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:

• 

  Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BA - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.

• 

  windstar review - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By joe driver - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I would rate this car higher if there was a ford dealer within a twenty mile radius that would actually give good customer service,. I will never buy another ford product because of their poor attempts at fixing my ford vehicles.

• 

  What was I expecting from a ford? - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By SHOstopper - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Wow, i have so many mixed feelings about this car that i dont know where to begin. Yes, i loved the SHO when i first bought it. However, the constant are dissapointing. The transmision on the car has been replaced 3 times before 100k. The electrical system is a nightmare. The coolent system is in disrepair. I will never recomend a ford, unless you are prepared to be wrapped in thier Coccoon of Horrors.

• 

  Know When to Foldem - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ken B - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Its a Minivan. Hoping it was made to carry family, reliably, economically, we bought it. Initial Quality: poor (4- 6 repairs in first weeks). Electrical problems and a leaking window were eventually repaired. Once de-bugged, car performed well for about 3 years (reg maint only). Many costly repairs after 3 yrs. The engine, everything attached to it, traction control, suspension, door locks & sensors started failing. Suggest selling vehicle after first non-maint repair. Ensuing repairs doubled, and doubled again, and doubled again.

• 

  Dont know what to do - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By mofa - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased Taurus when I retired, 40,000. Id never had trouble with Ford cars before. Ive had to pay to have motor mounts put on and the engine light stays on and everytime I go and pay to have it fixed the light comes back on a few days later, so I just leave it on now. The transmission is also going on the car. Ford dealers are awful people to deal with. With all this wrong with the car, it still rides good and starts up without trouble never leaving me stranded. Im afraid to get rid of it because all the cars Ive had before (GM) were even worse than this one. Next time Ill try a Chrysler.

• 

  no go in the snow - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By no go - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Our van will not go in as little as 2 inches of snow.We needed to purchase the side signal MIRRORmirror $40 which is the only part needed, but with signal mirrors you need to purchase the whole assembly for $225 + paint to match. Engine noise is VERY noticeable.A few times now when started, there is a grinding noise in the starting system. Sound system is not what we expected for the price.Gas mileage is also a concern(highway 18 mpg, city 15mpg)On the other hand, the exterior is beautiful with black paint (except for a few flaws in the workmanship on the roof).The entertainment sytem is great for the kids.The driver center is a plus.

• 

  Many areas for improvement. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris - January 10 - 4:36 pm

  It handles well, is roomy and attractive in appearance. Lacks the quality I am used to in other Ford vehicles I have owned.

• 

  Crappy MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By fugitive54 - January 10 - 6:27 am

  Averaged 33 MPG through first 5K miles. I have driven as efficiently as possible, achieving perfect acceleration, braking and cruising scores. There have also been several recalls and the car has only been out for 8 months. Loved the car overall, but felt duped by Ford. I just WON a Lemon Law case on this car and am turning in the car for a full refund. There is also a Class Action lawsuit out there for MPG fraud for those who continue to act like this is not a real problem.

• 

  1996 Windstar 3.8 V6 GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ziggy - January 10 - 2:00 am

  When I bought it new...... it was the most inexpensive among its competitors, not bad for a mini van, very comfortable ride, good gas mileage average 18 to 20 a gallon, I must of got lucky I didnt have much maintenance cost until I got to 75,000 miles I guess it wasnt built on a Monday or Friday.

• 

  Problems with truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick D - January 8 - 11:20 pm

  Starting out, I do love my truck just have had problems with it. Transmission went in it at 22,000 miles. A/C is getting ready to be worked on because truck dies out. Just have had too many problems with this truck.