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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  1994 Taurus Wagon Review - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By bthbee - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is comfortable to ride in. It can accommodate up to 8 people with the foldout back seat. Things that tend to break are more unusual. Starter motor and ignition switch, window buttons,windshield wiper motor. We did have to have the engine replaced under warranty because of a drip from the oil compartment. I like the car and find that it is reliable. Id buy the car again. I have to say I dont like the redesign as much.

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  not too bad - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By sincenew - October 7 - 2:00 am

  under warranty had transmission leak, heater fan problems..and a speedometer cable problem..after warranty replaced the radiator and cooling fan, has been very dependable for 8 yrs.

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  Great Truck! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kwebsurfer2000 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great small truck. It was used when I got it and it is still running strong. It has just enough power to pull a small trailer if needed. It also gets good fuel mileage! I would recommend it for anyone looking for a small truck that gets good gas mileage and runs great!

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  Not Again!!! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By All wrong - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Taurus. The first had trans problems (1990). I decided to give it a try again. I purchased it slightly used with a warranty. It was loaded and a great size for my family. There was a trans problem with the car (55000 miles on it). The dealer fixed it before I took it home. Since that time this car had a lot of problems. Serpentin belt cracked, needed new hoses & plugs, brought it back 4 times for the transmission, and then this weekend I opened the trunk and found 3 inches of water in the spare tire well. The whole trunk was wet. It had (66000 miles on it). It also needed more maintenance.

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  Its been good until now - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By boyer - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had our van for 8 years. We have not had to put any money into this van until now. On a road trip the transmission goes out. We had to put out $2300 to get a rebuilt trans. I have a feeling that this is not the last of the problems to come. Hopefully I can talk my husband into getting rid of this van before anything else happens. Check engine light wont go off. Scary!!!

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  This is a great minivan - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By happyconsumer - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice minivan. It got the best rating as far as safety is concerned which is a must for a family vehicle. Its 3.8 engine makes it tow a popup camper easily, even through the mountains. It is also a comfortable van with lots of options. It seats a family of six easily and still has room in the back for groceries (for a family of six, which is a lot of groceries). This is a great choice in a minivan.

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  Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By weathernlu - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt be happier with my Expedition. All around great SUV and has been a pleasure to own so far. Especially love the roominess of the Expedition. Its got a ton of room, yet doesnt feel like a tank to drive. My wife went from a Escort to this and will never go back. Truly a great vehicle.

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  Heat/Cool Seats - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ford = no quality - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I got my expedition b/c my lincoln ls was a lemon and ford bought it back. I have had my expedition since Aug of 2002. The heat/cool seats have not worked since I have had the car. First it was the drivers side and now it is the passenger side. This past Saturday was my fourth time for the passenger side. I sat for 3 hours for them to tell me it still does not work. Now they are going to order a new seat bottom. If it still does not work they will have to replace the whole seat. Ford sells their products as being quality products. Also, my memory seats dont always move the side mirrors to the correct position.

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  ford exploder - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By vickiw91 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  If your planning to by a family vehichle, this is not the one to buy. We named my truck the exploder because as soon as you fix one major thing another happens. If you have lots of money and nothing to do with it this is the vehichle for you.

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  exelent - 2001 Ford Escape
  By bootyshaker - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i loved ever thing about it