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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  nice but unreliable - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By AlexVishnu - April 6 - 2:00 am

  purchased used with only 57K. Very roomy and comfortable. Steering and suspension built excellent for long interstae rides - the driver does not tired, the front passanger can read or sleep. Therefore poor handling on twisty mountain roads: you need to react earier than usual, but I got used to it. I didnt like the seats. but again no seat is comfortable for everyone, my wife liked it. Head gusket failed at 63K, a disgusting knock in the engine emerged soon after that. Starter died at 75K. Now (98K) there is a problems with either driveaxle or differential. 18-21 MPG city, 22-26 highway. Average for 6 cyl in 94

• 

  dead ar 177 - 1993 Ford Probe
  By devil6 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car with all its power. Had problems at the get go and had the tranny replaced under warranty at 40000. Muffler is expensive and have replaced 3 times in 10 years. Had power brakes disconnected 3 years ago when they malfuntioned on the highway and dealship couldnt figure out the problem. Catalytic is now gone and the powersteering has malfunctioned for the 5th time and its off to the scrapeheap for this puppy. Got stolen once, attempted once more and broken into 2 more times in 4 years (I do not live in a bad area, either!)

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  was the truck of my dreams - 1999 Ford F-150
  By read this - April 5 - 2:00 am

  In june 2001 I bought a 99 modle with only 17000 on it . Since then I had to have 2 coils put in under warr. In 03 for some reason the gasket around the rear sliding window sank in but the dealer would not replace it. and the extended would not cover . again in 03 the trucks drivers door started tearing the meatle at the bottom of the window at the rear corner. The dealer said it was common. not covered under extened warr. now the odometer comes and gos the dealer will fix it if I pay another $50. and it is one of the warr. codes in their computer.There is a drive train vibration from rear. the automatic transmittion sucks and truck dosnt handle.

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  Ignition Cylinder Locks - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Focus ZX3 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car in for the same problem 4 times. The ignition cylinder locks up and leaves me stranded, and the only option is to having it towed. 6months later back in the dealer same problem, old part number again. 3months later same problem but new part number.(as if a new part # really helps) They say the key is the problem and thats what causing it to lock up. Itll cost $150 to cut new keys. This of course isnt under warranty..If they had any custumer service this wouldnt be an issue and would of all been handle at the inital repair process.

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  Lost My Shirt along with My Patience - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dissappointed_buyer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this van because of a growing family and its crash ratings. Fine for the first 3yrs/30K miles. At 35K: engine knock-$600 (warranty expired). At 38K: new transmission(dealership had bungled the Ford After Warranty Program that would have saved us $$)negotiated $1500, Ford Motor Co wouldnt talk to us. At 39.5K miles engine knock was back. Dealership est. $1300. Took it to a mechanic who spent 2 days - made "some" improvements for $300 and advised me to get rid of it. I did. Also had a few intermintant problems: cabin light flashing & warning signal sounding for no apparent reason. Good Ridence.

• 

  this car sucks - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By kirgo - April 1 - 2:00 am

  when I get this car, it seems to be a good deal... what a mistake, transmission really bad, and nobody can say what is wrong, and the brakes, I have to change rotors every six months, definitly never gonna buy a Ford again.

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  Buy with caution - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mario starr - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Paid too much for the van to benign with that was my fault. Let me begin by listing the numerous problems I’ve encounter as an owner of a “Quality” Ford product: Power steering pump, water pump gasket, lower intake gasket, popping noise from front end, A/C condensation leaked inside van, shifting cable, speedometer, door ajar caution light works intermittently, intake breaker valve ($200)... My local dealership has been very friendly to me while they have me over this barrel called Windstar.

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  Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jeff G - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 3 yrs ago,vehicle was a year old with 15,000 miles.Beutiful van seemed to be a bargain at $17,700.Now it,s barely worth anything with 45,000 miles,the tranny clunks like it may fall out at any time.Front end alignment is needed every 3-4 months,alot of vibration in steering upon interstate driving.Also luggage rack paint falling off.We are tring despertly to get it traded in so I dont have to try and sell it myself.I am afraid I would give it away!

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  Ready to Trade - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Robertm - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have two fords so I don carry the keyfob sfor both.I got frozen out of the vehcile twice last winter because there is no key cylinder on the driver side which is annoying. For the price of the vehicle ford can put a $10 cylinder in there not going to loose money. I have also had problems with the rear winshield. What really gets me the most is the 11 mpg when I tow withit and 20 without. It is a bad engine/tranny combo for towing anything on the heavier side of the tow range

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  It EXPLODED! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Denise - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I HAD pretty good luck with my Explorer...until yesterday. I was literally just driving (NO BUMPS) down the road yesterday and the whole back window EXPLODED into my truck. The metal the encases the window was also completely bent out. I will now be without a car for at least a week and a half with no real solution for getting around. The dealership claims that they have seen this problem a lot recently and that its a design flaw. How about a RECALL? Someone could have been seriously hurt if they had been in the backseat!