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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  Windstar 1996 for sale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Forrest Jeffery - April 16 - 11:10 pm

  This has been a wonderful car to drive. I drove it to the east coast 3 times. It has new tires in the last 2 years, and a recent complete tuneup. It has air conditioning and it gives a smooth ride.

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  Not Great - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By explorer - April 16 - 7:57 pm

  Ok car in theory, but not built very well. Console cover broke off after a few days, power windows almost have stopped working and take a long time to put up. Transmission shot at 75,000 miles. Multiple blown head gaskets, ABS problems, AC compressor almost killed engine when accidentally switched on for a minute. The list goes on and on.

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  Cant beat the price - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By seanPA - April 16 - 10:53 am

  Bought used with factory warranty at 27k. Only issue was at belt replacement the dealer couldnt get it on right and it kept squeaking ok now though. I drive about 1k a week and it hasnt let me down. Now at just over 100k I have to say for 11 grand its the best value i have ever seen.

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  Zoom zoom off road - 2010 Ford F-150
  By XTREME - April 15 - 7:36 pm

  This is simply the best off roader ever. I got up to 50 in a foot and a half of deep march snow in BC. Crossing high paced streams and rivers are easy.

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  Agood car All around - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Andrew - April 15 - 6:58 pm

  I bought my car used. I went from a 1998 cavalier to a 2006 focus i had a coil pack go out the same day i bought the car and replaced same day NO cost to me. Im a stock holder for Ford and i like this car. I am 38 and is a good car all around.

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  Backup sensor quit working - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mary - April 15 - 1:34 pm

  Ford dealer cannot figure out why the backup sensor quit working. Started after we hooked up our travel trailer. No one can fix this. Had a few close calls and want it fixed!

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  No major problems - 2008 Ford Escape
  By L.Z.Patton - April 15 - 10:02 am

  I bought a 2008 Escape after my 2001 Escape started getting up there in miles. I have had no major problems at all. Im not crazy about the interior of the XLT- the console is worthless- but I wanted the V6, so I didnt get the XLS. Ive had no breakdowns, and only one repair (a recall for the AC/transmission fluid problem that others have encountered). I couldnt be happier.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By irishmafia - April 14 - 11:55 pm

  What a piece of junk cant begin to list all problems got it w 75k 3 months later new tranny which still had a problem that took months to fix whos the genius that came up with no locks on the passenger side? ABS light on since I bought it cant locate a problem, many emissions issues, heater broke,cruise broke, blows fuses when plugging GPS or cell phone in,driver seat needs to be replaced springs coming through I weigh 175, probably put 10k in car since I bought it!

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  Nice Little Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By aprlem1 - April 14 - 7:19 pm

  After 25 years of driving used cars I finally decided to purchase a brand new vehicle. After 6 months of research, I decided to go with the Ford Focus SE and I have no regrets. Features such as abs, stability and traction control come standard unlike many other cars in its class. The build quality is excellent for a car in this price range and the handling is great. Gas mileage is also great. At my age I am less concerned about being a speed demon or impressing others than I am about reliability and being able to live within my means. This car suits both those purposes just fine.

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  Impressed - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Robert - April 14 - 6:19 pm

  I owned a Ford Focus in 2002 and wasnt that fond of the car. Since then I had all types of performance cars - Nissan 350z, Mustang GT and Charger R/T. I recently traded in the Charger for the Focus SES 4-door and am pleasantly surprised with the engineering. Ford has come a long way with their quality and "WOW factor." We looked at several Japaneses and Korean compacts for fuel efficiency and none compare