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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  The almost car of my dreams - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Chris v. - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most interesing car i have ever owned. When I first bought my Taurus it was fun, reliable, clean and all over nice. But six mouths later that all changed. I ended up spending close to $2000 to get my car fixed. And ever since then my car has went down hill. I love my car but i think it is time for us to part.

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  Not bad for a 25 year old design - 1996 Ford F-150
  By KKear - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Have mine since new,-8 years. Fair gas milage with 300 and 5 speed at around 15 MPG. I hear a 351 V8 gets that. Still rides very smooth but handles sloppy, but then its design dates back to 1967. Front end alignment aside, very few problems and it never left me sit. Entire truck holding up well in spite of my abuse-I actually use the thing like a pickup truck! Wont buy a new F150 because high bidy sides and non- removeable gate, Guess ill but a F250!

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  DISSAPOINTED - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By SLIMJIM7423 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on june 12th of 2004 new with 3 miles. i have owned it for 3 weeks and it has been in the shop for a total of 7 days now. They have replaced the fuel sender and fuel pump because the car stalled and the fuel guage is not functioning properly. Its in for a second repair now on the same problem. I am dissapointed that I have payed so much for a car that I havent had much time to drive.

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  Lemon or not a Lemon - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bobby10999 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  In the beginning the vehicle was great. I did all the required servicing of the vehicle. But, after I had gotten to about 21,000 miles something went tottaly wrong. The head gasket blew, which caused me to be without my vehicle for 3 weeks. My local dealership told me they needed to replace the whole engine, since it was shot. Soon after the new engine was in place, i noticed some tapping noises at under 25mph. So, I took it back and at 25,000 miles the exhaust manifold had to be replaced. Now that I have 34,000 miles on it I am noticing more noises coming from the enginge compartment, along with sluggish shifting between gears. What is the problem now?

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  2000 Explorer XLS - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By kuli42 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 40,000 miles on it. I have had a number of things go wrong (spark plugs, wires, oxygen sensor, IAC valve, transmission acting up). As long as you are willing and able to keep up with the "not-so-routine" maintenance its not a bad vehicle. But when it developes a new noise just about every week that requires investigation, it gets a little tiring.

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  Love the Escape but not the engine - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Debidoodl - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2001 Escape XLT. It has a sunroof, 6 cd changer, great speakers, good speed. Only, at 50,000 miles, Ive already had to replace the master cylinder, power brake booster, brakes, and have 2 recalls fixed. Now, my engine light is on for the 2nd time in 3 weeks. How can I be attached to a car that is making me question why I bought domestic? Ive owned a Honda and Toyota, loved both of them, particularly the lack of maintenance issues. Im struggling with whether or not to replace this car, before I finish paying it off! Im just concerned about future issues if its had so many at 50,000 miles!

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  Another Tranny Story - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Phobic - June 28 - 2:00 am

  But this one used, had 27K miles on it. After racking up an additional 35K in less than two years, the transmission gave in and was replaced. Thank God we had an extended warranty! Hopefully we can go another 60K before it breaks down again.

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  Do not buy a Taurus! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Turpie - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Run, dont walk away from buying a Taurus! Although this vehicle is fun to drive and looks sharp, it is prone to mechnical problems. This is the second Taurus sedan I have owned (and the last) and both had transmissionproblems at about 70,000 miles (under normal city driving conditions). Plus, they do not hold their value, so youre going to get sunk on the financial end of the deal, too. Do yourself a favor...buy a Honda, a Toyota, but whatever you buy, DO NOT BUY A TAURUS!!!

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  i will never own a taurus again - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By roberta - June 24 - 2:00 am

  i bought it ten years old ran great the first two months, in the last year i have replaced rack and pinion,air compressor, radiator,thermostat, cooling fan sensor,transmission pan gasket,front brakes,back brakes and a few other repairs that i cant remember what for.It has been in the shop for the past week with a possible broken head gasket!!Looks great but mechanically when it rains it pours with this car!

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  Nothing but trouble - 1998 Ford Contour
  By jelly - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for two years and have had nothing but problems. Average money put into the car in two years : 3000 $. new transmission, tires, engine, battery, and O2 sensors that were suposed to fix the check engine light but its still on from 6 months ago. Runs badly in the winter, barely starts. Cant wait to sell it. Oh and to make a copy of your key will set you back about 150 dollars!