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, Great Price - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Kelli in Cal - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I have test driven everything on the market. I drove a Ford Taurus as a lark and to my surprise, loved it! Truly one of the nicest cars out there and the price was fantastic. Very solid feeling, safe, and yet the SES has zip and great feel of the road. I suggest if you are in the market for a great used car that you drive this. Youll be surpised! A very under- rated car.

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  good all around - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Caluch - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Although still very new in the driveway, we both (wife and I) feel we got a good deal and a great car. It has much more leg rom than we are use to even though we traded same size. More comfort and even seems more stable than our Olds. We opted for the bench seat and it makes me feel like im driving a car 40 years ago. Plenty of everything for us.

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  GZ - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By GZ - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good small truck - and a really cool look. Sooo many people tell me how much they like my truck. Looks like a 4 W drive, fun to own

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  its okay - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By clint - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer about a year ago when it had 94,000 miles. Now it has 104,000. It makes noises when you drive. I was told to replace the shocks so I did. It help somewhat but mad the misstake and put rancho shocks on. Supper rough ride!! I bought leather seats for it and realy like them. Engine seems like a good one except when below 25 degrees, then makes funny noises when started. I would recomend, but trading in, in the next week for a pick-up.

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  I wouldnt choose it again - 2003 Ford Escape
  By cschaeffer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Pros - Easy to handle, good gas milage, and good stereo system. Cons - Noisy when driving, rides rough, accelerator sticks, cheap interior, doors dont shut all the way unless you practically slam them.

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  Awesome 1st Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RaiderRick - March 9 - 1:26 pm

  My fully loaded ZTW has been a dream. Ran like a top up in North Dakota over a brutal winter -- great on ice and snow with the Pirelli P600s (which wore out after about 15k -- put Falkens on, much nicer tire and are better in the wet and handle just as good). Knock on wood, car is a dream.

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  Love this one, will never buy any other - 2003 Ford Escape
  By sistrkate - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I looked around quite a bit and drove several of the smaller SUVs, and narrowed it down to the Jeep Liberty and Escape. For interior room and exterior looks, the Escape won hands- down. I love this SUV and would do it all over again. Very little to complain about except it seems to drain the gas tank all too often. V6 engine is more than adequate and stereo is great too!

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  Good deal for the $ - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Donald E. Potter - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I have found this SUV to be all you could want or expect for the size and money. Handles great, good power, comfortable, clean profile. Very good A/c and heat, CD player and radio ( sound sys leaves something to be desired with windows down). Not a luxery SUV, but has all you need and more. CONs: cheap tires (Generals, which I had found to be good prior to this?. As stated, for the money, a very fine SUV.

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  have tolike it - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By oldhippy - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I had a suburban before my excursion so im used to big suvs. I like the ex. except I taught I would get better fuel economy .I am a big guy 64tall so its pretty comfortable,except it seems like the front seate are to narrow for someone as big as me. On an overall scale of 1-10 I would give it a 7+

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  Awesome SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Krshaker15 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a Saturn and I must say, buying my 1999 explorer was the best move Ive made. Not only is 4x4 and quicker then my saturn, but I feel safer in it and it drives great.