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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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By PHE - April 8 - 9:53 pm

  This one is a sleeper. Honestly, its a Chrysler 300 for thousands less. The only thing I would change about the car is the power -- it does need more. But the comfort is better than Chrysler, the visibility is great, and the Audiophile sound system is good. My father-in-law thinks it looks like a Mercedes, and my wife calls it a luxury car that fools the insurance companies into thinking its "just" a Ford.

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  Not so good so far - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Fred J. - April 8 - 9:50 pm

  Ordered 4x4 Expo on 1/21/08 and took delivery on 3/11/08 Drove to Lubbock (325 miles) and on 3/21/08 replaced torque converter. On 3/26/08 at 421 miles replaced torque converter and transmission. So far, have not left city limits because of apprehension that it will leave me stranded at the ranch. Selling dealer and repairing dealer have been great. Gave me 2008 pickup to drive while repairs were made. It had only 220 miles on it and I was sure not to exceed 400 miles...

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  Check it out...youll dig it - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By dex2112 - April 8 - 9:32 pm

  I bought this Explorer almost a year ago and have zero problems. I am very happy with it thus far. The 4WD plows throw snow and mud. The traction control is also great in icey conditions. I love the safety features for the family. Everyone who rides along is confortable and satisfied to the fullest. First times usually cant find the exit handle, but I think its kinda funny. The V8 has plenty of power, but hay I could always use a little more. My one compaint is the amount of interior plastic. Come on, cant we spring for something a little more solid.

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  ford f-150 supercrew - 2002 Ford F-150
  By The Bob-o - April 8 - 4:06 pm

  great truck. I can haul 5 people plus all our stuff and dogs in the back. I purchased a cap which really helps with storage. I have over 47,000 miles and it still runs great. Great ride. First brake job was very expensive. Over 500.00. It seems as though parts are very expensive. Power moonroof was a great option.Go with the 17" wheels, tires.Price shop. I saved over 4,000 dollars by shopping at 7 different dealers until I got the best price.

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  Great car the bucks - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Great Car for the mo - April 8 - 3:02 pm

  I bought this car as a vehicle to drive to work with pretty good MPG. I have had this car for a year now and no regrets. Avg. 23 mpg. Had been driving a Dodge 4x4 and the MPG was 12 -14 so I was looking for something more economical but didnt want to be stuck in a subcompact. The Taurus is a fine car in all respects, though a little dated and not a lot of acceleration it still is much smoother and more fun to drive than a 4 cylinder. This car is comfortable and well made. It is large enough for a family and easy to drive. Many of the newer models although very stylish are short on headroom and have poor visability. The Taurus has plenty of space. At about 10 grand the value becomes obvious.

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  Good all the way around - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By irongod - April 8 - 2:22 pm

  Bought this used with about 90k on it now its around 102k. Its red with tan interior. I have done a complete service on it as well as installed a k&n air filter. Will be installing a large stereo set-up. Explorers are great for that!

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  Very Nice - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By simpson - April 8 - 1:09 pm

  I was very impressed with my purchase. The fuel economy is favorable if you still like to have a little spunk in your drive. This car handles better than my SUV in the winter, I know a couple people that have TaurusÂ’s and they are pleased also. I was not too fond of the SE but with the SEL I have leather, sunroof, CD changer, MACH sound system, ABS and a couple more features that are rather favorable. If you are adjusting from a gas-guzzler to a more practical car I think this is one for you.

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  Lots of miles, still cuisin - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Doug - April 8 - 12:50 pm

  I purchased my Mustang GT through Ebay in 2005 (had 45,000 miles), with excellent success. I drive the car quite often, with multiple out of state trips. The highway mileage is 27- 29 mpg (this at 80 mph!), the city mileage is 20-23 mpg (depends on AC usage). Im nearing 100,000 miles, with absolutely no issues. I would buy another Mustang in a heartbeat.

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  Great and Fun Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Texas John - April 8 - 2:06 am

  Love it! I have had it about three months now. Took from Texas to Michigan. Set the cruise at 80 and got 25.7 mpg for the whole trip. Amazing for a sports car. Getting around 17 mpg going back and forth to work. Great, comfortable daily driver. Only problem is that I have developed a "growl" from the rear end when I go around corners at slow speeds. There is a technical bulletin out there so I will be bringing it to the dealership to get that fixed.

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  2002 Focus SE Sedan - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Stix - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 Focus SE sedan with automatic. Its very comfortable, easy to drive, fairly good on gas and the power is sufficient (but could increased for better overtaking ability). It has been reliable with no repairs needed yet. Rear seat access and room is good and a child car seat fits there easily. The trunk is large with lots of space, a low liftover and flat floor. Build quality seems very good. Fairly low noise at highway speeds.