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:

• 

  Used Ford Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By John Cole - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has been reliable. I had a handful of minor dealer solved problems when the car was new. After that the car has been perfect. NEVER BUY THIS CAR NEW. It was a deal for me at the start. Since then Ive been upside down on payment ever since. I would strongly reccomend getting one a few years old from a private seller. This car has the worst depreciation. It is because you see them everywhere and most folks are looking for something unique. Dealers have a tough time selling them for this reason.

• 

  So far - 2008 Ford Escape
  By atx - April 15 - 1:56 pm

  Switching from a Subaru Outback to this is refreshing. It feels lighter than the ru ever did, and gets 8 mi/gal more (judging from the first fillup). Drove CR-V, Rav, and the new styles had horrible visibility! Escape still has it. And the price is so much better! I got a new base model for the same as a high-mileage used of the others. While it is reported to be more sluggish, I dont find anything fatally bad about it. It suits my needs as a dog trainer, without breaking the bank at the pump.

• 

  Reliability - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ust - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Reliability good except for possible transmission problems in the 40 thousand miles range. Overhaul can be expensive and various computer sensors on transmission and engine will activate check engine light. This will cause a smog check inspection failure required by several states and in turn require expensive repairs to search for the sensor and replace it. Another problem area may be in the anti-lock brakes which requires expensive pump replacement if light remains on.

• 

  Good Looks/Performance, ok Build Quality - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By sbviking - April 15 - 2:00 am

  What drew me to this car is the great exterior design: The stance is good, the ride height is right on, the wheels are sharp, Mineral Grey color is gorgeous, I personally like the scoops. The acceleration is great for day to day driving, especially if you need to get around someone on the freeway. The handling makes drivingaround town fun. Ford puts a decent stereo in this car (Mach), but the exhaust note sounds even better. Im not too thrilled with the interior quality (seat foam, dash plastics that squeak), but I can live with it knowing what I paid for a V8.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By nytebyte - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Best performance bang for the buck! I recently dynoed the car and it put out 398 horsepower to the wheels, which equates to about 460 at the flywheel! Ford underrates the power of these cars! - Great power - Good handling - Great engine - Backseats - Good amount of trunk space (seats fold down) Where else can you get a car with well over 400 horsepower for under $34K?

• 

  Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By LilWagon - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 2000 Ranger XLT extended cab with auto prior to purchasing 2001 Ranger. 2000 model had 3.0 engine, two doors. Traded mainly for increased power of 4.0 and 4 doors. 2001 much better truck than 2000. Impressed with power. Recently towed 78 cement blocks (guessing 5,000 lb) and had plenty of power and still got 16 mpg. Impressive.

• 

  RELIABLE TRUCK - 1995 Ford F-150
  By TIMMAN - April 15 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT TRUCK!. I HAVE A 4.9 STRAIGHT SIX WITH A 5 SPEED. THE ONLY FUSS IS REGARDING THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS USED IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM. THE PLUNGER ROD THAT CONNECTS TO THE MASTER CYLINDER IS MADE OF PLASTIC. IT IS HELD IN PLACE WITH A PLASTIC BUSHING THAT WEARS OUT EVERY 30,000 MILES. THESE TWO CHEAP COMPONENTS CAUSE CLUTCH LOSS MORE OFTEN THAN ANY TRUCK OWNER WOULD EXPECT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS EASY TO FIX. JUST TAKE THE PLUNGER ROD OUT OF THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND HAVE YOUR LOCAL MACHINE SHOP MAKE YOU ONE OUT OF STEEL. PROBLEM SOLVED. NOW YOU HAVE A BULLETPROOF 300,000 MILE TRUCK.

• 

  Great car, terrible marketing by Ford - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By BNSF616 - April 14 - 4:23 pm

  Our beloved and generally reliable 99 Dodge Grand Caravan had 135K mi and was beginning to worry us on road trips. I had been aware of this Ford design since it debuted as the 05 Freestyle. Found a pristine 08 (19K mi) at the dealer, test-drove it several times and finally bought it. Its hard to imagine a more versatile daily driver -- RAV4 and CRV, maybe. What is just amazing to me is how incompetently Ford marketed and advertised this vehicle. Weve received nothing but compliments and admiring questions from total strangers, and they invariably say "Never heard of it." Sadly, Ford is killing production in Feb 2009 after only two model years. This is tragic and stupid.

• 

  not bad for a ford - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By H Valencia Sr - April 14 - 4:40 am

  I drove this car on a road trip to new Mexico with four adults and one child and found it has plenty of trunk space and it had no problem with the weight of a full load. Other than the lack of view when backing you just have to trust the back up camera. I would recommend this car as a well thought out vehicle

• 

  solid value car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By ff2 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very pleased with our SEL Taurus. The ride is comfortable and the car has been very solid. No major problems, other than one seat belt mechanism that broke. (covered by warranty) You can get the mileage stated but only if you drive 55-60 mph. We lose about 3 mpg going 65 or higher. We think it is a great value for what we paid, and has been a sharp looking family sedan.