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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  Comfortable Drive and Expensive Repairs - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Don Tucci - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 1996 Ford Windstar GL in April of 1999 (28,500 miles). The car performed solidly to about 68,000 miles. At this point, the engine cooling gasket went bad and the entire engine needed replaced. Ford replaced the engine at a local dealer, but it still cost me about $1000.00. Now at 90, 000 Miles I am having a multitude of problems. Speedometer broken, re- winshield washer motor burnt out, wheel sensor failing, and transmission beginning to slip.

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  Great Truck but WEAK TRANSMISSION - 1999 Ford F-150
  By texastman - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Great truck except for the total transmission failure @ 65,000. All service had been done but Ford said tuff luck and I paid $2400 for a replacement from Ford

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  Run Away - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By schmuck - September 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car for our college bound daughter, within a week it stranded her: ablown fuse with no known cause. Finally get it back, stranded her again, blown head gasket, leaking radiator, and now the tranny is acting up too. A knowledgible mechanic told to get rid of these before they hit 120k, ours has 101k. Im looking at a $1000 repair bill on acar that I paid $500 too much for.

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  DONT DO IT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By codilh - September 18 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!! Ive had more problems with the Ford Escape than any other vehicle that Ive ever owned. 550 miles - all new gas lines 15000 miles - new transmission 16000 miles - leaking windows, windows off track 30000 miles - new brakes & rotors new accelorator pedal & throttle new stearing gear

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  Dont Buy This Ford Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By RickB - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle based on the Consumer Reports review. The Ford ran fine for a couple of years and then the problems started. In the past 8 years, we have replaced the starter 4 times, the fuel pump 3-4 times, had the transmission worked on, the radiator replaced, as well as one head and head gaskets replaced. In addition to many other mechanical problems, such as the two rear power windows failing. Whatever you do, stay away from Fords 3.8L V8 engine and transmission. The 3.0L is much better, and Ford no longer makes the 3.8L engine. They were problem prone from Day 1.

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  DREAM CAR - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tom - September 12 - 8:40 pm

  I bought mine 4/17 with 98K. Have been wanting a V6 5-sp, 05-09 vintage for years. The engine is fine. Sounds good. Great mileage. Good power. I pride myself on smooth take-off and gear changes, but this is the orneriest transmission Ive ever used! The difference between idle and 4000 rpm is about 1/8" on the gas pedal, so starting-out without either stalling or way over-revving takes a LOT of finesse. Gear changes are very difficult to master smoothly without lurching. The ride is very harsh with a lot of road noise, which I suppose goes with a quasi high-performance car. My 01 S-10 is quieter and smoother. All that said, its a smokin hot looking car, and still fun to drive. This was the first-off of the modern Stangs. Hopefully these problems have been ironed-out since.

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  Its all about the engine - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Ben H. - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an OK value when it comes to used cars that is, until the car reaches 70k miles or so and blows a head gasket. I have never had a car that has gone to pot with so few miles on it. It was pampered by my grandmother for many years before I got it, so I know that it was taken care of. Since I bought it, it has done nothing to take care of me. I sank nearly $500 into it before I my mechanic informed me that it would need a new head gasket (to the tune of $1500), not to mention developing transmission problems (which could cost an additional $1500). What a lemon! Ill certainly junk it before I sink twice as much as its worth into repairing it.

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  Little things...became big annoyances - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Melissa - September 8 - 1:36 pm

  I traded my Edge...Im 57 even though there is head room in interior of car..the design of the door is lacking...bumped my head getting out all the time and my seat was lowered...it is the curve that is not in a good spot and passengers said the same thing...the lights are horrible..they dont seem bright enought at all...technology seems great at first but is distracting and hard to control while driving...a pain...review mirror is dimmed at night and awkward...vision issues on side of car while looking to turn...door ajar control issues with hatch...traded it in for a Sorento

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  5 time Explorer owner - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bonnhomm - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Brand new with vehicle, but I have been a long time Explorer owner. Already very disappointed with the mileage, and the fact that I was misled on the mpg mileage by the dealer. Other than that, it seems fine.

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  Good Power, but..... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By revgod - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to pull my 19 Robalo fishing boat here and there, which it does SURPRISINGLY well. Took it 585 miles to Lake Powell, no problem) Worked a little hard on the grades, but maintained 60mph most of the time, AND managed about 12mpg. I added an air lift airbag suspension system which is a MUST. It was 100 degrees, and the temp. guage never budged! That 5.0 V8 is pretty outstanding. BUT....man, this thing rides HARSH.... even after new, softer shocks, it beats ya up a bit. But hey, its a truck. The check engine light comes on frequently, indicating a faulty gas cap. One of the o2 sensors needed replacing at about 55,000 miles.