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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  2002 Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Lindy - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for what it is. Highly reliable and much sexier than a Focus for only about $1,500 more. The Mustang still turns heads and the V6 is insurable for teenagers. While I wouldnt want to drive cross country in it, its a great commuter, off to college car.

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  Good - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By wawa - October 20 - 2:00 am

  It is a good car for me. Up to now,everything is fine. And it is fun to drive it. But it drinks gas in local, I just use this car for freeway, kind of safe and save gas. Compared with used corolla you can get with the same money,the performance is much better(I have a 5-speed corolla for local,no fun to drive, just save gas).Buy a used taurus should be a good choice if you often on freeway. I am kind of fan of taurus. I will keep this taurus till it die. And each time, I will rent a new taurus for long trip.

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  Crunching Sound From Brake Area - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By DJA - October 20 - 2:00 am

  In 3.5 years, I have had 5 brake booster assemblies on my car including the original. Ford tells me that the crunching noise of the brakes is a "characteristic" of the car and now offers no solutions except to live with it. I have been to two dealers and have also talked to their Customer Service department. I know there are lots of others that have this problem because they told me about 80% of Taurus have this noise and they dont know of Ford actually doing anything about it. I look forward to the day I can get rid of the car and purchase either a Honda or Toyota something with a better reputation.

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  Smart buy - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Eugene Brinkley - October 19 - 7:19 am

  this has been and still is a great car. would recommend anyone to buy this model.

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  best auto that i ever owned - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cousin vinny - October 19 - 2:00 am

  this was my first 4x4.the ride in rough terrain was a pleasure to experience.the controls are well layed out and easy to use..it rides like a truck,cause it is a truck.i owned this vehicle for 7 years and it never failed when the weather was bad..best truck for the money

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  good old ford - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By cybercookie - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I found a great deal on a 1995 ford explorer with some miles on it (72387). I looked it over and saw that is was in OK shape so I took a chance. I spent money changing belts and oils and have had NO major problems since. This is my 3rd year with the SUV and I have 146678 on it now...I just changed out the front hubs ($800) and am going to do the same to the rear next month. Bought the ford for $9,900 out the door (cash) and besides my changing out the "tune-up" items and regular fluid changes/mantaince I really can not complain. This is a great family hauler/off road/ moving stuff SUV...it has always been able to do what I needed it too.

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  Fun Car - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Scott in Anchorage - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I every bought.... In 1992 I bought it used, only 35 miles though.... A Lady won it in a bingo drawing.... tradeed it in for a different car...so I got a great deal,,....... I drive it in the snow here in Alaska,,... I put studed tires on all four wheels...and it goes great in the snow...as long as it is not over a foot of snow....... Never had a big break down......I loved this car....

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  never stuck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By brickman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my truck for 2 years now, & am still very pleased with it.I use it to pull trailers weighing from 1500- 8000lbs. The 4.6 with a 5-speed isnt the most powerful engine on the block, but it does okay, even when the truck is grossly overloaded. This truck is the best truck ever in the mud, with 32" mud tires it is almost unstoppable.

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  alot more noise - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By tntaz - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd taurus.We had a 1995 that we loved. we only had to repair the hood latch in 6yrs of ownership. the 2001 has been in the shop for more recalls than I would like. it is very noisy when traveling. we had to put new brakes and rotors at 24000 miles. the car is now making alot of front end noise. I dont like the wider tires either.I have talked to several people who said the car has a light rearend and have lost control in rain and snow because it comes around on you. dont like that either.Probably my last taurus

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  Good car for the $ - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Susan22503 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Our car was a former rental car and we got it for 10k with 17k miles on it. Pretty good deal. It leaves a few things to be desired. Not great for tall people! I always hit my head. Another problem is that all the doors lock when you put it in drive but only the front unlocks when you park! Very irritating! Interior is a bit cheap looking, but not bad.There is a definate issue with the braking, it is not great and I beleave our rotators are already bad! But for 10k it is really a great car! And hopefully it will last as long as my parents 93 model (it ran perfect into the 150k range!)