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:

• 

  bad ride - 2003 Ford F-150
  By M Shane - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This truck is sweet, have had nothing but good luck with ford trucks since I was a kid. This is the best one of all.

• 

  Explorer review - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By glang - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Great Gas Milage for a SUV. 18mph on the hiway. Fun to drive in the snow. When 4wd on the fly kicks in on slippery conditions you feel it. A slight thomp. But besides that I really am happy with overall performace and comfort.

• 

  Great experience - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dwarren - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used. The biggest surprise was the power the V-6 provides. Loved the sporty look. It also has a sporty feel. First time I took off the Gs pulled my head back with barely a foot on the accelerator. I also was pleasently surprised with the sound system. It is the "Audiophile." The leather is in great condition and the seats are exceptionally firm. The quality is obvious throughout. Very happy.

• 

  1998 FORD TAURUS - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By BREA_JO - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY TAURUS, I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. IT HAS THE POWER I NEED TO PULL MY JET SKIS AND IS THE SMALLER SEDAN I WANTED. I LIKE THE APPEARANCE AND RELIABILITY OF IT, IT ALSO HAS LARGE TRUNK SPACE AND GREAT LEG ROOM.

• 

  Just an overall good car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Madlaker - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a used 2003 Ford Taurus SES w/all the goodies. Ive been driving it for about 3 months now and all I can say is its exactly what I hoped for. Just an easy to use everyday car that is still fun to drive and comfortable. The interior has nice simple lines that are easy on the eyes, which creates a peaceful environment you can decompress in on the commute to and from work. All the controls & gages are well labeled, well within reach, and easy to use which helps keep stress levels low.

• 

  Very happy customer - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Tiger2004 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Taurus. My 98 Taurus has been really reliable. It did not have any mechanical problems. The good experience I had with the first Taurus is the major factor for me to buy the second Taurus. Obviously the 2004 Taurus has many improvments. Its gear down-shift is much quicker, its braking distance is shorter and the fuel efficient is better, too.

• 

  excellent car! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By glen1 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  the car is super to travel in.excellent room for travels and or daily commutes.

• 

  Worth what you pay - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Haley - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my car six months ago from someone who had it sense 1996. Havent had any problems except the check engine light which wasnt anything major. Fun little car for the price tag, trade in value is kind of depressing though. Very nice interior deisgn, and outside ive been given compliments on the smile of the front of it. This car has been in northen New Hampshire sense 96 and it is still running great at 04.

• 

  Safe, Cute and Friendly - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By D. Tru - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus was my first car. I bought it from the rental fleet at 22k miles. Also, this car initially served as a training vehicle for my wife and my friend, and it took abuse from renters and us pretty well. Key buying decision factors were size, safety and style, but the Taurus turned out to be very dependable and with timely maintenance required very few repairs over the years (battery, tires, and struts).

• 

  Old Faithful looking a little worn - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By A-in-CT - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1991. Drove in in hard winters--repainted it once and got a new bumpter. The only thing that went wrong in 13yrs was an alternator, an oil leak and cosmetic stuff. The engine runs terrific--- still can go 100 up a big hill with no issue :) These are great and fun cars-- if you are ever thinking of buying one. Its just kind of sad this car is considered "old"..I remember when I first drove it up to work and it turned peoples heads...now people look at it and turn their head (hahah)