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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  What a joke!! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By JG - April 6 - 9:50 am

  Bought the car used w/ 26,000 miles on it. I am very disappointed in the ride (everything shakes and rattles when hitting even small bumps). The road noise is unbearable-esp. wind noise, despite dealer attempts at fixing it. Poor attention to body part alignment. Pasenger floorboard gets wet when it rains-cant seem to locate site of moisture entry. Compared with my 2000 Impala, which has 121,000+ miles on it, the Taurus is a piece of junk. I am not anti Ford, having had several good ones in the past, with one of our favorites being an86 Sable. Too bad Ford just let the Taurus go downhill. The Impala is a much better buy-great ride, quiet and great milage.

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  Ready for the Chop Shop - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Mia B. - April 6 - 8:44 am

  This car was great at first, but we spend more money on repairs than the cars actual value. Head gasket constant problem, finally died after hitting a pothole, knocking out its transmission. Gears get stuck, jolts when you start it up. Not a smooth ride.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By OldSarge - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the car I have been saving my pennies for, this one compares to my 1973 Convertible for power and comfort Love it

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  Wish I would have done my research! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By veronicav - March 26 - 8:55 am

  I previously had a 99 Galant which I was happy with but had recently had my third child and needed more space,my fear was to get rid of a car with no problems and get one with PROBLEMS, which has happened. I have a popping noise in the intake which sounds like a frog hopping around and hitting the top and sides, which Ive been told by a man who has "been with Ford for 15 years" that its normal. I also am now having a problem with the van stalling while driving down the road, many things have been checked and no problems found yet! Inside space needs improvement, getting to third row seats is awful my 3 year old daughter who sits back there has to squeeze her way back there. Rethink buying!

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  garbage on wheels - 2006 Ford Escape
  By 4wdford - March 25 - 9:23 am

  Where to begin? 15 mpg is the best we can get, and thats driving nice. The v6 struggles all the time, and smells like burning oil when parked after a run. Within the past 2 weeks the ABS has failed, the 4WD light has come on, and it pulls to the right under acceleration. The transmission now clunks when shifting. The factory tires are junk and started humming loudly after 15 000 km. To top things off, there are weird clunking noises coming from the back and front end. All this after 45,000 km, not miles!

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  Bad Investment - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Andrew - March 23 - 10:31 am

  I bought this car used from a dealership. I twisted their arm into giving me a 1K warranty and immediately I brought it in for repair. They said everything checked out fine, so I took it to a local mechanic and they said there were issues with the transmission. By the time I found that out, the 1K miles were up and the dealer only reimbursed me for some repairs done by the local mechanic within the 1K miles. 1.5 years later car still runs (barely) but the heat is gone, electric locks dont work, and I cant unlock my doors with a key in the winter cause of the internal locking mechs are bad. Do your research before purchasing a ford.

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  freestlye - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By j dolby - March 13 - 5:44 pm

  bought new have had nothing but trouble with and the dealer did nothing for us brakes went bad at just over 10000 miles dealer said nothing they can do. did the job my self after going on the internet to find rotors that were 35.00 cheaper then the dealers and have lasted for along time.funny part about this when i talked with the dealer he told me i didnt know what i was talking about.but yet i work for the plant that builds the axle and knew first hand what was wrong.

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  blown engine 60k miles - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By pete - March 11 - 1:58 pm

  Worst care ever owned. Engine just blew due to broken timing chain and only had 60k on it. Always maintained well above average. Manifold gaskets went, fuel induction problems almost every other year. Real treat. Buy American. Original owner and treated it like a baby. Apparently it did not help.

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  John - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By John R. - March 8 - 9:56 am

  This car is the worst car I have ever owned. There is over 10,000 dollars of repairs sence I purchased this car. The transfer case went bad twice. The Shift differencial twice. Front and upper ball joints. The break system had to be completely replaced. Roters worp. The rear end had to be rebuilt after 30000 miles. The transmission slips. The rear window and locking system had to be replaced. The rear trunk plastic cracked.The leather seats cracked after 4000 miles. It rides rough. I only get 11 miles to a gallon, 12 on a trip. The speekers crack. Ford Motor company, you ought to be ashamed of your self for putting a product out like this. If it wasnt for the extended warranty I would be in big trouble.

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  Dont Waste Your Money!!! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By mike - March 7 - 7:00 pm

  Buying my 2000 Ford Taurus SEL was one of the worst financial decisions I have ever made. Sure, the price was resonable for a 2-year-old Taurus in 2004, $9,500. However, I have spent at least $5,000 on repairs since: rear springs, main engine seal, wheel bearings, ball joints, emissions control assembly, break overhauls, heater malfunctions, etc., and it just failed the MA state inspection for emissions -- again! The 2000 Taurus must have been manufactured with the cheapest parts available. Yet, I must admit the the 22-valve, v-6 engine is powerful and well-build, and the front crash tests rated 5 stars. Unfortunately, at 130,000 miles, I should have sold the car years ago and cut my losses.