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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  Stranded twice - 1999 Ford Contour
  By cardinalfan - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this car and it handles well on the Autostadas here in Europe. Reliability is horrible, rear taillight had water in it after we puchased it which had to be replaced. The starter has gone out twice in 10 months. The first time it was only the starter, the second time it was the starter, flywheel and cables to the starter. The dash is peeling up and has not been fixed because dealerships here in Europe will not work on my car because it is American Specs. This is my last Ford and I have owned 2 other Ford trucks! Do not take an American made vehicle overseas if you can help it--It is more trouble than it is worth.

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  Air Compressor Out at 44k miles - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By PACU - November 18 - 11:36 pm

  Once again I have issues with a Ford at the untimely 45k mile marker. My compressor goes out in 100 degree weather and Ford wants to charge me $950 to fix it. I try to get Ford to work with me and they refused to come any lower than the $950. Last time it was my trans on my Explorer at 45k miles and they refused to work with me then too. 3 years and less than 45k miles is too early for a compressor and I think Ford should have worked with me. So with what I feel was less than acceptable customer service for a 30+ year Ford customer, Ive decided that this is my sixth and LAST FORD. Ive been a Ford man my entire life, but after two problems like this, no more.

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  Look Elsewhere for your midsize SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By ewb - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for 10 months, and it has only 35K miles and already is is the shop getting the transmission replaced. Warranty is only 3yr/36K, even on drivetrain. The ride is very rough, but what you would expect from a short wheel based truck. Must wear seat belt or the car beeps at you every couple of minuts, very annoying.

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  Transmisson needs to be FIX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Samantha Smith - November 15 - 2:00 am

  well i bought one and i had only had it 2 month at 17000 miles on it and the trans mission went out i have had a ford van before and every time i take a trip with it the transmission gose out..so right now i am driving a rental car because my new VAN is in the place at 17000 miles getting a new transmission and the rental car thats a ford even sounds like it trasnmission is about to go out... Thank you

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  Windstar needs CPR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By R. Hardy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ford has droped the ball on this vehicle. I own a 1996 Windstar that was OK up to 50,000 miles. After 50,000 the van had no life left in it. It started with the transmission at 50,000 miles and as ended with a head gasket at 129,000. In between 50,000 and 129,000 miles there has been many problems and a lot of money spent. I will never buy a Ford Windstar again. The whole Windstar line needs CPR.

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  i like my car alright - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Amanda Tillotson - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I got my car when i was 16 its been an awesome first car to learn how to drive and plus its a stick shift so i got to learn how to dfo two things at once

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  Good car but too many minor troubles... - 1998 Ford Contour
  By cqbiho - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is nice to drive. Good handling, acceleration and even abraking system. However, the reliability of this car is far from perfect. Normally, cars from Ford is in the same situation.

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  Ruby the racecort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By angel_marie03 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice little car. Very fast for a V4. I have only had it for a little bit but it seems to be pretty realiable.

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  Medium - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Verona,NJ - November 3 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Windstar SE has been back to the dealer 4 times in 20 months. Twice for electrical problems. They were repaired quicly. My other car is a Nissan product which has never been back to the dealer. I would probably not by anoher Ford product better quality can be found in other vehicles.

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  Dont buy this year - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By JMJ - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Due to the multiple electronic issues that this vehicle has caused us we are rushing to drop it before our extended warranty runs out. We know many others w/the SAME issues. The best 2 examples I can tell you from our experience was when it would continuously lock/unlock the doors while also having the radio on & the heater on full blast (no keys in the ignition) blamed on a faulty remote key. A more frightful example is where it was starting itself in our garage (again w/out keys). This time it was blamed on water shorting a computer... which sounds like the closest reason yet all of these electrical nightmares have happened.