not up to advertising. MySync was a pain in the butt to get working properly. Trunk space severely limited by battery pack. Main complaint was the 13 gallon gas tank. Prior Fusions/MKZs hybrids had the standard 17.5 gallon tank. So, even with the great mileage, I was still having to fill up more often. After lease was up, went out and purchased a used 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid with the larger tank. Same great gas mileage. Good looking car. More pep than the Fusion for whatever reason. Maybe fill it up once per month. With most hybrids, mileage is better in the city than on the highway. Winter weather also takes a toll but heck, any car getting in the high 30s to high 40s in gas mileage is pretty good and for my two cents, the MKZ/Fusions look a heck of a lot better than a Prius. One more issue... passenger seat was not adjustable. Passenger feels like he/she is sitting in a bathtub. If buying used, make sure car has power passenger and driver seats.

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  do all fords suck? - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By tonya ogden - April 14 - 2:00 am

  problems with the transmission, motor, battery, speed sensor, door panels, heater, windshield wipers, power seats, 2 tires were on the car were the wrong size, and head gaskets, there is more but i lost track.

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  steering problems - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By middleaged - April 13 - 2:00 am

  While the car was under warranty, the rack and pinion steering had to be replaced 3 times. It is in need of another steering mechanism at this time. For some reason, the dealership service department cannot explain why this keeps happening. Sensors go out with no prior warning, and suspension is terrible. I would never purchase another Taurus.

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  Sad Tale of My Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By the_five_js - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 95 Windstar 1 yr old with 15K mi. At first it ran well, great comfort and ride. Then came head gasket failure, resulting in engine rebuild. Ford recalled engines, a year after $4000 bill. Also replaced brake system (2x), trans, speedo head (3x @ $350 a pop). The door ajar chime always turned on/off at random. Towards the end cruise control and FI system failed. I got 140K miles out of this beast, but at WAY too high a cost of ownership. Just donated it to charity since repair estimates were greater than value. To anyone considering Windstars (any year but especially 95), be smart and look elsewhere -- no matter what the price!

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  Not Happy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ZEBRA - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car was o k until I had to have the valve cover gaskets replaced $450.Ford put faulty gaskets on these engines.caused intake manifold to leak air.engine ping unaceptable. This will be my last Ford. now power steering is broken.whats to love about that??gas milege is bad.

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  Lizs Review (If u want ford please read - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ElizabethSal - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my taurus, i have been driving it for a while. its over a hundred thousand miles and its just started giving me problems so i cant say that it was a lemon. but now that the problems have started they will not stop. The e.g.r. sensor keeps messing up. transmission is dying. let me tell you that i get it fixed at ford dealership so they should know how to fix it but i keep taking it back with in a week of getting my car back from service for the same problems. I replaced my engine gasket pan but it keeps leaking.... look i love my car but i learned that i need to just lease and not get attached to a FORD.

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  Ranger Sport, 4x4, Extended Cab XL/XLT - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Lisa Nunes - April 8 - 2:00 am

  At 23,000 miles the drive shaft was already replaced twice. At 40,000 miles she has a cracked transfer case and at 80,000 a new transmission. a loud engine and a constant clunking when shifting gears makes its a poor buy. I suppose the only thing to love is the price. Fords response? Its normal! Look else where.......

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  fair - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jose antonio - April 8 - 2:00 am

  needs to have better gas milege

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  F.O.R.D.= Fix Or Repair Daily - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Catfish - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Within the first yr I had to get another trans put in. Then the gas gage stopped functioning, so I had to count and keep track of my my miles. I was told by Ford that it might cost me over $300 to fix whatyever the problem was, fuel sender,gage,gas tank, etc,etc. The second yr I started hearing noises up front whenever I engaged the 4 wheel drive. Theres something wrong with the way the wheels engage when the 4 wheel is put on. Thats going to cost me about $600 to fix. This past month,(march), the trans went again. Another $1600 for a so-called remanufactured one with a one yr or 12,000 mile warranty.

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  Good Family SUV All Around - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Willis - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2000 because our family needed a larger vehicle than our 1998 Ford Explorer. I had earlier looked at Expeditions and really liked the looks in 1998 and wanted one. It drives well and has really good reliabiliy. The only problem so far was an odd, groaning idling at stoplights, but it has been fixed and not as problematic. If you are considering any Expedition, I think you will find it at least plaeasing.