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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  Good Value for the money - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By dt12818 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car new for $15,000 in 1997 with Fords .09 percent financing. The car today only has 68,000 miles and I have never had any major mechanical problems with it. The only repair I have ever made was the automatic window motor stopped working but was fixed under warranty. I also purchased a 1999 Taurus and have no problems with it. For the money, this car has been awesome and was a great buy for the limited budget that I had.

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  Top Economy Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By 99LXSPORT - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is just like any other basic economy car with a kick. The car has an awesome look from behind and side but from front looks really girly, but that all can be changed by taking the orange plate out of your headlights. The 2.0L Split Port Induction engine produces a solid 115 HP and 125 lb/ft of torque good for the SOHC 8V valvetrain. The interior style is solid, just a CD player and you have a solid car.

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  Power within. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kasdan - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Some may have good opinions of Escorts, Some may have bad, but my opinion, on the other hand, is great. I love my escort. Nobody expects it to be as fast as it is with the 5- speed, and its just plain fun to drive. Sure, Ive had some problems with it, but thats because i used to dog it. Great, reliable car which is a blast to drive and gets awesome gas mialage. And Ive never had a problem with the head.

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  Sad to see it go - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Erin - July 10 - 1:30 am

  The 2006 Freestar is the best vehicle Ive owned. It was my first "real" car purchase (my first one that cost over $4k) at a time that I had young kids and Scouts to haul frequently. It was a program car with about 28k miles on it when I bought it. I got the Ford Certified warranty with it, which I later used to repair a bad wheel bearing. Other than the wheel bearing, Ive had NO problems with this car. Ive only replaced tires, brakes and plugs & wires (as prevention at 75k miles). Unfortunately, with only 92k miles on it, Im faced with having to let it go. Its begun to get some rust on the inside bottoms of the doors, which will soon come through to the front. (We live in North Dakota, and deal with salt and other melting solvents on the roads). The bigger concern, though, is that the drivers side wheel well is rusting out, which has loosened the panel that holds the ring that the third-row seat clips to inside. The ring moves, and Im certain that if I had anyone in the back row in an accident, the seat could pull loose, flipping them backwards and creating head and neck injuries or worse. Id hoped to keep the van for a few more years, and we may still -- but well have to use it as a 4-seat vehicle, instead of 7. And if we pass it down to our teenagers, we may remove the third row to eliminate the temptation of cramming friends in the unsafe third row. Ive loved having the extra space that the third row has allowed by folding flat, and how the second row bucket seats tip forward for extra cargo room. And I especially loved having that space without paying the extra $10k for Stow-n-Go in a Caravan. Mine had the leather seats -- and the drivers seat has worn quite a bit over the years. Overall, its been a great vehicle with nearly no problems. Just wish the body had held out longer. UPDATE: Shortly after posting my review, I found out there was a recall on my van -- just not on MY van. I wasnt in a state included in the recall for the rusting wheel well -- but I live 1 mile from the border of a state that was included. I called Ford and they agreed to have it checked out by the local dealer and within a few hours, Ford had agreed to replace the wheel well and it was in great shape again. Safe to use the third row seat again! There is still a bit of rust forming, but Im in N.D., with a lot of snow and salt on the roads, so its understandable. I now have about 98,000 miles on the van and its still running great, so I hope to get several more years out of it.

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  Love My Fusion! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Tina Marie - July 9 - 11:01 pm

  Not too much..Not too little.. Love driving this car its like riding on a cloud..Perfect size for our family..Also a little sporty..Everything I was looking for.Young and Fun

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  Drews Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Andrew Thompson - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck. Its comfortable and reliable, and has been a great value for the money. Im currently in the process of trading it for a new one - same truck!

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  47 thou and no problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cosob - July 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is a ton of fun to drive the 5-speed makes it hard to believe that you are driving an economical 4-cylinder. It rides smooth and handles like a car. You can park anywhere, and there is more room inside(for both people and cargo) than you would think. Gas milage has been higher than expected as well. A year and a half after purchase, I am very satisfied.

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By RobV - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This is one fun car to drive, with great looks. Paint is flawless, with great fit and finish. Reliability has been excellent. I was fortunate to own one of the 5582 produced.

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  better buy the extended warranty - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By hotmom - July 9 - 2:00 am

  we have 50 k miles on our van, heres what we have replaced: transmission at 35k, brake sensor, heater, power steering twice, fuel regulator, transmission sensor, tailgate lifter?, lots of little stuff, and big stuff. Our extended warranty has paid for itself. Has a hard time staying aligned. Our service center is really good and helpful-thank goodness since we see them every other month. buy a Honda

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  It coulda shoulda been a better idea - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mr. G - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I too had the trouble with Check Engine Light. Dealer told me at 80,000 that the #4 cylinder had a head gasket leak. PLug was carboned up they said and it was anti-freeze. Funny no antifreeze in the oil! They started to take it apart to replace head gasket and found the intake was all carboned up. Two cans of brake cleaner($3 ea,) and $350 bucks and it was fixed. They denied the head gasket was a problem anymore. Even Ford said it was fixed. Had the intake cleaned again at 100,000. Check Engine lite went out and then came back on and will not go off even when you disconnect neg terminal.