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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  Power Steering issue? - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By lcwa1212 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  After taking the van home with only 35 miles, I felt that steering gave me a strange feeling as if the gears are binding and front end is loose. The same symptons appears in another review.

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  Fun to drive but not well built - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Eric Storey - September 3 - 7:37 pm

  The Ford Focus Titanium is a very sporty and fun to drive car. However I have had three manufacturers recalls, the transmission shudders, the sound system is poor. Most problems are covered under the warranty but because of known problems the car has three different warranties extending the warranties on drive train and electronics.

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  Get something better - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Now I own a Honda! - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Its a throw away car. I got it cheap, had it for a year and a half, and then it fell apart. Only buy it if you can get it real cheap.

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  great car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By mrgrinster - September 3 - 2:00 am

  ok i am a auto techician and i like the car it has been good to me i did have to put head gaskets in it but that is par for course it will happen sooner than later so be prepared but all that aside the car runs great it even pulls my boat really good so itcant be all bad and the tail lights on the trunk lid that has the t-bird symbol the bulbs are not replaceable so if you have one burn out go to a junk yard and get one that works or spend 220 dollars at the dealership for one

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  Ford Loser - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By FordLoser - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Dont by a Ford unless you have DEEP POCKETS! The repairs on Ford vehilcles will suck your wallet DRY! Headgasket, Timing Gasket,Main Engine Bearings, Brakes, Speedometer, ALL DEFECTIVE! OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES!And no more than 100,000 miles. Ford "customer service" is well versed in "Im sorry but, we wont help you"

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  Dont do it! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By walsh03 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van for more room for my wife and the kids that she looks after. Unfortunately, it has been a problem since we got it. It doesnt run well, its loud, we already replaced the transmission amoung other things. Very poor cheap plastics in the construction. Buy a Chrysler, they say the reliability is not that great but it cannot be any worse than this van and at least you get a ride that is a million times better.

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  Cant Stop Smiling - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By New Birdman - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the Thunderbird blue with the partial blue interior. This car definitely turns heads. People speed up to get a glimpse on the highway. You wont make any quick trips to the market after purchase--everyone wants to gawk and talk about it. It drives like a dream too. Lots of power and 0- 60 in nothing flat. Dont buy it though if you want a Porsche. Buy a Porsche. This is a luxury car ride, not a sportscar. Cant understand complaints about fit and finish or interior style--didnt those people look at it before they bought it? Bottom line is: Ford got it right both inside and out.

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  Fun Beast - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By guru - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Expedition. I have since bought a 2002 Bauer for my wife and she loves it. We have three kids and there arent many vehicles that you can put three car seats across. I have the 4.6L in both and I think they have great power. Gas mileage is awful but what do you expect from a beast like this.

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  1995 Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By john15 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Difficult to get in and out of car without tilt steering wheel. Poor pick up in highway driving

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  Never again! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mikkehla - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had problems from the very beginning! I purchased this thing used and was only the second owner. The car had about 75k miles, but ran and looked great from the beginning. Within 6 months, 2 fuel injectors were replaced which cost me big bucks, the waterpump was eventually replaced, the air conditioning stopped working and the list of repairs could go on and on. The cupholder is in a rediculous location...right in front of the radio so forget about having a drink in the holder and changing a station at the same time. This car has been towed more times than all my previous cars put together and I will never own a Ford again!