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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  Excellent midsize sedan value.. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By dmk71 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 02 Taurus SEL for about 3mos & am impressed enough to take time to rate it in this review.I previously owned a Camry & Malibu, both late model & decent vehicles but,neither rode as comfortably & securely as this Taurus. Granted, the Taurus has always been known for high safety content & value & durability im told by other owners. In closing,i highly recommend this finely engineered/built sedan..i have about 5,000mis so far & no problems or complaints to report.

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  A Fun Toy - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By HookEcho - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted a Mustang ever since I was about 12 years old...so it was a dream come true for me to finally own one. I love driving this powerhouse around. The V8 gives it all the umph it needs and the tight steering allows you handle any curve with the greatest of ease. Yeah its a show-off car, but its a helluva fun show-off car!

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  How can Ford make money selling this car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mcolej - September 29 - 10:00 am

  If you are in the market for a "Hot Hatch" look no further. 170 hp of usable power in a four cylinder until now did not exist. Fords SVT team has done it. My previous car was a ZTS that I had turned into a good looking and performing economy car with a few simple modifications, but it cant compare to the SVT. The ZTS is a very nice car dont get me wrong, but for $3500 more you can get an elite vehicle that is unmatched in its segment. The only trick is getting one, they are only supplying 7500 to the american market. Good Luck!

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  Love my ZX5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John_mc70 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my ZX5 so far. I bought it because of the the great ride and handling. It is a lot of fun to drive. Im very happy with the exterior looks and I think the quality of the interior materials are top rate. The 2002 interior is a big improvement over the 2001. My only complaints are that it is a little loud on the highway and I dont think the ZX5 drivers seat is that comfortable.

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  2001 Ford F150 4 door Lariat Crew Cab - 2001 Ford F-150
  By cross - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We absolutely love our black 2001 Ford F150 Lariat Crew Cab...Would recommend it to anyone

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  Awsome Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By sisco316 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This Body Style Is The Best Ever ! + It Runs Great + It Feels Great + It Drives Great + Its Body Style Is The Greatest !

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  good car - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By the1bigone - September 29 - 2:00 am

  it gets really good gas milage..and if it doesnt go fast enough for you..just put a turbo in..makes it run great! no problems except the tune ups in all the time ive had it.!!!!

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  Fun car, but unreliable - 2014 Ford Focus
  By D. Martin - September 28 - 3:35 pm

  I love the size, handling, styling and interior. At 35,000 miles it needs a new clutch pack and strut bearing. The dealership has been nice about it, but this is ridiculous.

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  Good Suburban Vehicle - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JFHGFF - September 28 - 6:26 am

  This is a great urban suburban vehicle, with decent acceleration and excellent mileage. It is both quiet and comfortable, and has great cargo capacity.

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  This is NOT your Fathers Ford - the SHO - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By HWmR - September 28 - 2:00 am

  While still put in the ranks of a "Taurus" for far too many classifications (like parts, and even this Edmunds Rating) the SHO is in a class by itselt. The 5-speed high performance engine and interior and exterior design set is apart from the "other" Taurus Fords. At a 1992 sticker price of $28,000 this car was not for the weak of pocketbook. The car to own and drive has been a dream -- every day. 135,000mi and still gowing STRONG!