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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  junk ford - 1999 Ford F-150
  By raybone - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a terrible truck....the brakes suck i have pistion slap the interior rattles...windshield wipers turn on spiratically....bottom of doors are rusted....and this truck only has 50,000 and its a 1999....very dissapointed espically considering truck was 31000 new. you cant get engine wet otherwise it studders like its running off of 6 cylinders.......maybe its just my truck but i think its junk

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  Somewhat happy - 2001 Ford Focus
  By skiepke - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The car itself has been a great reliable auto. I have a problem with the service of the dealer that sold me the car. Im not please with that.

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  Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By tigger - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Call me an idiot but I bought another 3.8 engine. I have a Ford Thunderbird with 3.8 engine and had the head gaskets replaced and now Im changing the head gaskets on a 96 Windstar. Neither case has ford offered to help. I find it very funny that they say it is because of maintenance. I do my own maintenance. I changed the oil every 2,000 miles on the Thunderbird and followed the maintenance manual for flush and fills of the anti-freeze. My advice to anyone is stay away from Fords. If you do buy a Ford stay away from the 3.8 engine.

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  Great and Horrible - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Lee Diane - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Good ride. starts every time. steering good. interior nice. handles well. now for the bad stuff. Have had nothing but problems with 4 wheel drive. tough to get it to shift out of 4 wheel -since it was new! 5 trips to dealership were fruitless. tranny hangs up sometimes between gears. learned to live with it at 60,000. electrical problem solved at 30,000.

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  wanted to love it... - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dlw2001 - June 28 - 12:04 am

  I leased 2.0 liter 4WD SE, (not listed in review choices?) - No bells, just My Ford Touch, and tow package. Overall, not a bad vehicle, but needs big improvements. Had it for 3 weeks now. Wanted it for over a year. At this point i must say it needs major tweaking by Ford. Glad I only leased short term. For the price of this vehicle (just over 30 grand) I would expect much more however. Simple things like better bolstered seats, one touch up windows, better storage, and back up sensors should really be standard Ford! They are on other vehicles for sure. And for over $30,000 one should be getting push button start and back up camera!

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  1993 Taurus GL Wagon - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ken U - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new aand used to commute to work for 6 years. My 19 year old son now drives it. The milage is 115,000. I haad several significant problems from the start including a burst hose and premature brake wear. It ran well for several years then there were more problems starting about 3 years ago. I have replaced the radiator, water pump, the entire steering system, struts, wiper motor and controls, AC compressor, power window and lock switches. I have invested a great deal of money but the car runs well, its roomy and safe.

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By lily3p - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a well build SUV with good pick up and comfort. However, I dont think this vehicle has very good handling. Especially in the rain, hauling a load and emergency situations. I wouldnt recommend the Ford Explorer Sport to new drivers, i.e. teenagers. I dont think this is a very safe car. This will be our first and our last ford explorer sport.

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  scared - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By LARS - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am scared stiff of this van. It smells anti freeze and I have read nothing but bad news on the head gaskets and tranny. ck engine light and brake light s are on constantly. stay away from 95,96,97 w stars

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  3rd Expedition -- 02 doesnt live up... - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By tx-gal - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned 97 2wd XLT and 99 4wd EB. My 02 doesnt live up to the Ford standard I am used to. The ride in my "Premier Package" EB is horribly rough... although I have been told, each time I take it to the shop, it is due to the "load leveling air suspension" -- and is to be expected. Not at all like my 99 4wd, which was a great, smooth ride. Also, sunroof sliding cover never stays tightly closed... I assume it is due to the rough ride. Another gripe -- why in a $40,000+ truck do you not have a power passenger seat??? I would caution anyone about the suspension, unless you like feeling every bump in the road as if it were a large rock in your way!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By danielle - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Trust me...Do NOT buy this car. I purchased this car used with 89k. At 100k I had to replace the engine. Two months later, I began having major transmission problems. Buying this vehicle was the WORST financial mistake I have EVER made!!!!! I sent it away to an auction two days ago, so buyers BEWARE!!!!!