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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  Save your MONEY !! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By mkvino - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2001 SES with the 3.0L 150HP V-6, that was mistake number one,no power to move around town or get on the Highway you have to downshift out of overdrive, transmission doesnt know what to do or how to do it. Plus the brakes suck, they should have came standard 4 wheel disc, I have to press sometimes so hard to stop normally that the ABS system kicks in and throws the family all over the place.Plus my power window is very noisy and the plastic bushings were shot already..Poor valu wait till you trade it in check the papers because there are tons for sale.

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  Life of a V6 Automatic - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Ryan M. - March 27 - 2:00 am

  The ride comfort is the best part. I work 63 miles away from home and when I get out of the car after the trip I feel like Ive been sitting on a couch for an hour and a half. Ford mechanics are poor on the V6 design. Oil changes will leave your exhaust covered in oil, the catalytics plug up after 40k miles, the waterpump uses a plastic propeller that breaks after 30k miles, the rotors warp easily, the plastic components including door handles (inside and out) came loose at 75k, other little things like a melted alternator, wires shorting out, wheel bearings, automatic transmission take away a lot of V6 power.

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  Last ford we will ever buy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bigh - March 26 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2004 Ford Explorer in June 2004. First day drivers side speaker went out (had short) Drove our new explorer to Florida put about 3K miles Rear end started making noise while driving between 50 - 60 mph. Noise wouild quit when letting off gas. Went to dealer where we purchased vehicle and left at service dept. Was called about 2 hours latter said complete rear end had to be replaced. After checking on internet I,m not the only one with this problem. From what I,ve read only effects Explorer Sport model. Looks like ford knew it had a problem 4 months ago but waited for somebody to buy there piece of junk before they would fix. Last Ford

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  Transmission stinks! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By darrin - March 26 - 2:00 am

  why did I have to replace the transmission 2 times in 58,000 miles? This is not acceptable, but common in the Taurus. What about a recall?

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  Fords New SUX - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By storm - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the last Ranger I will ever buy mine has been in the shop more times than I care to remember, there has been numerous problems with the transmission and drive line but Ford refuses to fix the problem even going so far as to say it is not a problem that it is supposed to act that way, I have changed u-joints in it every 6 months, and the value of the truck is dropping so fast there is no way to get back what you have invested in the thing

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  1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Sheldon - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission will require overhaul or replacement at some point after 65K miles due to weak aluminum forward clutch piston. This 3.8L engine is well known for timing cover/headgasket failure. Both of these are serious and costly repair issues that Ford could have engineered out.

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  wifes excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Gates - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ride is not good, too rough. Bumps become body jarring event. Nothing quiet about about it, have heard ever bolt rattle. Our 4-wheel drive 4 door dually rides better--this is our ONLY complaint about Excursion--otherwise--its great.

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  I wont get another - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jo - March 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought the truck used from a local dealer, it only had 24,000 miles on it when we purchased it. Since about a week after we bought it we have had problems with the idle, it idles very high when you put in the clutch. I cant even remember how many times it was in the shop, and it still is not fixed. We are currently having problems with the electrical (dome lights staying on), and the newest problem with it is the brake lights dont work. Im looking to get rid of it, and I wont be buying another.

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  Decent SUV - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By ScottB - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this SUV for about 8 years. This is a decent looking truck, but have many costly repairs over the last 50k miles (currently 135k). Have had replace several components (4wd, and several other things under the hood. Also, this vehicle has rusted terribly along the running boards. One of the few positives is, although is parked outside every night, has always started on the first turn of the key.

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  99 Durango was Better - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - March 22 - 10:53 am

  I purchased basic XLS V6 model. Vehicle looks nice. It has been in the shop 3 times since March 06 purchase. Lumbar support driver seat broke twice, still not fixed right; rear driver side window inoperable, transmission will not shift out of park more than half of the time when brake pedal is depressed. Fuel economy no better than my former Durango V8 5.9 liter. Gas pedal is too small and foot slips off. I am stuck in this thing for several years; can not afford loss of value to sell now.