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 - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Chris in Chicago - April 21 - 2:00 am

  For the Gen4 Ford Taurus. Ford has again built a fine vehicle. The interior Medium Parchment is a great color scheme mixed in with the dash. It is fun to drive and looks great. I wouldnt compare it with Toyota, Honda, or Chevy. They do not have as quality cars as Ford does. I think people need to look again when they think about buying another brand and give Ford some credit. Besides the Taurus, they also have a fine line of vehicles. Thanks..

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  Taurus still better than Accord - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By dafish - April 21 - 2:00 am

  In the 2 months Ive driven my 2004 Foprd Taurus I can truly say its the best car Ive ever driven. I am so glad I traded my 2000 Accord, which was really unreliable comparitively. I should have bought a Taurus in 2000.

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  smokers nightmare - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By AQUAMAN1957 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The location of the ashtray is a nightmare, try to put your ciggarette out while driving is accident waiting to happen. The moon/sunroof is also flawed with no access to the cover unless fully closed.

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  Good SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By COramprat - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Expedition for 3 years now and havent have any major problems. I bought it used with 67K miles and have just turned 140K. We have been from our home in south Louisiana to northern Tennessee and it is my wife daily driver to work. To date I have replaced the shift cable and recently have had some emissions problems but other than that its a good vehicle.

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  A Good Purchase If You NEED It - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Shaheen - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car for three years. I have been very pleased with the reliability and the strength of the truck. It is also a pleasure to drive. The truk could have more power, but I have the smaller engine. The problem with more power is that I could not imagine paying more for gas. Overall I would recommend this vehicle, but only to people who really need a big truck.

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  Family Car - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By dkturnage - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Has been extremely nice on long trips. Very comfortable interior. I have two of four sons that are 6 ft 5 in and 6 ft 7 in and they could lean back in the captains chairs and sleep. Only problem was the transmission in which the dealer promptly fixed. Has been a very good reliable vehicle.

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  I love my van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By telestai - April 21 - 2:00 am

  It has been very faithful. Very nice interior with leather seats,etc. Great for family camping trips, holds everything. Exterior is showing its age. Recently put in $2500 for head gasket.

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  GOT LUCKY TOO - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By hellothere - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have to say nothing has gone wrong just regular mantainence.As far as tranmissions, Ya know things like not coming to a complete stop before placing into park can kill a trani also when in reverse slaming into drive and laying it out doesnt help. I personal will go with a truck next time but as far as my 99 Windstar i just hit 89,000 miles and no problems. BTW I am not a Ford person so please dont think I am some crazed all about fords to be honest i hate Ford I bought it cause the price was good. I do perfer Chevy or a bicycle over ford but honestly this van has been great to me.

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  I hate it, husband loves it - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By maiya - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Am I the only one that hates driving this vehicle? I feel like Im driving a school bus because its so huge, and when I go to pump gas, it kills me. I long for the compact car where I can jump in and get my moneys worth. Also, I know cars depreciate but I didnt think it would be 18,000 less in 2 years. I finally convince my husband to trade-in to a car that we can both love and save money on. After this car,..Im looking into a hybrid. Overall, I wish I saved my money and bought a Lexus. Worth the price and depreciate less.

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  I love this car... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By smilingbrownbear - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car two years ago with only 8,500 miles. It was babied by the original owner. I have put another 7,000 miles on it during the non- winter months. Great to drive, ultra- sharp looking, have not had one problem yet. Best present I ever bought for myself.