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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  5 speed manual - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Cruisin - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice little truck, fun to drive but not as good of gas milage as was expected, Runs 18-20 mpg highway. Too small of fuel tank, just get cruisin and have to stop for fuel. Driving range of only about 250 miles. Engine surges between 1200 and 2400 RPM. At 19000 miles had to have Clutch replaced, $823.00 out of my pocket as it is a wearable part and not warrantied. My last Ford! Promise..

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  No Way! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Nevr Again - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this van when it had only 23000 miles on it. The transmission would never shift correctly. Took it to 2 Ford dealers and was told it was normal. Transmission went out on a trip to WV in the mountains...Van had 35,800 miles. Factory warrenty covered it. We now have 54,000 miles on the van and the transmission is slipping again. If you want reliability do not buy this van...Have had numerous smaller items go wrong as well. Well never own another Windstar.

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  Fun But Cheap - 1999 Ford Escort
  By fordzx2blue - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Poor manual transmission and headlights. The seats are made for women (lots of lumbar support). But, it is zippy!

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  Horrible Nightmare of a Car! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By harlou - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I have ever purchased and has been a nightmare from day one! I have owned the car for a year and 3 months and I have put around $2000 into it and I am currently battling with a possible wiring problems that I cant seem to get pinpointed! It has been a huge disappontment to own and I am hoping to get rid of it as soon as I can get it running for longer than 10 minutes!!! These cars are junk and have NO resale value! Stay away!

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  Ford No More - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Brian O - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have spent $2600+ in repairs in 11 months outside of the regularly scheduled maintenace visits. Problems with transmission, radiator, alternator, distributor, rotors, brakes, bearings, tie-rods and axels and stereo components. I have practically had this car rebuilt at my own expense. I thought I got a great deal on a good car. Ive had Fords before so I expected to do some maintenance but this car has proven to by an astonomical financial burden. If youre looking at a Contour, please allow me to recommend a Honda.

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  No Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By No Fords - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Trouble from 60 days after delivery. Passenger door would not open, sliding door would not stay closed. Electrical issue with door locks. Sliding doors would open after locking. Return from shopping,doors would be open. Spark knocking in engine for 3 years. Ford replaced the engine. Knocking persisted in new engine. Another dealer found the issue after "check engine" light came on. The computer airflow sensor. Now Ford refuses to reimburse me for the fix that started under warranty. This vehicle has been in the shop for electrical, engine and computer issues since delivery no less than 31 times.

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  bye bye ford - 1999 Ford Escort
  By unhappy with FORD - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble. My sister has an eight year old escort in better shape. After taking it for repairs every few months, and it is EXPENSIVE now that it is off warranty, I am getting rid of this piece of junk! Honda here I come

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  Failing Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tootnguyen - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The focus has proven rather disappointing to own. Mechanical problems and failing interior parts quickly became apparent. The A/C and transmission failed at 4200 miles. Discovery of numerous recalls on a vehicle relatively new to the market is disconcerning. This model is setting automotive records for the most recalls since its intro. The Ford dealers were rude and overworked fixing other focus recalls. More Focus models were in their garage than on the dealers lot. Interestingly, The true test of a the build quality is how a car holds up after the warranty expires even if you dont plan to hang on to a car that long.

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  My Ford - 1996 Ford F-150
  By aires1942 - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Beware of fuel pump and fuel tank roll over valve replacements, very expensive (have to drop tanks). Standard 351 V-8 with 195 HP has little real towing power and sucks lots of gas.

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  Clankety-clank goes my dash... - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Female, Single, 25 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is good if youre only looking for fuel efficiency & a large cargo area. This car is bad when it comes to repairing it. It is half Mazda and half Ford - youll need both metric and standard tools to work on it yourself & the engine is really cramped & tightly packed - what a pain! After only 63000 miles and 6 years, my model has many rattles and many broken interior parts including problems with the door handles that have had extensive warranty work on them to no avail. The interior is just too cramped. I would not recommend this car to anyone but a teenager.