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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  Sports Sedan On A Budget - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By grmc210 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus SHO is a great car for familys and fun to drive. If you get snow in the winter, it has great traction due to the front wheel drive. It has a nearly bulletproof Yamaha engine, but as for the rest of it, its a early 90s Ford, and may require some TLC. This car comes loaded from the factory. Usually leather/cloth combination seats, many of them have automatic climate controls and most of the options you would find on todays sport sedans. Dont expect to get one for the $1700 that this site suggests as high end. A 91 SHO in decent shape is probably going to run around $3000 or maybe a little bit more.

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  Way to go Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By John 999 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  After an accident, I needed a cheap car fast. This six year old Explorer with 90,000 + miles has become our #1 vehicle. The six cyl. gives me over 23 MPG. Go figure. Great for hauling kids to college. Ride is stiff, but you cant have it all. My first Ford in 25 years, but it wont be the last.

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  Its like a Leatherman - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bick - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This will do anything -- from a night out - to 4 x 8 sheets of plywood.

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  No Frills Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By James Brown - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Not to satisfied with my first Ford. Hood was way out of aligned when I got it. Got only 400 miles to a tank. I was hoping for at least 420. Sheet Metal is a small gauge. I can feel the hood actually buckle when I wax. Also the paint is poor quality. Interior is outstanding. Seats are comfortable. Lots of cup holders, and the cup holder can hold a coffee mug with a handle. Instrument cluster is laid out in a good way. Do not like rotary headlight control. Engine very weak in 4th gear. If want to pass, cut off your AC, pop it in 3rd, and hope. Step rear bumper too small.

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  gas hog - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By gorilla - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this car is more fun than my 64 mustang, but sucks up high test gas like a sponge. One day on i-95, i barely touched the pedal & found myself doing 120mph. it cruises at 80mph & its the most comfortable car ive ever had.Miami to Palm Beach is 130miles roundtrip & it uses at least half a tank. if id known how much hightest gas it drank, i never would have bought it.but its a fantastic car otherwise!!! So if gas isnt a issue,buy one.

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  No problems here - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By JackReed133 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems with this van.

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  1999 Windstar - Its been a great trip - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By imbartman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car since new and have had an excellent experience. This car has travelled hard and never let us down. It is a comfortable van with a nice ride, but not so cushy that you are afraid to use it. The throttle and engine noise is a little more throaty than most, but the power is smooth and plentiful. I would have no problem selling this car to a friend - even with 120,000 miles on it.

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  Taurus SES 200 HP - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By gga - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Although I have not had this car a long time, it has surely proven itselt. My biggest surprise is its power to go up hills, and it drives throught corners like they are not even there. This is a nice car, I just wish the gas mileage was a little better.

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  love my taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By cmac - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Taurus and I love the way it handles. The price was right for the features and the quality is there.

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  la review - 2001 Ford Escape
  By James Moylan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Some power could be sacrificed for better gas mileage. Nice ride and interior layout.