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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  2000 Taurus...Good Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By BrandonH - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Taurus is an overall good vehicle, I plan to sell this one, and get another one soon. I would recommend them to a friend or family member

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  One hot car for the price - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By formula79326 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a 2000 lx for the 2002 ses deluxe what a difference, Oh and the 24 valve engine puts the ffv motor to shame. That motor was so slow. This one even with the a/c on you dont even notice any power drain.I would give it two thumbs up!!

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  I love my Ford Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ferocus - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had little or no problems with my Focus besides the fact that the seat belts dont return after use...

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  Windstar Woes - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Don Huck - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Transmission failure at 54,000 miles...problems prior to failure. Eng frequently will not idle after start. Valve(?) noise when engine is cold. Door seals poor with resultant loud road and wind noise. On board computer for system information malfunctioned after one year. 2nd Windstar...will not purchase another and probably will not purchase another Ford product!

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  my dearest rose - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By adam roler - September 27 - 10:00 am

  my 1996 crown victoria is by far the best car ive ever had. it is comfortable, reliable, and powerful enough to do whatever i need. i may be biased towards big cars, but my crown vic is one great cruiser!

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  2006 Ford Taurus SEL 0 } - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By asces up - September 27 - 12:47 am

  I bought this car used with 26,000 miles in 2007 she now has a 103,000 and the only thing i have done to this car is regular oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles and tune up at 100,000 and tires of corse, this has been almost all high way miles. she averages 24.7 HWY and even in town driving what little i do she averages 21 this has been the most worry free car i have ever owned nothing but regular maintenance and this car runs as good today as the day i bought it.

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  awesome car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By robinthahood - September 26 - 10:48 pm

  I love this car,crossed shopped it against the competition,the mustang won on price,and the fun to drive experiance.I have two boys who are already fighting who will drive it first,and they have a few years to go.Still early to have a say about fuel milage but you dont get a mustang for the fuel milage.

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  A true sports car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SpunkyJivl - September 26 - 4:53 pm

  Brisk acceleration, razor sharp handling, and crisp brakes that will haul you down like an F-18 landing on a carrier. All these traits embody a true sports car ethos. This car is an absolute BLAST to drive, and BEGS to be driven - even getting groceries is fun. Value is definitely at the top of the list. HID headlights, Traction Control, power moon roof, 6 speed silky-smooth transmission, heated Recaro leather seats... the list goes on and on. You will not find another car on the market with these options for the 15k I stole mine at. If you find one, snatch it up!

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  Not a bad choice - 2005 Ford F-150
  By fear the voices - September 26 - 1:10 pm

  For the selection of trucks available, the F150 isnt a bad choice. I bought mine used due to the bargain price I paid for it. General ride and handling are good for a truck this size. Performance for the 4.6L engine is rather lethargic though. Rated at only 230 hp for 2005, it is merely sufficient for the weight it has to contend with. My previous Ranger with a 4.0L and 4WD would easily put this thing to shame in all performance categories. However, fuel mileage for both trucks are much the same, about 14-15 mpg for the mostly spirited stop and go driving I do. I prefer the styling over the 09 model year which is way too boxy now, 04-08 was sleek w/o looking overly squared off.

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  william2233 - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By william2233 - September 25 - 11:22 pm

  In the years Ive owned this van, bought for wife. Went thru two sets of front disk brakes at 31,000 and 62,000 miles. Had too rebuild transmission at 80,000 miles thru Ammco transmissions, then again at Macys transmission at about 100,000 miles. went out again at 150,000 mile junked it.