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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  Fords Faulty Transmissions - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Fords victim - July 30 - 2:00 am

  At 50,000 mi the tranmission had to be replaced due to "neutraling out" at stops. At 36000 mi on the 2nd trans, a major leak of the pan gasket and the torque converter seal. If we hadnt bought the extended powertrain warranty, we would have paid out $2M to fix all the trans probs. Sensor problems repeatly with the doors. Wont ever buy another Ford product even though weve been longtime Ford owners. Fords cust. service motto must be:"Deny!Deny!Deny!". Just ask Firestone.

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  Never Again! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Denney - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought our van with 40000 miles on it. At 50000 miles the tranny went out and then again at 100000 miles. I cant tell you how many times I have replaced the brakes. I will never buy another late model Ford in my life. We are going to trade it in on a Honda Pilot Next month.

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  My last Ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By enaj - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Cute van, we thought, but the problems with the electricals (faulty warning lights, seatbelt and key tones etc) were endless. I stopped fixing them when the warranty expired. In the last year we replaced transmission, alternator, head gasket, and the brakes have worn down to the metal every year. We now drive a Honda, and will never go back to Ford.

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  Good Gas Mileage? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tomanycars - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I like my Escape on all fronts except for one area. Fuel Mileage! No matter how lightly I use the accelerator and how easy to stop I make, the best it manages to get is 21 MPG. For all of the technology available this vehicle should get almost 28mpg. If Honda can build a 250hp V-6 for the Saturn VUE and it gets 28-30 mpg why cant Ford build an engine that gets comparable mileage?

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  Going, going, gone! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By scottyg - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Great value for the money. This car will give Vette owners, including the Z06ers, nightmares, if they dont know how to drive their car-and there are many of those out there. Priced about 15k less than a Z06 too. Overall build quality, fit and finish of ugly plastic could be better. Next generation should improve in these areas.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Icarusavid - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck in Oct 2002 as I needed the extended cab. I also have a Chevy S10 reg. cab and realized it was not roomy enough for traveling. Quite frankly I wanted another Chevy but there were none to be found. I liked the looks of the Ranger Edge and how it sits up higher, but soon found out it was not all I thought it would be. The 3.0 V6 engine just doesnt seem peppy enough especially on the highway. The engine is noisy and the steering isnt as responsive as Im used to.

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  Big Mistake - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By trina - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 T-Bird with 54,000 miles on it. Within a year I replaced the motor for the idle, the starter, the alternator, and now the transmission is going out. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Ford Contour
  By ALS - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a company owned vehicle, which I got new in 2000. Its up to 110,000 hard driven miles and still going strong. Only problem has been replacement of fuel pump (2 so far), winshield wipers broke, and several bad pieces of interior and exterior trim have come loose/broke/fallen off. There is now alot of squeaking/moaning/groaning coming from its underside, despite recent replacement of all struts and and misc other suspension components. It did have serious handling problems in heavy rain and snow util I went with Aqua- Treads, now its glued to the road. The v-6 still has its bite despite the high mileage.

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  Great ride - poor mechanical function - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By kgal37 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration and handling - good quiet ride. Mechanically the worst car I ever owned - needed transmission replaced at 39,000 miles - under three years old, and since have replaced transmission sensor three times. Engine shot at 97,000 miles. The car had overheated. Seems that engine light is always on and many small electrical problems. At transmission repair shop, many Fords -Taurus and Windstar in for repair - this transmission should have been recalled. Also, per mechanic, the Taurus has problems with Crankshaft and seals.

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  Fishbowl - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By MaNdA - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Despite the exterior and interior looks of the car, it has been a very reliable and safe car to drive. Holds up great in accidents. Have had no problems even though the car is a FORD.