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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  Depreciating Asset - 2002 Ford Escort
  By ZX2NOT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I actually purchased the automatic deluxe model and wish I had the manual transmission. This car is extremely under powered. Both window seals leak air when driving at highway speeds. The engine vibrates severely at stoplights due to faulty engine mounts (Per Ford Service Techs) The body style is great, good handling, dependable, but - lacks horsepower, expect HUGE depreciation loss! I Tried trading in my 2002 ZX2 for something better but found out that it had depreciated 60% in 4 months. Most dealers only offer $7,000 tops on trade.

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  My Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By wild - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my explorer used several years back. It seemed to be in good condition. I only had it for a couple of months when I had to replace the head gaskets and timing chain gasket. Awhile later the another sensor went bad. Now I have a whirling noise coming from the front driver side at lower speeds. My mechanic can not find the problem. Overall I really like the truck. Its fun to drive and hany when hauling kids and stuff. Gas milage even with the six is poor.

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  Quality was not Job #1 on this tranny. - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Not_Happy_in_Florida - December 22 - 2:00 am

  The day before Thanksgiving, the transmission died. Going to sell mine (69,500 miles - sole owner) then promptly get rid of my Windstar before something else goes wrong there, too (faulty "Check Engine" sensor twice in the first 24,000 miles, and a bum power steering hose). Wouldnt be half as mad at Ford if their service departments charged something close to reality on repairs. Although advertised as needing only regular grade gas, this sucker pings all day long.

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  Go Japaneze - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rosemarycars - December 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife as owned this car,two years now with 18,000 miles.Here is the list.Pick up car,AC,does not work,at 8,000 miles front arm needs to be replaced.The dealer asked us, do we drive on bumpy roads?At 15,000 miles the transmission goes.At 15,500 transmission leaks,needed a new oil stick!!!!.At 16,000 miles,the rear end seal is leaking,and at 16,900 the module had to be changed,by the motor.Seatbelts are cheap,and many times dysfunctional.Three recalls,seatbelts,brakes,and the radio.It as the duratech engine,a plus,but thats it.Service as been great,the owner says, what can I do,these things happen.Even the power windows squeak,buy lots of wd-40

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  What a piece of $*%(!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By wondrme - December 18 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 96 Windstar GL. Bought it last year because it was a great price and only had 42K miles on it. Took it on several road trips and each time the check engine light came on. If I did not put a CERTAIN brand of premium gas in it, it would sputter and drive like a deisel. The transmission shifted strange, the ABS light was on when I got rid of it, the power steering was eating it (hissing whenever I turned), the steering felt mushy. Oh, and it ate up batteries like candy. I was CONSTANTLY having to jump it!!! I would _NOT_ recommend this van. Mine had 64k on it when I traded it and it drove like it was on the verge of a breakdown.

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  Mediocre - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Ted in MT. - December 18 - 2:00 am

  If you have lots of time and money, keep it. Four speed overdrive transmission drops down when driving on long trips making the engine red line. Temperamental, many small repairs. Captains chairs too low. Wipers lousy as with all Fords.

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  Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Momof2 - December 13 - 7:03 am

  Purchased with 75 mi on it, now at 160000. Bought Gold Warranty, will never purchase again, it covered nothing. Transmission came "unsealed" at 16k mi, said it was normal wear and tear. Continued transmission issues, gaskets come unsealed often and the electrical issues are huge. Windows wont roll up and down, door locks wont work, even manually (can only get in through passenger manual key lock). Constant repairs.

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  Recalled a lot - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DJ - December 11 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this car used in 2005 with only 89,000 miles on it. Shortly after buying it the passenger window stopped working, then the accelerator cable broke, the brake sensor broke, so the car wouldnt start, then the rear drivers window stopped working, the heating and air conditioning smells like mold, on fleet vehicles this was recalled and fixed for the 1997, the ball joints are loose, also been recalled on fleet vehicles, the seat belt clasp broke and the car has been recalled twice for a faulty cruise control, after getting it replaced my check engine light came on and I am now looking for a new car. This will be my last Ford, as they just dont make a good car anymore.

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  Toyota here I come. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By S.ODay - December 11 - 2:00 am

  AT 56" the ergonomics fit me which is somehting I have found of all Fords I have driven. Other than that not much else has been good about this car. The power antenna, the windshield wipers and the transmission all went out at the 50-55k point. The cruise control stopped working right at 36k. The water pump went out at 85k and also the radiater started leaking at this point. the plastic tank on the drivers side of the radiator cracked. Of course the brakes and the struts have been replaced also but that is expected maintenance. Now at 120k the car just feels worn out even with the new struts. Maybe this is the norm with all Fords!

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  Built Ford rough - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By The Man of La Mancha - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Replaced everything - shocks, brakes, about 5 windshield washer switches, 2 steering columns. And it still clicks in and out of 4 wheel drive and Ford will not help. Do yourself a favour - buy Japanese, forget sucker patriotism.