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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  Close, But No Good-car - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By JWR in Millersville - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Basically a comfortable van that has performed well with the exception of several major problems. The transmission failed at 108,000 miles ($2000 rebuild). Also, without warning, such as water vapor in the exhaust, etc.) the head gaskets failed at 118,000 miles. We were traveling at 55 mph and by the time we could pull over, the engine had seized ($3400 repair). I was previously burned with a 1989 Chevrolet ASTRO and now with this Ford. Will not buy a car from either manufacturer in the future. Looking now at a Honda Odyssey or Pilot, a Toyota Sienna or Sequoia, or Suzuki XL-7.

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  FORD OR FIX OR REPAIR DAILEY - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By LARRY HAGAR - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to drive but at 120,000 miles the transmission went out and a hole was busted out of the casing. I have owned all kinds of vehicles without ant transmission problems and Ford will not be on my list when I buy another vehicle.

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  The Fun Ends - 1995 Ford Contour
  By mpb - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. Unfortunately, starting at about 85,000 miles, the problems begin. Everything from the usual Ford repairs (wheel bearings, recalls, etc) to more expensive engine repairs, which surprised me given Fords lauding of the V6 engine. Two years ago a Ford service manager told me the Countour was not mechanically sound. Now I know what he was talking about.

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  to buy or not - 1998 Ford F-150
  By popcorn - August 25 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be a nice truck,rides very nice and smooth even with large tires and not have road noise from the tires. Power locks and windows and remote control mirrors are already in. Im concerned about the milage averaging about 18600 per year.

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  Maybe not - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Average Joe1 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a Focus that I just sold. Before 34,000 miles my fuel pump had rusted - car died on the off ramp of a major interstate. Numerous brake issues. I was told by one of the techs that "Focus just have squeeky brakes." Rattling under the car that no one was ever able to isolate. Wheels were way out of aligment and did not find this out till the 24K maintaince.

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  id like a new car but i cant afford on - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By cagirlcal - August 24 - 2:00 am

  my car ran great for the first 8 or 9 months that ive had it and I try to keep it service on a regular basis, but now its started shaking in the front end and pulls hard to the left.

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  Could be so much better - 2016 Ford Escape
  By jw - August 22 - 11:00 pm

  Other than the fact I have now gone through TWO fuel pumps since buying this car, I am just as disappointed in the lack of quality materials used in the simple things like control knobs and seat cushion materials. Lots of road noise on the highway. I wont buy again. Next time Im probably going back to a santa Fe

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  In for the Long Haul - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Dave in Mo - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the truck new and have put 144K on it. Plan to keep until 250K or 300K. Inline 6 300CI engine is Very Tough and reliable. Never been touched. 5 Speed box is very good. Clutch very good. A/C, power steering, power brakes never been touched. Body excellent but doesnt have the fit or finish of a GM truck. Bad Points...Brakes lousy in wet weather since day one. Hydraulic clutch actuator is REALLY bad. Works great but is made out of plastic so has to be replaced periodically.

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  Problem vehical that makes me sick - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By DWheat9003 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have a driveline vibration problem since new, this occurs at 30, 50 and 67 - 78 mph. I also have a howling from the rear differential at 67 to 68 mph. My AC Compressor makes a loud shrilling sound when the outside temp is 85 or higher, and wistles also. Seat belt does not retract fully so then it gets jammed in door upon closing, this chips the paint on b pillar, and door at latch side, pissing me off. And most recently, accelerator cable broke and had to have it toed to dealer. Front brake rotors pulsate, had them trued up at dealer but they are still pulsating. I am currently awaiting the outcomes of lemon law proceedings.

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  My little pony - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By johnmickens - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used 3 years ago.I have had no problems with it so far, except the alternator which went out at 63000 miles, not a major problem, Ive replaced it, now everything is fine.