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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  a truly annoying car - 2016 Ford Taurus
  By Sam - February 28 - 10:21 pm

  This review is based on renting the car for 5 days. They took a decent, comfortable sedan, and tried to stuff it full of annoying electronic features that do annoying things at inexplicable times. It was always beeping and shrieking for no apparent reason. Never did figure it out. The displays are confusing and too bright. The "keyless" key was equally annoying. You didnt have to put it into a switch, so you toss it somewhere, but you still have to dig it out to lock the car, which winds up being as much or more trouble. It did move along comfortably, as one would expect of an American big car [big by todays standards, anyway.] The trunk was nice and roomy. The seats seemed to be leather, so maybe it was an SEL, I dont know. The cabin temperature was always too hot or too cold, and someone thought it was a good idea for any change to the settings to take place over 5-10 seconds, to confuse people further. Would not own this car.

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  once a chevy man - 1999 Ford F-150
  By jeff scott - February 28 - 9:16 pm

  I was alittle aphrehensive buying a ford after having so many chevys, but the new truck is working out just fine.

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  Windstar - if you cant get the oddessey - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By adpin - February 28 - 8:27 pm

  The only reason I leased the Windstar was the fact that I couldnt get the Honda Odessey. The lease on the Windstar similar to the Odessey since the residual is so much better on the Honda. The Windstar has been in the shop 4 times now for recalls. The steering fluid pump had to be replaced, as well as the ignition control module. The Windstar might be safe, but not very good. Im glad I dont own it. The rear bench is very heavy, and should really be removed with 2 people.

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  Xsauce pipes - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By SHU-SHU - February 28 - 8:26 pm

  I have one and it is sweet

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  Fix Or Repair Daily (FORD!) - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Fix Or Repair Daily - February 28 - 4:00 pm

  First 10,000 were great. This car has been in the shop for the last 26,000. Im on the 3rd rear end, the tail gate rattles and they cant fix it. Had to warranty rotors at 15,000. The list goes on. This is an ureliable car not worthy of your hard earned cash. Incredible that after all these years of building this car that they still have these problems.

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  cash cow - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Derrick - February 28 - 3:50 pm

  head gasket on 3.8 litre engine has gone twice, once at 104,000 km then again at 124,000 km. Rear structs easily knocked out of alignment which wears out tires in 10,000 km. Electrical problems include burned out window motors, radio and wiper motor. Ford built a lemon. I wont buy another Ford after this experience.

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  Ford build a car to compete in Europe - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Bill Stammers - February 28 - 1:30 pm

  As an Englishman living in Canada, having to travel 80k to work 5 days a week, after a lot of research I settled for the Fusion, my wife had a 2004 Focus Wagon and that was really reliable so that influenced my choice, test drove a used Mazda6 which I found really good but had rust problems. The Fusion is excellent the gearbox a delight, the engine so,so flexible, comfort superb, only fault is the special spare which are really useless in rural Canada, we have to cover such vast distances they are impractical at certain times. I have not got SYNC but really pleased with the 6 CD changer and sound system, up to my move to Canada, I have always driven Volvos, this Fusion compares favourably

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  vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By tammy - February 28 - 9:50 am

  good

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  Not too reliable - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By BiG aNt - February 28 - 1:39 am

  I have a 91 taurus l. It has to be one of the worst cars ford has ever built. Since i got it, i have had nothing but problems with it. The transmission slips, the front end was done twice, and the paint is peeling away. Also, ive noticed on almost every taurus like mine, the fabric on the ceiling is ripping in the back. I will try not to ever buy a ford again.

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  Basic transportation - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By AzRobbo - February 27 - 10:47 pm

  My Taurus, which I have had for about a year and half, has been decent. I guess I expected more when paying $10k for a car, though. I am extremely dissatisfied at the resale value, it has dropped about 50% the first year I had it. I had to replace the headgasket, which blew in the the June Arizona sun, so I wasnt TOO upset. The brakes have needed work, and my door locks are screwed up, but other than that is a nice comfortable car with lots of room.