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:

• 

  007 Special Edition - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By perrydog - March 23 - 5:48 pm

  Compared to my previous Mercedes SLK, this has much more power and style, though the handling is no match for the SLK. It is more a mixture of luxury and performance. The engine is as strong as any muscle car I drove in the 60s, yet gets 17 - 26 mpg. This is a real head turner, and a hit with the ladies. The car looks much better with the porthole hardtop than the soft top, unless it is down! The build quality is excellent, with just 1 minor problem in two years.

• 

  I love this car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Rod - March 23 - 3:30 pm

  The ride and look of this car really sold me on buying it. I had a 2002 model and traded for a Ford Escape. What a mistake! I thought I needed a SUV for pulling a trailer and a couple of 4 wheelers. The ride and cabin noise really turned me off with the Escape. I traded back for the Taurus and will not make that mistake again. I will buy a F-150 if I need a truck for towing. I feel so much safer in the Taurus.

• 

  WHAT A DEAL - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Les - March 23 - 3:13 pm

  I bought my Taurus used, 1.5 years old, with warranty, for less than half the price of a new one. The biggest surprise was decent handling, even better than my 00 Acura TL (before I changed springs). Lots of room inside, good fuel economy with smaller engine. Something of rarity these days, no ABS, I love it, especially on snow. For some reason there are no aftermarket parts, like lower springs, better shocks, but stock is not so bad. No ridiculous gap between fenders and wheels. My recommendation - get a used one from rental fleet, youll save tons of money. With 65,000 miles on it, all Ive changed was brake pads (twice), tires (3 sets), and ball joints. The car is driven hard and fast, almost problem free.

• 

  OK Car for the Money - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By emf - March 23 - 12:30 pm

  It is an okay car for the money we spent. We have had some repairs at 72,000. The biggest thing, and something we would have liked to know before we purchased the car, is that the Taurus has problems with the heater core and the heater going out. Were working on the second time of backflushing the heater core in order to avoid having to replace it. It is very expensive (and cold)! It is a comfortable, powerful, and roomy car - good for road trips, camping, and trips to the hardware store. A very nice back seat - for people and our large dog. I would recommend buying one, just know that there are some flaws associated with the Taurus Wagon.

• 

  Goodbye Honda! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By T. Everhamn - March 23 - 9:56 am

  Traded a Honda Accord which had problem after problem for the Crown Victoria after having rented one on a business trip. I will say I did hear a few comments from the family after doing so. But I now have a reliable and very safe car. Truly the most overlooked vehicle on the road.

• 

  Soid and Reliable - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Ken - March 23 - 9:22 am

  This car has served us well for almost 6 years. It feels solid and substantial, and the price was right when we bought it new. I would definitely do it all over again!

• 

  A great bargin with lots of character. - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fieldtd - March 23 - 5:19 am

  This review is for the Police Interceptor model of the Crown Vic. I bought mine at a bargain price with low mileage, but some work needed, almost immediately after it was decommissioned from a metro police department. More than a year and several repairs later, I can say that this car was still a great deal: its fairly reliable, comfortable, gets decent gas millage for a 2-ton car: about 19 city 25 highway if driven with a light foot (driving like Mad Max nets something closer to 15/20) and is very fun to drive. It also has a lot of character: there really arent many other contemporary cars like it on the road. If Ford still made them, the first car Id buy new would be another Crown Vic.

• 

  Best value - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By John - March 22 - 9:08 pm

  With the marginal press reviews this van gets, discounts are plentiful. Very quiet and comfortable. Zero problems so far.

• 

  My Beautiful T-Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kimberley - March 22 - 7:34 pm

  Hello! I purchased my dream car last June. It is beautiful! My T-Bird is Torch Red with the black soft top and a matching Torch Red hard top. The interior is black with leather seats accented with the red. This car is awesome to drive and gets tons of attention no matter where I drive it. Best of all it offers the performance of a sports car and tons of fun. This is the best driving experience of my life. I love to drive it, day or night. And for the brisk spring and fall nights, those heated seats deliver the warmth to keep driving topless. I LOVE my Thunderbird! I highly recommend it!

• 

  Please, dont stop making the Excursion! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Billy Speer - March 22 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Ford Excusion for our ministry pulling a trailer and averaged 40,000 miles a year, This is the best heavy duty and enjoyable vehicle we have owned, I couldnt wait to trade up to the 2005 Excursion. Its one of the most dependable, hardworking, vehicles weve ever used. Please, dont stop making the Ford Excursion! Im a big person and it fits me just right. It has all the options a person could want, and the speaker system is fabulous. If you want to haul anything, this is the SUV you want, and we are getting better miles a gallon than before with more power! Wow! dont know what I do with it, thanks Ford!