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:

• 

  Needs improvement - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bimmerchick - February 23 - 10:00 am

  At 35,000 miles this vehicle has had the wheel bearings, and u-joints replaced three times. A new waterpump at 30,000 miles, brakes at 27,000 miles. Brakes at two days old squeak continuously - dealer cant do anything about it and suspension is very loose. Great design, but lacks in performance. All these issues are leading me to trade in for better European or Japanese imports.

• 

  car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By fgs - February 22 - 2:00 am

  the vehical has been reliable, now has 83000 miles on it. only problem has been the check engine lite, which used to bother me , but i have had it on for the last 25000 miles, and it has not affected the driving or mileage.

• 

  Leaks - 2000 Ford F-150
  By T Courson - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful truck. Satisfied. After 2 years of awful odor, finaly realised rear window leaks. Carpet ruined, mold, mildew everywhere. Out of warranty. Ford told me to see dealer. Problem is design and I have photos of fasteners going through seals causing leaks. Love the truck, but after $30,000 purchase maybe its time to look at Chevy. Or a Toyota?

• 

  Tranny shouldve been a recall issue - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ballpark - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The car was beautiful on outside. Disliked the interior radio console area - difficult to replace stereo off shelf with round configuration. Main issue was with transmission. Had to replace it at 50,000 miles ($1200) replaced the converter seal at 66,000 miles ($500) and it was ready for more transmission work when I traded it in today ($500 trade in allowance was very much worth it). Given # of tranny problems Ive read about, hard to believe it was not a recall issue.

• 

  Designed to fail - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By AlexV - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Had this one for a few years. Too bad I was not looking through the reviews. It was fun while under warranty. Was well taken care of, right by the book. Have 3.8l engine. At 68K engine light went off. Took to the dealer. Dealer said that a tunup is needed. Manufacturer said at 100k. Dealer replaced spark plugs etc. Light went off. At 70 K sprung a leak somwhere between heater core and the back of the engine $2k repair(needed to take half the car apart). At 73K engine knocking, water in the oil. Estimate $2.8k to replace the engine. Thanks Ford. That is the last Ford made car my family bought in about 3 generations and hopefully more.

• 

  2008 Ford Focus SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tcope - February 12 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle since 10/07. Overall I enjoy the car very much. There are a few problems Ford could work on though. If you like plastic, you will love the interior. Ford could have made the interior a little less spartan by even just using softer plastic parts in some places. Another issue is the Max AC setting. You can turn the AC on by pressing the AC or Max button but once the Max air is on, the AC can only be turned off by pressing the Max button again (to turn it off) and then the AC button. There is also little storage space in the vehicle. Its very roomy and fun to drive. I have no issued with the power. Its a small V4 and gets great mpg.

• 

  dont buy one a 95 Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By unhappy_in_the_cold - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This car leaves us on the side of the road regularly. The car feels good inside, rides rather smoothly, but is surprisingly unreliable for a drivetrain built on the Taurus mechanicals. Engine 3.8L has good acceleration but gulps gas.

• 

  Still not sold - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By On the fence - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer in March of 99 when it was 4 yrs. old. Didnt have any problems up until about 2 yrs ago and since then Ive had my share. I have had two of the same problems with the clutch that required a part be replaced. The 2nd time it happened just over a year apart (12 mos and a week) and the warranty was for a year. Also had a problem where the car just wouldnt not start, then miraculosly started working after having to get towed to the shop on 2 different occassions. So Im just waiting for the next thing to break.

• 

  RETAIL PRICE - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Lisa LAmbert - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I would like to sell my car to purchase a newer one. The car has been depaendable but 10 years old and time to move up to a little nicer car. I just need to know what price I should consider selling this car for.

• 

  Ford eaten dodge shitin chevy - 1992 Ford F-150
  By Dr.Traa - February 10 - 2:00 am

  My truck is built tough and can handle what ever I put it to. Wheather it be off road or on road it is very dependable. It will run for a long time. Its for sale too!