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:

• 

  J. A. "Geno" Stork - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Jean Stork - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I FIND THIS TAURUS TO BE AN EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE. ITS FUN TO DRIVE, HANDLES REAL NICE AND VERY LITTLE ROAD NOISE. ONE THING I REALLY HATE IS CLEANING THE INSIDE WINDSHIELD. A VERY SMALL MIDGET WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT IMPROVEMENT. ONE PROBLEM I HAD RECENTLY WAS THE IGNITION KEY WAS INSERTED AND WOULD NOT TURN, EITHER WAY. I PUT IT IN AND PULLED IT OUT ABOUT SIX TIMES BEFORE I COULD START THE CAR. NO FURTHER PROBLEM WITH IT...THANK GOD.

• 

  My PU - 1998 Ford F-150
  By f150blck - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great value for the money. Drive 200+ miles a day city/hwy with smooth carlike ride.

• 

  Ford 500 LTD Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert C. Lacy - November 29 - 3:03 pm

  Everything and more than I expected in this car.

• 

  MY 4TH EXCURSION - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By TONY COX - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I LIVE IN TEXAS WHERE IT IS TURE WE TRAVEL 22 MILES JUST FOR BREAKFAST. THIS VEHICLE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL VALUE FOR CAMPING AND TRAVELING, TOWING. THIS NEW 6.0 DIESEL IS QUITE AND HAS PLENTY OF GO POWER. THE BEST NEW FEATURE IS THE 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION. VERY COMFORTABLE OVER LONG DISTANT EXCURSIONS.

• 

  Its not a GT its a BULLITT!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By warriorip - November 29 - 2:00 am

  DHG #4423, Love the car!! I bought it used with 350mi. I get compliments and looks daily. The performance is great! Its also fun explaining the differences and history of the Bullitt.

• 

  Buy a tow truck - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By mechanix - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with 50k,got a "great"deal: at 52k replaced head gasket ,under extended warranty,at 62k replaced transmission,also under extended warranty. This vechicle takes more vacations than I do. 84k,Just got it out of the dealership for leaking trans,new tie rods,and motor mounts (Fixed), short in air bag circuit(on going problem).Hello Honda, GOODBYE Ford

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Lenny Bouley - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, Reliability, Performance, Secure feeling, All these attributes are what we feel when driving through the White mountains of NewHampshire especially on a dark road far away from anywhere. The Windstar should rate far better then any other minivan on the road today. After repairing cars, vans and tracker trailers over the years and owning other mini vans, I have never felt this strong about any other automobile.

• 

  SEL Premium - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By lassie290 - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed owning this car very much. I have just over 28,000 trouble free miles on the car. One small complaint is the rubber at the bottom of the windows stays wet forever. Other than that, I have really enjoyed all the gadgets that came with the car. I do miss heated seats, so I purchased sheepskins for the two front seats. I have found the seats with the sheepskins to be very comfortable on long trips. I also had simulated wood installed on the shifter console and the radio/heater control. Gives the car a richer look, which I felt was missing.

• 

  2nd Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By hkiley - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Got great deal but made mistakes!!!! Ford offer a teaser rate got two k off that. But I thought I was getting a fully loaded SEL and after purchased out found out that the passenger seat was not powered and ford had eliminated the center heating and air conditioning unit for rear passengers. This is my Second Taurus and just use for work. The deal was great the buying experience bad. My mistake I didnt check the options list. Also didnt ask for the full spear tire. The car value disapears as soon as you drive it off the lot.

• 

  I dont know - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Peterpan - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I think that this model of thee Ford Ranger is a very good and smooth driving minipickup truck.