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:

• 

  dont buy - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By fordowner1 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I had to pay for this vehicle basically twice. I put 2 transmittions and one clutch in it. The vehicle still rides rough. Has many other minor problems. Overall, worst vehicle I ever bought.

• 

  Awesome Sport Ute - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By hoseman - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently trade the first Ford vehicle I have owned in approximately 15 years. Sikeston Motor Co. in Sikeston, MO gave me a deal I couldnt refuse. I needed a full size sport utility and the only thing that fell into my price range was the Expedition. I checked with the owner and he had paperwork documenting the maintenance history. The only problem Ive had was a single ignition coil and the vehicle has been all over the country. Including off road to various hunting and camping locations. I wouldnt consider buying anything else unless it was a diesel Excursion.

• 

  Medium - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Verona,NJ - November 3 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Windstar SE has been back to the dealer 4 times in 20 months. Twice for electrical problems. They were repaired quicly. My other car is a Nissan product which has never been back to the dealer. I would probably not by anoher Ford product better quality can be found in other vehicles.

• 

  RIPPOFF - 2014 Ford Focus
  By chipmunk26 - November 2 - 11:33 pm

  well the car looks good but be careful . the first problem you will get is going to be the transmission, the shifting is rough and it will need to figure whether it needs to shift or not..... de careful in traffic it will give you a backache. the update you will get from the dealership is not very good since they are not equipped with the issue and the warranty is extended to some parts but all the parts that need to be fixed that is if you over 5/60k warranty part for powertrain. When it comes it to resale thats a hole another story. the car drops in price massive when it comes to trade it or sell at least 4k-6k. the Bluetooth setup is okay but you will need to reconnect it overtime since it will not do that and also understand what your saying. I do not recommend any to buy this car not worth it. I also went through 3 transmission over the time I had the car an average of 10k miles . I had a total of 16 repair on the car which made it an average of 1.85 which comes out to every 2months in the shop (owning it for 28months).

• 

  Better than expected - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Leo - November 2 - 8:23 am

  I have been waiting for this car since April. It is better than I expected; comfortable ride, great gas mileage (waited for the I4 SEL automatic), steering controls are great. A family car that doesnt sacrifice styling.

• 

  My First American Car in 12 years. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Georgia Jim - November 2 - 4:10 am

  For years I have said that if the US Big 3 could just make a world class hybrid, I would buy it. Based on Edmunds and some other sources, I pre- ordered this before they were released. For me that was a big gamble. I think it paid off well. The car is well built, engaging and fun to drive. Despite the battery packs, there is enough trunk room for my wife, 17 year old son and I to have taken a trip to Disney World and felt like we had plenty of room even with our baggage. Im using the electronic dash to help teach my boy not to lead-foot the gas pedal, which is a totally unexpected side benefit..

• 

  Classic, Reliable SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bucko - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at 36k miles in 02, and it is a great car, that never seems to faulter. He kept it in immaculate condition, so i know it hasnt even been "broken into" yet.-- ITs a great drive comfortable and smooth (for an older model SUV).

• 

  SHO a show stopper! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By LittleFloater - November 2 - 2:00 am

  The greatest car I ever had! Economical, room for a family, and some guts! $500 AC repair, 400 Fan repair only major repairs in life, to this point. Recently lost a throwout bearing which put grooves in the hub in the bell housing...argh! MAJOR problem, but fixing it anyway. The car is too good to let go of.

• 

  Great Ride - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Knoby - November 2 - 2:00 am

  A "Sleeper". For sure. Not bad from the lights either. I like to see the looks from muscle car drivers, when I do a “gotcha” on them at the lights. Just getting ready to do a 60,000 mile service along with upgraded exhaust system (reads more power) and a few other goodies, looking for about 35 – 40 hp. Increase (reads more fun).

• 

  2001 Windstar Ltd. - WoW - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Kitzyb - November 2 - 2:00 am

  We love this vehicle. It has performed above our expectations. The only problems we have had are minor interior items. One head rest needed upholstery attention and one light switch needed some. My husband fixed the light with his pocket knife while riding as a passenger. Great for long trips with the kids. We have had over 6 - 1000+ mile trips in last 19 months.