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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  Never Again! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By KVriezen - June 15 - 7:38 pm

  I bought this car from a dealership with 23K miles on it 3.5 yrs. ago. We rolled our 96 Windstar (which had problems) after hitting a patch of MN ice and T-boning another van. Because we walked away with only a few bruises and scratches (living to tell about the 5-star crash rating), I bought another Windstar. Stupid me. At 97K the O/D light & the Check Transmission lights came on. It seemed to be OK if the car was cold, but after about 45 miles it would come on. It also started skipping gears. After three trips to the mechanic (whom we have used for years) he says there is a tranny leak and we need a new one ($2K). He first thought it was a stuck solenoid. NOT! No more Fords for us! EVER!

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  Disappointed now that it is several months - 2006 Ford Focus
  By tam4givin - June 12 - 7:41 pm

  I was so happy to find a car I thought was going to be very comfortable. It was for a few weeks until the heated seats went crazy, the noise keeps getting louder, the performance when the Sirius on is real bad! I hope the people who rate their cars can come back here and add once they have had them several months like I have. Loud blinker sound is irritating to most people who ride in the car.

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  Taurus troubles - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By rcb - June 10 - 12:20 pm

  Sorry I tried to save a few thousand by buying an American car. After 20 months and 37,000 miles I am faced with replacing the a/c compressor which was used for 1 season only! The cost $750.00+. Very poor quality overall .

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mervyn - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bad after sales service by Ford

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  This van is a joke - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By jimr91 - June 7 - 4:50 pm

  I use a Transit at work transporting college students around. I have never been more disappointed with a new car. the only pros are the goofy look, which I like, and the head room. Everything else on the van is awful. The steering is extremely stiff to the point my hands hurt toward the end of my shift. The seats are very uncomfortable and dont have the right kind of support you need to sit in a car for long periods of time. The van i use has 30k miles on it and it has 1 hubcap left on it. It has been in the shop numerous times for brake issues and electrical problems. I have hope for the new redesigned ones but these cars are junk and are way to overpriced.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever... - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Jose - June 1 - 10:00 pm

  Worst vehicle ever. When we first bought the vehicle from the dealership the A/C did not work at all, only one car key was issued, and it had aftermarket tire rims that a tow truck did not even have the size of the lug nuts. The worst part was the fuel economy. $20.00 worth of gas will only give you approximately 40 miles of diving in the city. Most of all the customer service and repair service was no help at all. Once you drive off the lot your on your own. And theres no trunk space or interior space.

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  Not comfortable - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By AMYin New York - May 29 - 11:42 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 12,000 miles on it it presently has 45,000. The shocks and struts need replacing, the front end makes noise. The buttons for the factory radio chipped its paint. The bumper paint is chipping off and the other day I attempted to open my rear door and the handle fell off for no reason. 3rd row seat is VERY uncomfortable and absolutely no leg room, my alarm battery died and I found out that Ford dealerships must "reprogram" my remote after every battery change at a cost of $89.00 - what a RIPOFF! Other than that so far the engine runs strong and the van has a good amount of pickup but it costs me presently $80 to fill it up with regular gas at the pumps.

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  Disappointed by another FORD - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Disappointed - May 24 - 9:31 am

  Worst car I ever owned, by far. I could have bought a brand new car with all the money I spent on repairs and every time I think this is it, what else can go wrong, mechanically this is now a new car. I drive the car lightly on open roads to work. I am fanatical on maintenance but this has not stopped the never ending repairs. Engine, transmission, water pump, alternator, fuel injectors, radiator, heater core, air conditioner, window motors, Every electric gizmo you can think of, the whole front suspension, whole braking system. I cant think of any mechanical or electric component that has not been replaced. Yet my wife loves it because its pretty. Arrgh!

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  bought a headache - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By bought a headach - May 24 - 1:20 am

  Always wanted an Explorer until I got one. Where do I start -- every little curve you make it sounds like the front end is gonna fall out. The CD player works when it wants to other times it says CD error. The radio stations change themselves. The door, after the drivers side has been opened, keeps unlocking itself. Rides like a horse & buggy. Some times all the windows will roll down. Had to replace driver side door handle two times. Driver side seat latch broke so you have to sit the same way every time you drive. IÂ’m 5, my husband is 62. He was driving when it broke so very rough drive for me.

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  This is the worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By klfrunell - May 23 - 5:27 pm

  We bought this car less than 90 days ago, used. We had it inspected thoroughly prior to purchase. We have had it towed 4 times since purchase, diagnosed twice, and each time the mechanic has said there is nothing wrong, and the car starts for them, we bring it home and it wont start again. The mechanic today said--after keeping the car for 2 days and trying to get it to fail-- that this model frequently will not start for no particular reason. He had one earlier this week with same problem, and sent it back to owners not knowing what was wrong. We picked it up, drove it home, and it wont start again. This is not at all a reliable car. Never again!