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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  1996 3.8L Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 22 yr old - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Get an extended warranty because its worth it. There were a few minor repairs and the transmission had to be rebuilt at 72K miles when the warranty ran out at 75K. At 94K there are some electrical problems popping up, but nothing too bad. The speedometer has been replaced once and its getting a bit shaky again. The right windows stopped operating, but my dad simply took the motors apart and put it back together and it just started working again. The door light started coming on even though all doors were closed. I cleaned the contacts where the doors close and now the light only stays on for an extra 5 seconds every now and then. Despite its problems, I like the van.

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  Bird of Prey - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tom- NJ - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this car has been extremely reliable. With a 4.6L and the Sport package, it is perfect blend of performance and luxury. Only two problems have occurred- cracked intake manifold (replaced free by the dealer) and warped brake rotors.

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  Bad Engine Hesitation/Shutdown - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Disappointed - June 22 - 10:30 pm

  Bought this truck in late July04 and had to replace rear end the next week. Three months later I noticed a BAD engine hesitation/shutdown as I climb steep grade hills (Rocky Mountains). Taken in 5 or 6 times but the problem is still there. Dealership is dumbfounded by it and has no clue what to do. There is a rattling in my front door panels on cold mornings that last until it gets above 60 degrees. VERY ANNOYING. Other that that I love my truck. Its got the power you need and the speed to take on anything. Not sure what others are saying about no power off the line.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rocko - June 22 - 3:30 pm

  This is a very good reliable family vehicle. Goes in snow in Northeast PA without difficulty. The deal beat the competition by thousands. We probably will buy another in a few years.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By LeOndra - June 22 - 12:32 pm

  I dont know if I just got lucky but I have had my Taurus for 10 years and it is still going. The accelerator did start to stick at about 75,000 and that can be very dangerous, but my son did a quick fix and its been just fine ever since. Other than that I have not had any problems with the car. I am very fortunate to own such a reliable car. if it starts to give me problems at this point I will not be disappointed because the car has served me very well.

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  Never easier! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By LAUREN P - June 22 - 4:21 am

  Best car ever-rugged and reliable!

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  A/C Problems from day 1 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Claude - June 22 - 2:06 am

  The AC does not seem to work properly. Checked it out 5 days after delivery and found nothing. I now think that it is the controller for the auto-temp air. The dampers may not work correctly.

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  Not very impressed - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Not very impressed - June 22 - 2:00 am

  At first I loved the van but then it started. 1st the back speakers started going out. Dealer said the pins just needed buffed. Next, check engine light started coming on & eventually going off. Now it goes on everyday after work. Another known problem w/ no resolution. I still have the speaker issue & 1000 miles after warranty, my trans went costing me $$. Mechanics claimed it was a common error and do not understand why Ford does not cover/recall on the issue.(not big enough issue to recall) I have learned to live with my problems. I am ready to buy a new van. I know my next van will not be a Ford (1st time in 15 years I have not bought Ford)

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  5 years no problems! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By paulinbaltimore - June 22 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased my mustang in 1997 I was told by many people that I would not be happy owning a Ford. Of course they said found on roadside dead etc. I loved the way the car drove and I six years later still love it. So far the only things I have had to do in six years is change the oil, the tires and the battery. NOTHING has broken, the radio, A/C and top all still work fine as well. Yes, there is some leaking now. Also surpising is my gas milage. Its a 6cyl manual so it should get good milage. It gets GREAT milage. 32 highway 25 city. I could not be happier.

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  Wow! This is a Ford? - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Longhorn - June 21 - 11:06 am

  The wife and I traded in my awesome 05 Japanese sedan for an 08 Escape. We wanted more safety features, ground clearance, and comfort for a similar car payment. I thought I was sacrificing quality and performance, but the Escape blew my wife and I away. We love driving it everywhere and get great comments from family members who own larger SUVs (both foreign and domestic). I was used to the more powerful 2.5L from the sedan but a quick air filter change to a higher performance filter fixed me right up.