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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  UNRELIABLE - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Sherry Lundy - September 23 - 8:21 am

  If I had only known. We thought we were getting a deal purchasing this in 00 with only 20K mi. for $11K...since then we have spent more than we would have to purchase new! Transmission 2 times once at 30K and now at 80K, chews up brakes, tires annually and is driven less than 12K per year! Lost brakes completely 3 times, something to do with the ABS/traction control. Does not hold an alignment, creeks, squeaks, clunks still after everything replaced...bearings, struts, bushings, steering rack. And than there is the elusive fix to the interior lights staying on, no one can figure it out so battery needs to be replaced frequently! Wish I had known...never would have bought it.

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  Rambling Wreck - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By joetomburk - September 17 - 11:40 am

  Probably a lease return as the car had approximately 18,000 miles when I purchased. Problems began with defective radiator hose which was replaced by the dealer. After that I bore the brunt of all repairs including intake manifold gasket (luckily not the head gaskets since it was only $600 to repair rather than $1200). Front end extremely noisy and have made multiple trips to the mechanic with little change. Things are better for a while and then back to normal (clunking noise). Have experienced similar problems with door ajar indicator-heavy doses of WD 40 in all of the locks usually cures this ill. Brakes a shaky at best. First and last purchase of any Ford product.

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  meh - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By tg - September 16 - 10:34 pm

  I drive a company issued 3.9L cargo with maybe 200 pounds of extra weight in the rear. The driving dynamics are odd to say the least. It tends to stay on center, but it does not like to turn. The ride is smooth, but noisy. Combined gas mileage is 20 MPG, which is not too much of an improvement coming from a full size Ford E250 with 5.4L V8 that got 14 MPG on average. On quality, they painted the hood support rod to the hood and paint was damaged. At least I wont see it that often.

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  Not made for comfort - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Yamin - September 16 - 2:35 pm

  Worst car I ever had. Bought car with 1200 miles, drove 1 year. Very uncomfortable and rough ride. Horrible gas mileage and poor pickup. Car is not made for a 5ft 11 inch 175 pound person. I had a 89 GT 5.0 so I thought I would like the newer model but should have kept the older one.

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  Good basic car with basic problems - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Rich - September 5 - 3:09 pm

  This is the third Escort I have owned. I have kept all for a long, long time. And this will be the last. Each seems to have taken a step down in quality. Strange engine creaks and rattles still plague this car. There was missing weatherstripping from day one, so the window leaks. And now, the exterior trim is peeling. Theres no lip on the edge of the windshield, so when you use the washers it sprays in the drivers window. Ive replaced most of the parts (including a FUEL TANK!) and hope the car lasts a few more months till I gather the cash to buy a new one. After this experience (and with another Ford) it will NOT be a Ford. Quality like this, no wonder theyre in trouble.

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  Not for tall people - 2006 Ford Focus
  By John Smith - August 31 - 8:53 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 days now and I have been trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Dont get me wrong, its a fun little car if you are under 6 feet tall. I have experienced terrible back and leg pain from the drivers seat. I am 63" tall and go to the gym at least 3 times a week and in great shape. On the test drive and for a couple of days the car was fine then uncomfortable every other trip. Then had to drive 30 miles to and back from somewhere is when the excruciating pain began. This morning was a 5 mile trip to work and not less than 50 feet out of the driveway was when the pain began again. Please be very weary of this vehicle if you are tall!

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  Quality Not Job One - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Final Ford - August 30 - 7:53 pm

  Overall the truck has been okay for a truck. Same old Ford quality though. Noisy transmission, loud power steering pump, and mushy suspension. Transmission hunts when pulling a boat and loaded. Poor window seal quality, almost all doors and window seals are now falling apart or off. Paint quality on roof was factory poor, checking and cracking. To top it off the Original OEM tires were dry-rotting at 25,000 miles.

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  No Mo Fo Mo Co - 2006 Ford Focus
  By NoMoFoMoCo - August 30 - 3:22 pm

  My wife drove this car home from the dealership. By the time she got home, it had 11 miles on it. The trunk would not latch (returned it for service). Week 2, the driver side door would not close. Month 2, the remote stopped unlocking the doors. Month 3, the trunk flew open while we were driving with our dog in the back. We keep the doors shut with tie downs. The car is 6 months old, 5,000 miles and right now its stuck in my driveway and I am missing work (again). This is our 13th Ford over 20 years and unless Ford takes it back at their expense, we will be switching to one of the other big 3.

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  Could be Better!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DennisHuther - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle and i am in the process of trying to get Ford to buy it back from me. Too many Problems to list in even 700 words or less. I will never buy another Ford again..... I own 6 of them but i will never purchase another....

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Connie - August 15 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this car used with 34,000 miles. Car was making small rattle noise with engine, dealership said was normal for this car. I trusted them & didnt buy extended warranty (bad experience in past). Thought it would last many miles before any problems. Two months later at 38,000 miles the transmission went out stayed in shop for over a month and cost $2600.00 to rebuild. So if you hear noise check it out, dont trust dealership.