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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  Too much money, too little car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By dtskiles - September 2 - 10:00 am

  1. A car should have pickup or gas mileage. Ideally, it should have both. This car has neither. A Camry or Accord can accelerate faster and needs much less gas. 2. Details details. Why do you have to unfold the front seat to get to the change holder? Why cant the stereo get signal on cloudy days? 3. The car had trouble starting on a mild spring day with only 2200 miles under its belt. Thats pathetic. There was a time when Accords and Camrys were fighting to catch up to the Taurus - Americas #1 selling car in the 80s. Now theyre not in the same class.

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  Do not buy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Terry - August 27 - 9:07 pm

  Bought van 5 years ago with around 50000 mi. 77000 on van now. Started while under warranty with check engine light had intake gaskets replaced and after warranty out same problem. Replaced o2 sensors and still have intake manifold leaks. Tranny out now. Suprised ford not richer with what they are selling. No help for the working guy. I also had door switch replaced at my cost. Good luck if you have one. Still debating on fixing tranny maybe I should get out while the getting is good

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  NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By NEVER BUY A FORD - August 17 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this lemon in 2005 had 32000 miles on it. I had to replace transmission in April 2007 at 50000 miles and replaced engine at 59000 miles, what a lemon. It makes me sick to think Ford builds cars like this to sell to familys. Will never buy another Ford product ever!!

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  xlt 98 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By nick lupu - August 14 - 10:00 am

  1. 44,000 miles: replaced both drive shafts. 2. 50,000 miles: replaced transfer-case. 3. 60,000 miles: repaced upper left arm an d all schock-absorbers. 4.Clonking and radlle noise in the front end still there. 5. 40,000 miles: defective manifold and lifters. 6. 60,000 miles: defective ball-joints front left.

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  rust - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By shc - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It could be because of design problem. It gets rust easily. I brought a Taurus five years ago. Now, rust is everywhere. I would not buy Ford again. I am not sure whether they are doing what they say: quality is job 1.

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  My Last Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By FormerRangerOwner - August 14 - 1:08 am

  I bought my 2001 Ranger with 29,000 miles and had only minor annoyances with it until 55,000, such as the "Door Ajar" light staying on when it rained and the CD player reading "error" most of the time. At 55k needed $760 transmission repair, then one sensor after another started going bad. When I sold it at 85k (highway miles)I had around $3000 invested in keeping it running, and it was leaking a quart of power steering fluid per week. I sold it to a guy who said he "likes to work on cars". He should love it... I have owned 3 F150s, a Taurus, an Escort, and a Mustang GT, and have been mostly happy with Fords but this one has driven me away for good. Going to test drive a Tacoma!

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  What happened to Ford? - 2005 Ford F-150
  By letgomyeggo - August 7 - 1:00 am

  Where do I begin. I brought my truck brand new and I take very good care of it. At 3000 miles, starter goes out and I have to have it towed from work. Next, black emblem paint chips off and steering column begins to rattle. Next, computer chip goes out and I have to have it towed again. Transmission begins slipping and rust is starting to form underneath all doors from bad welding. Air Conditioner leaking inside cab now on passenger side. Transmission is still slipping and now I have a clunk in the rear end when I come to a stop and start to go. I am not at 34700 miles and the warranty is getting ready to expire. Give me a Dodge now!

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  Car is worth nothing - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Car is garbage - August 1 - 2:00 am

  In and out of the dealer thats where my car has spent more time rather than on the road. For the past 2 years I have run into problem after problem. Breaks making noises, gas pedal getting stuck, you name it! My car has had repairs for it. I will never even think of purchasing a Ford again!

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  Not What You Expect - 2002 Ford Focus
  By monkey0305 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this car has not been a pleasant one. Three weeks after I purchased my Focus, it broke down. I came to find out that the stick shift had come loose while I was driving it. If you are planning on purchasing this car for a family, especially with small children, I would advise against it. The interior has very little room for taller people. If you have a child that is in a rear facing car seat, be aware that the passenger or driver will have limited space. Another thing I have found wrong with this car is its many blind spots. I have had numerous close calls with other cars due to the lack of veiwing space out the windows.

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  Not worth the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ckw - July 26 - 9:22 am

  The first two years I had the car it worked great. I had no problems with it. Then it started having problems. First, the radio went out. Then I began to have brake problems. Then my water pump and related components began to develop holes. Now the brake pads have worn down and the alternator has just about gone out. In the last 2 years, my car has been in the shop 5-6 times. Additionally, I used to get really good gas mileage. Now, its below average and my driving habits have not changed (perhaps due to the alternator). Ive had other cars that maybe went to the shop once in their whole lifetime.