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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  My First Ford Auto - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Tomo - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have never considered buying a Ford before. I didnt like the previous shape, but liked the 2000 Taurus design. We purchased our Ford second hand (26,000 miles). We have had it over a year (current mileage 38,000). The only problem was to replace a rear light bulb. Cost under $4 at the local Checkers.

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  great car! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By ksufan - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Ford car in May 2001 and I have been completely satisfied in my cars performance. I love the exterior features and the handling is great as well. Over all my Taurus has been enjpyable to own.

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  This is NOT your fathers Explorer!! - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TC - September 17 - 9:52 am

  The Ford Explorer Platinum is without a doubt the best value in the near luxury/luxury SUV market. I tried--HARD--to not buy this car as I had one previously and just wanted something different, despite the Explorer driving like a luxury car and not an SUV. Well...all that effort and I finally traded in my old Explorer Sport for a.... Explorer Platinum! Why? As before, this is the fastest SUV in its price class. I had a Hemi V8 Jeep...and this V6 runs circles around that big V8. Second, the upgrade in quality materials in amazing. Third, the new Sync3 is finally what I wanted in a system--something naturally intuitive that doesnt require you to speak 100 words and decide among 6 lines while driving to find the right address. This couldnt be simpler and more convenient. Lastly, the included options with the Platinum got the GLE and the X5 I was pricing to over 20,000 more than this car (and for a lot less space...and still a slower car!). I honestly tried to go a different route, but the quality of the car, the intoxicating power of the engine and the overwhelming included options in this model just wouldnt allow it to happen. If youre in the market for a luxury SUV, you owe it to yourself to check out the Explorer Platinum....but beware-- youll run into the same dilemma I did and just may end driving out with it!

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  One Great Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris Brown - September 17 - 6:03 am

  This is the first new Mustang I have ever owned and it is GREAT! I have an 89 LX convertible that I have owned since 89 and have had a 65 Mustang. This car is faster, tighter, better made and looks better than any Mustang ever built.

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  fun to drive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By builderdh - September 17 - 2:30 am

  The Escape is fun to drive, easy to get in and out of, and gets great fuel economy. I would recommend to anyone. I can choose to drive with quick performance or drive for maximum fuel economy. I have over 10k miles and usually get 34 mpg on a tank. Range for me has been 28 to 38 mpg.

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  Not a bad van - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ed - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar has been very dependable up to 50k miles. It has the 200hp engine so its got some get up and go. The ride is comfortable and handles well. The oil pan had a leak that had to be fixed twice under warranty. The CD player wont eject half the time. I almost bought a Explorer sport, the van was so much nicer.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By rashad - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car if you can afford the insurance and dont have children. Not a lot of room to haul anything, so dont plan any trips with more than two lightly packing adults.

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  Perfect car! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By LinuxGeek - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Perfect car . . . . . .

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  Inexpensive, Reliable, and Bland. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ehiser - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus was a real bargain these cars have zero resale value and I got mine for only $1200. At 139,000 miles it still runs strong with no major problems. Taurus transaxles are notoriously bad and they have lots of little electrical problems, for example neither rear power window works on mine. But I still say they make a fine daily driver for the thrifty.

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  get one now - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mr.t - September 17 - 2:00 am

  is it a family car or a sport car? well, if it were a normal taurus, the previous would be the awnser, however it is an sho. who doesnt love a v6 with 220 hp in a family sedan? i love getting this beast out and showing up all the kids who have their brand new imports or their daddys mustang. this car is simply fierce. with a new ram air intake and hi-flow exhaust ive increased my power to 250 for about $500. with the added power mustang gts are in my reach and even the normal camaro is no problem. this things biggest advantage is surprise. no one expects to lose to a taurus, sho or no.