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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  Contour was worth it. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Duane - April 28 - 11:24 pm

  This Contour is the 4cyl SE. I bought it with 65k miles, and now have 147k. Only thing I have done to it is timing belt and change the timing pulleys (recomended by Ford) and oil changes. Just recently had to replace a suspension part for 30 bucks, but that is all. some repairs can be costly, but, with proper maintainence as mentioned, will be a good car. It handles great, (better than my Tbird) and gets good economy. The one problem- rocker panels are rusted out, but I lived in a dirt road/ salted roads area.

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  Experience With New 2008 Ford Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Romuald Buescher - April 28 - 7:43 pm

  Am extremely satisfied with 2008 FWD Taurus Limited. Car I bought doesnt have all bells/whistles available but is very nicely equipped. Car is comfortable, very roomy, economical, attractive. Fuel economy excellent for car of this size (30 mpg on highway, cruise control at 74 mph, average terrain). The trunk capacity is astounding and with rear seats and passenger front seat folded down, ability to carry large, long items superior to anything on the road of which I am aware. In short, an outstanding automobile & one that Henry would be proud of. Incidentally, the car is in his only color (black) and my favorite [two tone- (black & chrome)]

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  Tall drivers take note - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By thundercloud47 - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  I am one week into owning this Windstar. Im 66" and have a problem with fitting in the newer vehicles especially the imports. This was funny when I was younger but now that I am disabled with arthritis it is not so funny anymore. I have no problem fitting in the Windstar. The only issue I have is the console where the heater controls and radio are located. It is too close for my liking in that it does not give my right leg enough room. But this is an issue I can overlook. I have plenty of headroom, the seats are comfortable, and the ride is fantastic. I really like not having to duck my head to look out the windshield. Its too soon to tell about reliability .

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  Solid and Economical - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By inteliquest - April 28 - 5:29 pm

  I once owned a Taurus back in 1983 and it was crap! But one look at my 2007 SEL model and I really liked it. I drive it every chance I get and commute in it. It is quiet, smooth and gets 30 mpg highway! I like the interior as it is comfortable and semi luxurous. Sound system is really good (mach) version and performance is real good for this size of car. I hope to get lots of miles out of this car and after a few tweaks it should be a real nice ride. Oh and best of all it only cost 11,200 now that is smokin

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  2004 Ford Focus ZTS Sedan 2.3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Focus # 2 - April 28 - 4:31 pm

  Primarily a Toyata fan, this became my second Focus following an accident totaling the one I purchased in 2003. the biggest problem I have had was with a brake caliper sticking wearing out the low profile tires on the front end. Overall, tire wear has continued to be a problem I had never experienced.

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  New Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By mdennish - April 28 - 1:37 pm

  Big interior, trunk. Good handling, very quiet on hwy. Good mileage. Fit and finish above average. I am 6,4" and weigh 260 lbs and I have ample room.

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  Have You Driven A Ford Sport lately - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sooners - April 28 - 11:26 am

  I factory ordered my Explorer Sport in 2000. Just love the look of the new model. My Explorer Sport is a 4X4 with skid plates, which was perfect for the Rocky Mountains jeep trails of Colorado and carry my ski gears. Now, I live in Florida and my Explorer is towing my 19 boat. My Explorer has been as high as 14,000 feet to sea level with no problems whatsoever. I do my routine maintenance and the biggest repair is getting new brake pads and rotors. Not bad at all IMHO. Its fun to go on the beach and switch to 4X4 and go on the path less traveled. Others SUVs without 4X4 just get stuck in the sand! I am still surprised that I get 20 mpg on the highways going to work.

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  Good value - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Gary - April 28 - 5:33 am

  A lot of car for the price but has poor resale value even with all the popular options. Lost a lot of value after 2 years and only 14,000 miles. Feels like it is built good Plenty of room inside Great heat and A/C, I am only 43, this car is better suited for someone 10 or 20 years older. A very funcional but boring car just like Camrys and Accords

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  Rudys 2 Cents - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rmax150 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I hate the electronic throttle. It takes sooo long to respond; other than that I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!

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  awesome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By unclebob55634 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck