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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  Love my Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Love my Taurus - August 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours at 66,000 miles in 97, and it is now at 102K. Couldnt be any happier. Aside from regular maintenance and wear and tear, this car has been great and reliable. Absolutely no compaints.

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  98 Taurus - more than just a Hertz renta - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Ray Bennett - August 5 - 2:00 am

  My 1998 Taurus has seen an unusual combination of highway and city mileage since I bought it (new). The V6 has plenty of pick up and it cruises nicely. The ride is above average, although there is less road noise in the newer models (I travel and rent a lot). ONLY problem has been that once I changed the factory brakes, we went through pads like crazy. Just went back to factory, and now its fine. The paint wears well, and the vehicle, when clean, always surprises me with that "new" look. 75,000 miles and counting. Handles well, with just a touch of body roll - but keeping good tires on it keeps it fun to drive.

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  Happy as can be expected - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By lukeg - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I was real impressed with this car the first time I drove it. It is much more comfortable than a camaro, in interior design and ride. The design is much more inviting and the seats, which may not slide back for enough offers a very relaxing feel. The car lacks in horsepower, but still has enough power to make me smile when I nail it. Gas mileage is unimpressive, but on the highway on long trips, it is much better than expeceted, in the mid 20s. The noise level is very low. Overall, I think it was a good buy, especially due to all the heads it still turns, even at 6 years old with 90k.

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  Good little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By truck - August 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems with this truck at all

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  Crappy Transmission as always.... - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By k1124 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I worked for a company that gave me a free company car every year (20 in all). In 2001 I was laid off and needed a car quickly so I purchsed my company car at 26M. Now at 45M the transmission shutters from 3-4th gear. Every Winstar I ever had (6 in total) had a shuttering transmission. I thought by now they would have fixed it. Other than that its been reliable.

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  Great First Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By SimbaTLion - August 4 - 2:00 am

  The Escort runs great at 109,000 miles on it. It is a bit sluggish accelerating, and it takes about 4 seconds to get to 40 mph on the highway. The car needs bigger cup holders, because they only fit soda cans. The Hazard flasher button is stupidly placed behind the steering column, but otherwise the controls are fine. I get about 370 miles on one tank of gas, and this is stop and go traffic to work. Overall it is a great car for a new driver, and very economical.

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  Id buy it AGAIN in a HEARTBEAT! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Carolyn - August 3 - 6:38 pm

  Ive owned "Sammy" for 8 years and now he has 207,000. I never dreamed Id own another Ford after my last one, but after reading over 600 reviews, Im so glad I bought it. Over the years Ive had no problems outside of the normal-- tires, battery, brakes. Repair visits were much cheaper and far more infrequent than my Nissan Altima. Problems right now are mounting, however, as the car ages. The back passenger door hasnt locked for the last few years and now the front door has to be locked manually. Turning the vent/defrost dial is becoming more difficult. The CD player went out a while ago, so I just listen to the radio. Theres squeaking in the back passenger side that goes away when its cold. However, when its cold, I have to wait a long time for the gas pedal to unfreeze and the reason Im giving up the car this weekend is that its cutting out now in traffic in cold weather.

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  Mostly Happy Customer - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By cabriojazz - August 2 - 12:50 pm

  I needed 7 passenger seating and found that the seating in the Freestyle was much better than the Freestar. However, it is harder for my little ones 2 & 4 to climb out from the 2nd row seats. Exit from 3rd row is easier for them. The car is great! CVT drives very nice. Handles great. Fuel economy is 6 mpg better than Freestar which at $2 and 18k miles a year the difference is $400 which is one payment. Have not yet experienced the snow but got the FWD instead on AWD. SE was good bargain compared to SEL which costs $3k more and all you get is the message center.

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  2005 Mustang Convertible V8 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By mrq - August 2 - 8:36 am

  Things that I would change for the 2006 model: 1.The drivers seat is the most uncomfortable seat I have ever had in a car. Should be wider and more comfortable. I had to put a cushion on the seat. 2. Gas tank is too small; should be at least 20 gallons. You are at the gas station every time you go some place. 3. Stationary antenna should be a retractable one. 4. Passenger seat should have the option of having power so you can raise the seat. Its like sitting in a hole. Its too low. 5. There is no storage space accessible from the drivers seat. After you put a few CDs in the console you dont even have a place to put a map.

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  Not a bad little van at all - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mrsnspectr - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 2001 and have put about 11,000 miles on it with no problems. I was worried because I had read that many Windstars, mostly other years, were bad for blowing head gaskets, but we havent had a bit of trouble out of it, and we have made several out of state trips. We also have a DJ/Karaoke business, and when we remove the rear seat, our equipment fits perfectly.