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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  Very disappointed - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ray - August 26 - 2:01 am

  In 4 years that we have had this car, we have in the past year put in over $3500. This includes $1200 for intake manifold problem where the oil leaked. Funny I saw the same problem noted also on this website review. Then a few months later we ended up replacing the engine at a cost of $2500 with Ford pitching in the other half. Now we are having to replace the ABS computer brain that controls the hydraulics for the brakes. That is $1200. The dealership has offered to work with us on this repair as well as offering us an option on purchasing another car with them like a Freestar. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED that this car would have had $5000 in repairs while under 85k miles.

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  2 Windstars - Over 100k Miles each! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lovewindstars - August 25 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased a 1995 Windstar from a private party in 2002 from a soldiers wife on Ft. Carson. I have to say this car has been a REMARKABLE dream to own. We have had ZERO major repairs and have been incredibly impressed with this Windstar. We have had one tune up, one alignment, new tires twice, one serpentine belt replaced, and new brake pads a couple of times. and 100% Mobil1 synthetic oil changes. It runs quiet, stays straight, and never fails to start and run well. We keep wanting to trade it in, but its almost become a challenge to keep this one going to see JUST HOW MANY MILES we can put on it with the original transmission and engine!

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  Ford Explorer EB - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By NascarFan - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall Im pleased with my new Explorer. The only complaint I have it that at 9,500 miles it developed a rattle in the dash board behind and to the right of the radio. I plan on taking it back to the dealer for repar, however, Im afraid that they may make it worse. The truck is sharp looking and I like the ride and handling compared to the 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee I had before this purchase. Now at 11,500 miles Im averaging 17.5 miles per gallon.

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  Bad engineering - intake manifold - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This has been a dependable car, with the exception of a few manufacturing defects that Ford isnt ready to believe. 1. Plastic intake manifold tends to crack and loose antifreeze around 60m+ miles 2. Ball joints have no greasing feature and tend to make considerable noise and will fall out at 60M+ miles. 3. Hood safety catch will let loose when going down the road, making this car extremely dangerous.

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  2016 Explorer Sport. Great Family SUV - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By C.M. - August 24 - 3:04 pm

  If you want a SUV that has great acceleration, the bells and whistles technology has to offer and fits your family comfortably for long road trips this is the car for you! I originally had a 2014 Limited Ford Explorer but 290hp is not enough for a heavy SUV. (aka CUV) So I traded it in for a 2016 Explorer Sport and WOW love this one! With 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque its the engine my Explorer needed. My husband and I tested it in the real world. We were able to get 0-60 in 6 seconds flat, not bad for amateur drivers;). This car is so comfortable for long road trips. Traveled straight for 9 hours with my husband (um we did stop for bathroom breaks three times) , my 81yr old mom, my 61 tall son and his girlfriend and every one was so comfortable. I know people think the third row leg room is small, but my son is 61 and he rode in the third row just fine. My 81yr old mom is able to get in second row seats very easily because the design of the foot entry is lower then other SUVs. For example she couldnt get in the Jeep Grand Cherokee I was thinking of getting before I bought my Ford. I also love the new additional front camera on my Sport it helps me menuever tight corners like at some fast food drive thrus. My Sport is loaded with Adaptive Cruise Control thats a definite plus, we used it all the time during our 9hr road trip. Sorry to read some reviewers Explorers breaking down on road trips, but my personal experience with my 2014 Explorer Limited and now my 2016 Explorer Sport is that they both have been driven with no problems except the Sync system shut down twice and we had to reboot it by turning off the car and then on again, other than that absolutely no problems with engine, comfort or technology.

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  Satisfied Freestar Owner - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Jacob - August 23 - 5:14 pm

  Overall were very satisfied with vehicle. Ride is comfortable. Roomy interior. Decent power. A few problems arose since we drove it off the lot - the power liftgate wasnt closing properly and we noticed the third-row seat pattern was slightly different than the rest of the car, but dealership has been responsive to these issues. NYC area promotion of free DVD player was definitely a plus. Perhaps not as stylish as a Quest or refined as a Sienna or Odyssey, but with all the features we got in our SEL, was thousands less than the competition. Love being able to play DVDs for kids through headphones while retaining control of car stereo.

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  Probe SE - 1993 Ford Probe
  By SilverBullit - August 22 - 6:15 pm

  Very fun to drive. 30-40 more HP would be nice without having to upgrade to the V6. Very reliable, just recently spun a rod bearing @ 140,000+ miles. Otherwise no major problems. Hard to find GOOD brakes, certain brands are better. Would recommend to anyone who wants a two seater that is good on gas.

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  bargain buying - 1999 Ford Escort
  By jp - August 22 - 4:28 pm

  Good car for the price. Gets usually over 30 mpg if you drive right.

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  Outstanding - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By G Dogg - August 21 - 8:21 pm

  Over a quarter of a million miles and still going strong. The first 4 years pulled a 24 boat every weekend in the summer. Have only used Mobil 1 oil in it. 4 sets of tires, 3 sets of front pads and 2 sets on the rear. 1 alternator, 2 batteries. Replaced the hoses and belts for the 1st time this year just because of the age. No rust on the vehicle and we live in Wisconsin.

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  1998 Explorer Woes - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By smph50 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Almost $4000 in dealer warranty work. Nothing major, just a lot of stuff that should not have broke. Rotors every 20000 miles. Three sets of ball joints. Two multifunction switches. Radio, 4wheel drive shift motor, intake manifold gaskets, AC, door locks, fog lamps, transmission gaskets, oil pan gaskets, rear axel seals and cables.