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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  Worst car ever built - 2012 Ford Focus
  By blou2 - November 19 - 11:18 am

  Bought this car in nov of 2011 and have nothing but problems since....sync and mytouch only work part of the time...cannot lock car cause alarm always goes off...hood open alarm is always coming on...keep getting sd card fault on the nav screen even though card is in place...and the biggest problem is the transmission about once a month when pulling out into oncoming traffic it will just shudder and shake but wont go...this thing is going to get someone killed.....have had it to the dealer numerous times and they said they cannot duplicate the problems so they cannot fix them since they dont leave any codes...was going to try to lemon law it but instead just going to trade it in.... not ford

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  fix or repair daily - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By enfiniti - November 19 - 2:00 am

  fix or repair daily

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  1999 Mustang GT Conv. - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Dr. Clean - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Over the years, I have owned the following Mustangs: 1966 289-2 bbl conv., 1969 351W-4bbl Mach I, and 1973 351C-2bbl conv. Of all the Mustangs, the 1999 GT conv. is the best. A splenid combination of historical Mustang styling and modern technology, this automobile is truly a delight to own and drive. Additionally, dealer service and warranty work is absolutely flawless. Everyone should own one of these.

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  Beware - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Riv - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Very poor reliability. Radio has been a major problem. Very expensive to repair/replace (suggest replacement with after market radio). Major problems with motor after 45,000 miles. Service engine light comes on all the time. Continue to take to dealer and its something different each time. Vacuum hoses, oxygen sensors, gasket replacements, front steering suspension problems and recalls. Basically a money pit. Timing Head Cover Gasket and Upper Intake Gasket latest repair, $1,400.

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  We still like our Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By smithmga - November 19 - 2:00 am

  1998 3.8 Windstar - 5 years and 117K miles so far. Oil changed every 5K and the complete evac of trans fluid every 25-30K. New parts: master cylinder and brake booster at 115K (dont know if they were bad but the brakes were still spongy after new pads and shoes and bleeding did not help), four air filters, one fuel filter, one battery, two power steering pumps, three serpentine belts and one tensioner and two radiator flushes. Overall, the van has been excellent. Its powerful, smooth, and roomy. Its great on long trips. Ive read a bunch of horror stories about the Windstar, but so far, its the best car/van out of 20 Ive owned.

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  Mini Junk - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By riveramike - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Poor radio reliability, Poor overall interior workmanship and fit. Poor overal body fit and finish. Extremely poor reliability of motor. Numerous major problems with motor. Dealer continues to patch work repairs. Now that vehicle is out of warranty the timing head gasget cover and upper intake gasget need to be replaced at a cost of $1,400.

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  Taurus Reborn at a price. Weak Trany - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By First Taurus - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 01/99 with 42,000 miles and was well maintained previously. Water pump stated squealing 11/99, and of course it was two weeks after the 1 year waranty of the water pump replaced by the previous owner. Dealer wouldnt honor the waranty. Had problems with dealership ongoing. 01/00 - transmission had to be rebuilt at about 60,000 miles at over $1400. Common Taurus problem. Later Replaced the oil pan gasket (another common Taurus problem at $300). Over the last year and a half, no problems and has been reliable, although AC making noises.

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  I hate Check Engine lights - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Sucks - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Other than the pesky check engine light coming on for the same reason for over 6 months, its been a great truck, except when the light comes on for a vapor return canister over and over again, especially when you are trying to sell the vehicle. I will never buy a Ford again. I think Ill stick to the Toyotas for now.

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  Very Satisfied - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By tacotac - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. When I purchased my first one, I fell in love & became biased. No problems except minor ones, alignment need fixed (ran over a curb), & new brakes, stuff like that. The one I own now is my 3rd Taurus actually. All were 3rd gen. Tauruses. Was in accidents with my first 2. Came out without a scratch. Both cars had to be totaled. Very safe cars. Rated high with Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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  Best College Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By ksukymmie - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I brought my Ford Contour in 1999 and still have it in 2002. I have only had one minor problem with it and that occured when the "Check Engine" light came on. For the entire four years, I only paid 400$ in repairs for this car. It is still in excellent condition and remains a great reliable vehicle. I recommend this car to anyone out there. Good luck in your search!