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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  SUV has lasted despite recalls - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By C. Bright - February 28 - 2:00 am

  My 96 Explorer still looks good & drives well. It hasnt been driven hard - its spent more days at the airport than off-roading. I get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so and I havent spent much time at all at the repair shop (new brake pads and a new thermostat). Its been recalled twice: once because of the infamous Firestone tires, and once for for something having to do a weak front stabilzer bar link (granted, both pretty serious). I have to say I wasnt too impressed with the way it drove until after I replaced the Firestone tires with 4 brand new Michelins. They made a huge difference in stability and handling.

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  2001 Escpe Power Steering Problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jc of the north - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall I have enjoyed this vehicle. It rides well and handles very well on snow and ice. Lots of power with the six and great passenger room. I dont like the amount of wind noise . I have also had some problems with the power steering system. Had a hose come off and covered the engine compartment with fluid. Was told this is a common problem with this model. Presently the vehicle is sitting in the shop waiting for a power steering pump. We are at two weeks and counting. Were told that the dealership has a couple more Escapes with the same problem sitting and waiting as well. This does not insire confidence in the maintainability of this vehicle.

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  Unique Ford Aerostar XL Sport - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By S. Hauer - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car!! It does seem to have a problem with the differential (a clunk noise. And the ignition switch is particular, but I can easily demonstrate how to line up the key properly. (Minor problem) The driver sits up high for good vision. Good loading space and a rack on top. The sport model.

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  Hits where it hurts - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Dave H - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased for way below book and made up the difference in repairs. Power steering, torshion bars, shocks, ignition and ABS all repaired in 14 months. Every 3 months I was in getting something else fixed. $2000 out the window. Anyone want to buy a Ford?

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  Dont Walk, Run From a 1999 Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mroberts35 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Windstar used from a dealership. It had 36,000 miles when we bought it and we thought we were getting a good deal. The engine light went on befor we got it home from the dealer. Thank goodness for the extended warrenty we bought, and a good dealership, becasue the light went on 4 more time within the next 4,000 miles. I had read about all the problems others had had but we bought it anyway, figuring who writes in good reviews. Now I know why they were all bad. Dont buy this car..please!

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Felito - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and I had numerous problem issues with it. The interior cheap plastic broke on numerous occassions, Passenger shoulder harness housing, cuptray, etc. Drivers window motor broke twice in 4 yrs. time. Transmission went out at 52k miles. I am an aircraft mechanic and I maintained this car twice as better as the recommended maintenance intervals. I purchased a 2002 Toyota Corolla brand new it has 62000 miles now and still has not given me any problems. I am convinced that if you want a dependable transportation car you need to buy a Japanese one. I will never buy american junk again.

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  Another FORD Glitch - 1997 Ford Contour
  By gprabaka - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The biggest problem I have with this car is the Check Engine Light. Every other year it comes on and I have to go and spend about $500-600 to get it fixed. That is why I give it a 2 on reliability.

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  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By gburritt - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is an okay car to purchase. The price makes it an attractive buy. However, weve had a Chevy Venture and notice that the leg room is much less in the Windstar than the Venture. Good pickup. Avg. MPG = city--> 14 Highway 18.

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  Terrible fuel mileage - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By GI JOE - February 18 - 4:03 am

  I average 21 mpg with a best of 24.3. I brought the SUV into Ford and they claim it gets 31.3mpg. I had an independent garage test it and it was 21 mpg. I checked it manually, and the on board PC fuel is on the money, 21 mpg. I have the AWD model and no matter what I do or how much I baby it I cannot get better than 24.3. The engine runs if any accessories are on. The engine also kicks in after 25 mph and right away if any upgrade. Overall I like the Escape hybrid, but I feel cheated after paying an extra $12,000 to be green. Figure 20% less mileage off EPA listing and the nav stinks. Maybe Ford should see what Toyota is offering. I own 2 new Fords but dont think I will again.

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  Be Careful - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Jim/Jenna - February 17 - 2:00 am

  We owned it for 2 months with no problems. Then we had to drive to Texas. On the 2nd day of our journe the fan was torqued off and hit the waterpump.(We were pulling a 88 Bronco 2). So we got the waterpump replaced. Then 40mi down the road it happened again, this time it broke the waterpump and the radiator. So we fixed all that and another 50 miles later the fuel pump and fuel filter went bad. So all and all between having to be towed and getting parts fixed it cost us about $1000. Also the back windshield stopped working fom the rear and the switch had to be relaced on the dash. You also cant roll the passenger window back up from the drivers side.