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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  I cant believe I bought a Taurus! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Viking - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Dont take my review numbers too seriously yet, Ive only had it for 4 days! The SEL I have has every option but the leather and seems to be VERY solid. The Mach stereo system when setup properly puts out some very impressive sound. The big complaint I have is something that came up when me and my wife went for a drive on Sunday. The seat isnt as comfortable for long trips as I would like, the center of the seat back is hard and makes my back ache, not good. I am going to bring this up when I bring it in.

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  Wow First Ford! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Marionaps - October 9 - 5:06 am

  I am 6"3 and loved my Mazda 6 until I started getting lower back pains. I decided to purchase a CUV (need some kind of handling) and well when I saw the new Edge I was hooked! Great exterior design (by far best in class). The drive is not like a sport sedan but for a large vehicle, 4000+ pounds, I was impressed. I purchased full load with Nav which improves the interior look, still not very impressed with interior design and materials. The biggest + is how comfortable and quite this Ford is! Rides like a much more expensive vehicle. The new Duratec is a gem, smooth, quite and powerful. Mated to the 6 speed tranny this Ford is quick! Conclusion: Great value! Great comfort!

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  So far so good - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By JanaG - October 8 - 8:36 pm

  I had a 92 Ford Taurus, decided to try the modern Taurus for my self. The car seems much bigger than its predecessor. But the handling of te car has improved. Got this car a bit over the MSRP which was about $25,170. Two very critical things, hopefully the car will be reliable. Especially in the transmission department. And secondly, the interior design is still not quite up to par as the rest of the auto industry. Since Asia makes great components now, I know for fact that GM, Ford, and Chrysler use cheaper, higher quality, interior components, the same ones Hyundai uses in fact to be installed on their cars.

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  What you see is what you get - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jack Miller - October 8 - 5:50 pm

  Very happy with the car but not much to look at. Wife had to have car. Got from showroom at 1% under invoice. It is quickly obvious the mechanical design and interior design where very well thought out. There is so much here for the money. Very comfortable, very functional. From cup holders to safety features, every thing in place without fault. A lot of car for the money. Very much recommended if looking for value.

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  Great basic transportation! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JPH - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We have really enjoyed this car. We have 75,000 miles on it and have no problems. It is great basic transportation. Excellent gas mileage 34 city, 39 highway

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  ford windstar 99 - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By lyle truax - October 8 - 2:00 am

  the car is very comfy. so far the only drawbacks were three call backs but they fixed them in a timely matter tires only lasted 19000 miles. so far we enjoy the car pretty much. it has about 31000 miles. we will see what the future brings.

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  Happy so Far - 2001 Ford Focus
  By rubyelixir - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford. I am very happy with this wagon. I searched for a year before my 98 Explorer lease was up ( 98 Explorer was awful, 96 was WAY better) & nothing comes near these features for the price. Got it on the internet for @ $80 above invoice & 0 (yep thats right! ZERO ) % financing for 5 whole YEARS!! bought an extended warranty for @ $800 for a total of 6 years 100,000 miles bumper to bumper with roadside assist& free rental car from Ford!!!

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  2000 TAURUS SES - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By NONCRYSLEROWNER - October 8 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion,Ford has vastly improved this vehicle from previous designs for style and reliability however, the 3.0L engine is very underpowered for the size of this large vehicle. I was a bit disappointed with the gas mileage too. Few people baby a car like we do and we seem to get about 24mpg. While this really isnt that bad, the competition is achieving around 28-32mpg with a more powerful 3.8L. In fact we bought this car when my wife happened to wreck our Crown Victoria, and we could get 19-25 with the 4.6L V8. The dashboard color combination is TERRIBLE! Its fine during the day, but wait till nightfall. YUCK! It also seems that these vehicles have very poor resale value.

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  The Brakes STINK - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cyn_flo - October 8 - 2:00 am

  the only downfall of this vehicle are the noisy brakes. I had the car for only 6 months before the brakes started squeaking like I had a 15 year old car that needed the drums rotated and new brake pads put on. very embarassing to drive this vehicle that way. i had the brake pads replaced after going to the dealer Many times and the car brakes still squeak at times but not as bad

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  ok - 2002 Ford Escape
  By salgama1021 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  its power is very good and handling