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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  Glad I chose the Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By meemersmom - June 3 - 10:26 am

  Decided on the Fusion over Sonata, Jetta TDI, and Mazda 6, and am I glad I did. Im impressed with the quality of the fit and finish and the looks --- this is not like the Fords of years past. 6-speed manual is fun to drive w/ a crisp shift. Ford really built a winner with this vehicle. As the owner of several foreign-made vehicles in the past, I am glad to see an American manufacturer build something to compete with (and even beat out) Japan and Germany.

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  Excellent value for the money - 1997 Ford Escort
  By bgharrison - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I havent had my Escort very long bought it used with 57k miles on it. Excellent fuel economy, somewhat comfortable as far as leg room in the front (Im about 6 with long legs this is important!). Only with I had cruise control on this one for freeway drives, and pwr locks.

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  Dont buy standard GT, 2002-BEWARE!!!!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BEWARE! - June 3 - 2:00 am

  BEWARE of the 2002-2003 GT Mustang Deluxe....it has an engine problem that the engineers "are still working on" it idles VERY rough unless you have the air conditioner on- then it settles down. Since you cant drive in the winter with the air on..it is a problem.The service dept. says it is with all standard GTs of those years. It is building up carbon...so take it in!!!!!!!!! They are replacing sensors and such,,,but to no avail! Mine is not the only one!!!BEWARE!!!!!you will hate it. it is junk. I bought it at invoice and am upset down by 10,000. They do not hold ANY value...BEWARE!!

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  I got a good one! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By gblanas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Windstar new, now have slightly over 150,000 mi. on it. The vehicle has been very reliable, have only replaced battery, alternator & serpentine belt at 100,000 mi. All other major mechanical components are original. We towed our pop-up and take many trips throughout New England. The Windstar is very comfortable, I never get a sore back! I do, however agree with most other reviewers about engine noise, lack of power, poor braking, mushy suspension, paint peeling on roof, etc. I recently purchased another minivan, a Honda Odyssey, the Odyssey had much better reviews & ratings in all categories.

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  My First and Last Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By R2brat - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 50,000. Luckily I had the extended warranty. Constant problems with sensors showing a door open when it wasnt. Interior light would stay on because of this. Took in to dealer well over a dozen times. AC made grinding noise intermittently. Ford dealer never heard the problem, so wouldnt fix it. Took it in for that 4 times. Third seat is very hard to take out. Takes 2 people to do it.

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  Ford Windstar SE - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By ltoney - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is a solid minivan with good torque, and is very comfortable. It is nice looking, and has a classy look with the chrome trim. The A/C is strong and does its job heartily. It is easy to get in and out of, and has a good driving position. It has plenty of cargo space with or without the back seat(s).

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  red one - 1992 Ford F-150
  By redryder - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, great acceleration, very reliable. replaced alternator, battery, tires. No malfunctions. Great truck, could use more power when towing boat.

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  11 Years and still on the job! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Storm4343 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A terrific workhorse that has served as a daily driver, sports car, weekend get-away vehicle and utility vehicle. Bought it new and Im keeping it until it croaks (which I wouldnt think is going to be anytime soon as it is still in great shape).

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  One of the best cars I have ever had - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - MA - June 3 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a used car - at least from my experience, this is the one! Interior space, trunk room, powerful engine (V6 -200 HP), crash test safety rating, features (auto headlamps, keypad entry) - it has it all. I have the JBL audio system, and I would love to remove it from the car and take it with me. 0 - 66,000 miles and never spent a dime on repairs.

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  An excellent value, superior build quality - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By barton - June 2 - 8:42 pm

  Yup, I know its a cliche joke but my other car actually is a BMW 530i, which was once named by Consumer Reports as the best car they ever tested, period. So my standard for comparison is different. And I really do appreciate the excellent value that the 2015 Fusion Hybrid offers. This is only a 1600 mileage report, but so far the build quality seems superior, no rattles, and it takes some of my BMW-type throttling over bumps quite well. The seat comfort is excellent for the price range, much better expected. My combined gas mileage is 43.9 MPG overall so far, versus the rated 42 MPG . The touchscreen info system is okay, no issues. Not BMW handling, but it is predictable and seems safe.