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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  Great Value - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By sap - October 17 - 9:44 pm

  I bought this to use for a highway car, i travel a lot for business and personally as well. Mine is the base model, got it for under $8k and I have to say, nothing else out there could come close to fitting the bill for what I was after. People complain about the road noise, but I believe this is primarily due to the OEM Continentals. What junk. A set of Michelin Destinys turned it into a new vehicle. Barely drivable in rain or snow before they were on there, its a new vehichle now. One of the best Ive ever driven in the winter, and I drive a lot of miles.

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  Six speed equals awfull ride - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By James - October 13 - 8:11 am

  As a die hard blue oval fan this is very hard to write.Let me give you a little history about me and Ford. My first car ever was a white Ford Taurus in high school/college, then a F-150 king ranch pickup in the Marine Corp, when the gas prices went up I got a ford 500. I know own a 09 Taurus limited AWD and it is the worst car i have ever owned. The six speed transmission is pathetic at best constantly sifting and the shifts are not smooth by any means, I have had several people ask me if there was something wrong with my car when they were riding with me.. Why did ford get rid of the CVT ???and ruin the car with the six speed. Its so bad Im getting rid of the car and it has 9753 miles!!

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  i cant believe I made it over 120,000 - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nicoleot - October 13 - 7:26 am

  I purchased this car brand new in August 2002. Still driving it. Have put a lot of highway miles. Things replaced, at 60K needed a new transmission. 70k needed a new a/c compresser. Changed brakes 2x. 2 fuel filters. The truck is not great on miles, but still runs. Yeah, the ride is bumpy but I plan to ride it to the ground. Hoping to get 150k on it. I did get better tires for it. Michel..LTX and that improved the ride. Very good with snow. If you own this car keep it. If you dont, I wouldnt go buy a new one. After 50K everything falls apart.

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  Good basics, but needs some work - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CVPI2000 - October 13 - 4:13 am

  I bought a 2000 Police Interceptor based on its safety and cooling capacity. Its a blast to drive, but some things need work. I bought an aftermarket console for between the seats for $50 on eBay- great investment.

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  Beware of the Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gosoxgofan - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 37K, Igintion locked at 39K. Wish I would have gotten an extended warranty. BEWARE!!!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ray in Calgary, AB - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle but have a problem with it the dealer just cant fix. It has a loud noise and vibration from the (we think) drivetrain at highway speeds. Ford has a TSB on it but no sure cure. I have seen my dealer 7 times about this problem. Otherwise I like the vehicle design and performance.

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  Flawed head restraint design - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Kurt - October 9 - 1:36 pm

  The head restraint is unbearable for me. For some it is fine so be sure you test it well. It took me an hour to figure out I cant drive this car but it was too late. Fords position is that it was done for safety and government regulation. That is all true but the headrest design is flawed. I love the drive and performance overall, unfortunately will need to get rid of the car because of the torture of sitting in it.

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jaspat2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 23k on it and now have 34k. In the 6 months Ive owned it it has been in the shop 3 times for the following problems:1)Water leak in firewall under dash caused carpet to mold. 2)Transmission leak. 3)Broken rear window defrost.4)Stereo display/preset button lights went out.5)Fuel gauge died..twice! This car has great curb appeal but lousy reliability. Buyer Beware!

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  Wheres the power - 2002 Ford F-150
  By FordDriver - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Made a mistake. This truck has no power but still only gets 12 to 13 MPG.

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  Very Reliable - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Immanuel - October 7 - 2:53 pm

  This is a decent, reliable car. Bought it 2 yrs old, at 36k miles for $ 9000, have driven it to about 129k, with no issues. So far I have spent about 250 for a water leak, brakes and oil changes. This car has been very reliable, a workhorse and inexpensive. Have gotten on an average 25 mpg for combined city and highway.