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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  Taurus 1997 - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jkplawson - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle used in 2000. Runs great only had in shop one time in 3 years.

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  Love the SHO - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Jay P - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought a black 97 SHO a little over a year ago. Have to say that I love the car. I have put 15,000 miles on the car and have not had any problems. Its definately a sleeper. Luxurious as well.

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  Solid for the $$$ - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jam18 - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I loved the comfort of the 90 version, so after driving a Protege around for four years, it was time to go back to comfort. The Taurus is solid for the $$$ you pay for it. I paid $11k for it in 99 (with 30,000 miles), versus an Accord which would have cost me $17k. At 117,000 miles now (Dec. 03), its time to trade-in for another car (unlike our 92 Accord, which is going strong at 150,000 miles). As with my 90 Taurus, I am starting to experience reliability issues after 100,000 miles, and I fear that it will nickel and dime me to death. But, I got what I paid for, and am happy (and more comfortable) for the experience.

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  I like a lot, but - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ScriberDF - December 13 - 1:46 am

  All things equal, I like this truck a lot. It does what I wanted it to do, and 21 mpg on the highway is slightly better than what I thought Id get. Power is good, comfort is good, not great (cloth seats). However, there are a couple things Im a little irritated by: The tailgate has literally come off in my hands four times in the past year, and Im told "thats the way it was designed," to come off easily so it could be replaced with the tailgates that allow air to flow through (dont know the term for them). Thats fine, but this is very, very poorly thought out. The tailgate should not accidentally come off; there should be a latch or other device that needs to be disabled first.

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  7 Year Owner Opinion - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By DS2001 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Taurus used in 1997 with about 15,000 mi. I now have almost 115,000 on it and it is starting to give me some big trouble. The tranmission is not shifting from 1st to 2nd properly and jerks. The brake pads wear out quickly.I had to have electrical work done on steering column. Fords should last more than 115,000 before they start tofall apart

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  love my expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By brandtgarrison3784 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  i love my expedition. it is a fun vehicle to drive with a lot of power.

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  A++ Great truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By 100yrs-of-FORDS - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had NO Problems w/this truck. I would buy another. 5.4L is great!

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  Great van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Brian Puck - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall government safety rating for crash worthiness really clinched this deal. Ride is great, comfort and sheer size is unbelievable. Fit & finish is super. Reliability is great too. Hertz car sales are perfect. Price is on the windshield, no hassles. After 1 year of use and 24K miles, they sold it for $8K below what new ones cost. We are very satisfied.

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  GREAT VAN - WOULD BY ANOTHER - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 100yrs-of-FORDS - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My 1996 windstar has 95K miles and I have NEVER had a problem or even have to get a tune-up!!! I have the 3.0L {I think it was/is better then the 3.8L} and a great motor! I bought this car new in 1996 at Hagerstown Ford and I must say it has been one of the BEST cars I have ever owned.

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  my 42nd car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By kenny B - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have the v6 convertable with 5 speed in blue/black top/leather interior. No mechanical failures with car. No data on 5 speed aside from my own-no problems, notchy,occ missed shift. Insurence is expencive, a new Corvet would only be $7.50 more per month, an RX 8 would be $2.50 less per month. The v6 with 5 speed is about as quick as the v8 with automatic, and provides enough performance to satisfy most people who want v8 power. The convertable top is excellent- shows no wear after 4 years of taking it up and down daily in the blazing Arizona sun. To sum it up- a bargain used performance car that is dependable and fun, but expencive to insure.