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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  Its been good until now - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By boyer - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had our van for 8 years. We have not had to put any money into this van until now. On a road trip the transmission goes out. We had to put out $2300 to get a rebuilt trans. I have a feeling that this is not the last of the problems to come. Hopefully I can talk my husband into getting rid of this van before anything else happens. Check engine light wont go off. Scary!!!

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  Not Again!!! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By All wrong - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Taurus. The first had trans problems (1990). I decided to give it a try again. I purchased it slightly used with a warranty. It was loaded and a great size for my family. There was a trans problem with the car (55000 miles on it). The dealer fixed it before I took it home. Since that time this car had a lot of problems. Serpentin belt cracked, needed new hoses & plugs, brought it back 4 times for the transmission, and then this weekend I opened the trunk and found 3 inches of water in the spare tire well. The whole trunk was wet. It had (66000 miles on it). It also needed more maintenance.

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  Heat/Cool Seats - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ford = no quality - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I got my expedition b/c my lincoln ls was a lemon and ford bought it back. I have had my expedition since Aug of 2002. The heat/cool seats have not worked since I have had the car. First it was the drivers side and now it is the passenger side. This past Saturday was my fourth time for the passenger side. I sat for 3 hours for them to tell me it still does not work. Now they are going to order a new seat bottom. If it still does not work they will have to replace the whole seat. Ford sells their products as being quality products. Also, my memory seats dont always move the side mirrors to the correct position.

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  Buyer Beware - 2012 Ford Focus
  By junk7 - October 2 - 5:56 pm

  This is a very nice car in concept but not in execution. 2500 miles and nothing but problems. The transmission is very troubling; very noisy, shakes, vibrates and hesitates at low speeds. The Mytouch system with navigation works very sporadically. problems - volume will suddenly go up to full blast, system will lock up (nothing works), Navigation system will report card not found and several other issues. Had to replace front seat covers as they creased and stretched ridiculously, the center of the steering wheel popped off 2x. Very frustrating as Ford insist that transmission is normal - very sad if this is normal. MyTouch system is soo poor, all they say an update is coming? Sad

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  Nothing nice - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Phet - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light on all the time. I have had it in twice hooked up to computers and they cant figure out why the engine light is on.

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  9 years of experience.... - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By kenshin - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Its been 9 years since i got this 5.0 Mustang GT... its too bad that i had to buy automatic transmission... so far in 9 years it had one major problem and few minor problems... such as winshield wiper motor,rattling sounds from doors and shocks when driving on the rough streets...and the biggest one was the transmission... which i think its got to do with automatic transmission in 200+HP 5.0 liter engine equiped sports car..... (i guess automatic transmission couldnt handle the way i drive...) except from these problem car is still running fine and it certainly is not out of fashioned for 9 year old car...

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  Not too impressed - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By buckwheat - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Taurus, and overall is a decent package. Since new, it didnt idle smooth, ran rough, and surged when stopped in gear. After 400 miles Ford replaced half of the fuel system and fixed a rattle in the front inner fender. These are common issues. The first 4k or so I never got better than 20 MPG, but now I get 19 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway and average 22 mpg overall. The biggest gripe I have is with the seating. After driving long periods of time gives me back trouble. The root of the issue is the driverÂ’s floorboard. As it comes back to the drivers seat it narrows and leaves little room.

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  Dont Buy - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never again Ford - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Very poor reliability. Too many recalls.

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  PROBLEMS - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BRUSH26 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  HAD IN THE SHOP IN THE FIRST MONTH. HAD IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES NOW. CAR DIES ALL OF THE SUDDEN. SYCRONIZERS IN TRANS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 2. NEED MORE POWER. SHIFTER FEELS LIKE YOU ARE ROWING A BOAT. EXPECT MORE FROM THE NEW LINE IN 2005.

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  Automatic Transmission Problems - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ootpa - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My family members have bought approximately 10 Ford vehicles since we purchased a 1988 Aerostar. All have been exceptional vehicles except for our recent experience with our 1997 Explorer. The transmission began having shifting problems at 62K. When I returned it to the dealer, I was told we needed a remanufactured transmission which cost $2400. Quite a shock and no explanation from the dealer except "it happens." Appealing to Ford directly.