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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  Fun to Drive Expensive to fix. - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Erinf - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in 2000, off a lease. Got the extended warranty. Until 60k the car was fine. I had one transmission problem, which the dealership fixed and gave me a rental for a week. At around 60k things got scarey. Repairs in the 2-3k range, all over the place. It like the car had been built to survive just past the warranty then totally fall apart... hondas and toyotas dont do this, why do fords?

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  2000 Explorer - watch the transmission - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By V12Merlin - February 2 - 2:00 am

  It appears the 2000 Explorer was built to last around 60,000 miles. Our 2000 Eddie Bauer is now falling apart with barely 65,000 miles. Most recently, we discovered Ford put a $50 transmission in a $36,000 vehicle. The transmission is going out. Shocking, considering 90% of this vehicles miles were on the highway in overdrive and has NEVER towed anything! From the repair shops, Im hearing Ford put far too flimsy a unit in the V6 Explorers. Many do not last as long as mine.

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  My 3rd GT love em but need to be... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By fredstangs - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The mustangs need to be built more solid and stronger, and must have better traction when weather is out. But great car I love it, (needs more horsepower to keep steady and compete with the other muscle cars out there, like japanese and german power!)

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  Problems with 99 Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mjrmc - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Liked this car initially, however, developed a "check engine" light problem that persisted for several months and about $1100+ dollars later. Also had suspension problems in front. Engine was stalling and running rough. Not Ok for me, this car has low mileage (65K) and shouldnt be like this. Can you say Toyota or Nissan??

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  Ford = high maintenance - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By FormerFordFan-2 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  While in warranty I was forced to visit the dealer 4 times for repairs. But it was after the warranty expired that things really started to go wrong. Having spent over $9,000 in repairs since the warranty expired I am convinced that Ford sold me a defective vehicle and are continuing to sell this same vehicle still today. Sure the new one looks different, buts thatÂ’s just marketing hype. Inside this vehicle hasnÂ’t changed, just ask any honest engineer or maintenance tech at Ford and they will tell you that the changes are cosmetic.

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  Mechanical deficiencies - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Wayne Hopp - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I leased my car for two years before I purchased it in Dec02.Sincr the leased ended,I have replaced inner,outer tie- rods,replaced bushings on the right rear,replaced the brakes three times on 38000 miles.I now am faced with replacing the ABS motor sytem controller.The car runs hard and noisy.I would not recommend a ZX2 to anybody as the kinks were never corrected.Ford Motor Co.,completely turned there assistance away claiming warranty.This was my fourth Ford and LAST Ford

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  Do not buy this car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By EX-FordFan - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the looks fool you, this car is very spacious, comfortable, and has some good features. Its a bummer is that ford cut out some features on the later models like, rear disc brakes, rear vents, gear indicator on dash, and subwoofer. Also, do not go to Power Ford of Huntington Beach. I had a horrible experience with RB Bradley, who wouldnÂ’t fix my car when I told him what was wrong and threatened to call the cops on me when I refused to pay the bill until spoke to the manager who was on vacation for 2 days. Ford ESP is worthless when you have to deal with b$ to get anything fixed. For more information on the taurus check out taurusclub [dot] com

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By 2bit - January 19 - 2:00 am

  During the first 2 months, this thing had more rattles than my 2yr olds toybox. Mysterious pieces of metal found in door. Thank goodness for gravity eventually fixing the rest that the dealer couldnt find. Have had the enigine light come on twice and had a anti-freeze light come on from a failed sensor. Warranty (I know why they only come with 3 yrs) ran out last month and now there is a funny, speed dependant sound coming from underneath the car. At least I didnt get one that has the mysterious stalling feature. This is the last Ford I will buy ... ever!

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  No More Windstars - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DJL - January 18 - 2:00 am

  We had many problems with the automatic rear sliding doors not closing all the way. Too noisy when driving on the highway. Gas mileage is poor. Resale value is terrible.

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  engine noise - 1999 Ford F-150
  By machinerep - January 13 - 2:00 am

  My 99 f150 had about 85,000 mile on it and the engine started making noise when I start the truck up when it has been sitting for awhile the engine makes a rattling noise the noise sounds like a rod knock I change the oil every 3 thousand miles. I am not happy with the engine quality I had a chevy blazer I put 240, miles on it plus plowed with it for three years and the engine was still quiet. This pickup is not used for heavy towing I use it back and forth for work and tow a little trailer. I do believe my next truck will be a chevy it has 100, on it right now I am hoping nothing happens I have to let the truck sit and warm up before driving.