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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  Company Car - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By taurus7 - March 4 - 11:36 pm

  I have been driving the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable since 1989, company cars, I used to make fun of them unitl I had a BMW, the Taurus is bulletproof. Corporate America buys these cars because they are safe, low insurance rates, ample parts, and they are cheap to own. The only weak point on the car is the transmission. Granted company cars only have pedal to the floor, brake to the floor, but at 65k the transmissions will fail. I just bought a 2006 with 28k for personal use and asked the ford dealer for an extended warranty only the cover the tranny. My gas mileage averages about 22 city and 28-32 hwy, for a car of this size its amazing. My sons Scion is not much better. Great Car!

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  2004 Ford Expedition XLT Sport 5.4L 4x4 review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By rick_casorio - March 1 - 2:14 pm

  I bought this Expedition after saying I was done with Ford after 2 bad experiences with Ford vehicles in the past. I turned in my lease lemon 05 F150 in 06 and saw this Expedition on the lot and something told me to give Ford 1 more try. Im glad I did. I bought it with 37k and 4 yrs later and with 76,XXX + miles it has been a great vehicle. Only issues Ive had was a rear end whine and a sticky brake caliper. Thats it. Both fixed under warranty years ago. It has been the best bad winter weather vehicle Ive ever driven and thats saying a lot here in Michigan! Its made me a Ford Guy again. I think you should buy one.

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  A truly great beater - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By firstwagon - February 26 - 7:07 pm

  I bought our 98 Taurus SE for $1200 2 years ago. Since then we have put 20,000 miles on it and done nothing but oil changes. Mileage is good, handles great for an American car, is comfortable and has a big trunk. I just wanted a cheap beater as a second car but it turned out to be a reliable daily driver.

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  Solidily built and fun to drive - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By nyer1 - February 25 - 6:42 pm

  Owned this 2011 SEL model since Aug 2010. 20K miles on it so far. Owned several Ford models since 1990. This is by far the best vehicle Ford has produced in a long time. Have owned Taurus since 1995. All were OK. This car is more like a European sedan than anything Ford has ever produced. I live in the Northeast and we have all types of weather. This car has driven thru 5 major snow storms over the last 3mos. No problems and very secure during all weather conditions. Over the last 6mos, I have had more people ask me what type of car this was than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Only complaint is that at 66", the cockpit is a little snug. Overall, very happy with this car.

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  Wong56 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By wong56 - February 25 - 11:06 am

  I have the Ford F-150, 5.4L with 260 horsepower. This truck is a excellent truck for everyday drives and purposes, it starts on the coldest days no matter how cold the day is and it can plow through snow like a mad machine,the only problem i had with this truck is the traction is not very good in the winter weather. The favorite thing i like to do with this truck is its great for drifting and havingfun also.

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  225K and going strong! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By purdue83 - February 24 - 9:23 pm

  For anyone thinking about getting a Ford Expedition, dont think any longer! If you have the need for a people mover that is bulletproof, reliable, and of high quality, this is the vehicle for you.... I have had this Ford since new and now have 225K miles on it without any major problems... Just have changed the oil every 5k-10k miles, and kept up with scheduled maintenance...thats it. Have 3 teenagers into sports, hauling family for ski trips, etc - you get the picture...Once the wheels fall off this Ford, I wouldnt hesitate to get another one... hope this helps..

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  Im diggin it! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By genog - February 22 - 4:30 am

  Was all set to buy a SUV when i spotted this car and thought it was a Lincoln! Leather Interior,Nice Curves and cool black paint with Chrome accesories really grabbed my eye. Extremly roomy and comfortable interior,Nice sounds with the 6 disc CD Player. Crisp performance for a V6 and nice gas mileage and great handeling and ride made this car a pleasant suprise! Owning this car for 10 months has made me a believer that this car is a complete win for Ford! Great Job!

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  Not many fixes over 10 years - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mgarrett30 - February 22 - 12:25 am

  Got my 00 Expedition in 01 and have not been upset with it. I have not had a payment on my SUV in over 5 years and have put very little money into it at this point. My wife and I keep talking about needing a new suv and have balked each time that it comes down to it. After not having a payment in 5 years and putting very little money into the truck, it is very difficult to justify the $550 for a new payment. Each time the tires wear down I keep telling my self that it is going to die and why put the money into it. Then winter comes and the tires outlast the car once again. The one thing that I have had to replace at this point are the coils, 4@$200ea. MPG are not good at 10-13 avg.

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  Big problem with manual transmission - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mike18040 - February 17 - 9:08 pm

  I bought this car brand new and had it for a few days when, on occasion, it would not go into first gear when stopped. When it would finally go in, it would grind very badly. I took it to the dealer with only 428 miles on it and was told they are replacing the entire transmission. Besides that, I love the car. Aside from the problem with first gear, it shifts extremely smoothly, has good acceleration, and handles like a dream. I hope the transmission problem does not turn out to be a recurring one.

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  Still running - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By taylorc - February 17 - 11:01 am

  I bought the truck in summer of 2008 and Its now at 160k miles and still running strong, Ive only replaced the leaf spings from the abuse ive put the truck through. It takes sh!t and smiles