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:

• 

  Beware the Performance Pack - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Carlo Falco - December 15 - 1:12 pm

  The PP sets the car up for the racetrack. RACETRACK. Yes, you get Brembo brakes which are astonishing - but the ride quality is very jittery, bumpy and nervous with steering that wants to follow every road imperfection. Felt like driving a car with no suspension whatsoever. In other words, exactly what you want in a track car. I tried but I could not live with The Beast on a daily basis. We live in the country where the roads are not so smooth sometimes and that amplified the rough ride. Because it was so uncomfortable as a daily commuter (35 miles each way), I had to trade mine back in within two weeks . BTW, I am used to sporty cars, having driven a VW GTI for 14 years. Also, being 6 3" it was very hard to get in and out of the car, and I never really found a comfortable seat position. On the plus side - the power is addicting but be ready for 18 mpg overall if you use it often. Manual shifter is excellent. Loved it - but cant live with it.

• 

  Bad Year for Taurus - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By BeltwayBurnout - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it. At first it was a pleasure to drive. The first two years I put 250 miles a day driving to and from work. Not long after I bought it I was replacing parts. A new radiator. A new air conditioning compressor. A new muffler. And brakes -- never could get them fixed properly. Electrical problems left and right. Several wheel boots that froze with winter ice and snow -- that was a bummer. I understand that this was a very bad year to buy a Taurus.

• 

  7 Year Owner Opinion - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By DS2001 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Taurus used in 1997 with about 15,000 mi. I now have almost 115,000 on it and it is starting to give me some big trouble. The tranmission is not shifting from 1st to 2nd properly and jerks. The brake pads wear out quickly.I had to have electrical work done on steering column. Fords should last more than 115,000 before they start tofall apart

• 

  Garage queen - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By jefftp - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The van is decent, when it is running. Comfortable interior, good ride, fairly good power. The killer is reliability. Ours now has 79K miles, and we bought it at 55K miles. We have had to put in new alternator, rebuilt transmission ($$$$$). Interior lights wont go off, and dealer says cant be fixed at reasonable price. Power sliding door wont work, quoted $1,100 to fix. Check engine light is on & there seems to be a short in the electrical system somewhere. Symphony of loud rattles and squeaks comesfrom all corners of the van whenever moving. Decent van, when its running.

• 

  My 2006 Explorer is a lemon - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By roknhrse - December 9 - 5:40 am

  My new 2006 Ford Explorer XLT is a huge lemon. I have a problem with the steering shaft and have no power steering and Ford is not prepared to repair until some time in the 1st quarter of 2006. They are working on it in engineering. They say it is safe to drive. I am in the process of filing with the Better Business Bureau per Fords recommendation because they refuse to do any repair to the vehicle. Ford claims it is an inherent problem in some 2006 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.

• 

  FORDS AC/HEATER - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By TOMP - December 9 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL WORTH THE $$ AS A USED VEHICLE, BUT HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED LEAVING US WITH LITTLE HEAT OR DEFROSTER IN COLORADO. FORD WANTS $1000 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEATER UNIT TO REPAIR A $20 DOOR. THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. tHIS IS MY THIRD FORD BUT LIKELY LAST.

• 

  Sweet Sorrow - 2002 Ford Escape
  By rjc - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Maybe isolated. I traded in my Escape before the 3 year/36000 mile warranty. Had multiple electronic issues. Dash lights would go out, stereo lights, brake lights.They were fairly minor but I wasnt about to keep after warranty expired.Would Still have car otherwise. Its fun to drive, milege wasnt too bad

• 

  My First New Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Lorin Salter - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a way for me to get back and forth from school. Shortly after, however, I moved out of town and, to my displeasure, found that this car is not a long drive type of car. In the city, it does alright, except the fact that it has a horrible vibration that Ive been told cant be fixed. But as far as driving, it is good and saves me quite a bit on gas.

• 

  A good car that stills need improvement. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MLIEB - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Taurus Ive owned, though may be the last unless some improvements are made in the base power and noise level Not as nice as the 93 LX I owned but much quieter than the 97 (sold after 2 weeks because of unbearable road and engine noise). A very sporty feel and tight suspension makes it a fun car to drive with a feeling of safety and comfort. Car has a cozy yet sporty feel. The 155hp Vulcan engine is underpowered, but does get you moving and is "adequate." (Ive tested the 200hp Duratec engine which is like a rocket.) Paid $3300 from a dealer, and I consider it a very good deal. But would not buy another one without improvments.

• 

  2000 contour - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Tony1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car hasnt left me stranded have almost 53K miles. The 4cy w/ auto is good but the MPG could be better. The A/C sucks, I live in Phoenix, and during the summer the A/C has a hard time cooling the inside of the car down.