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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  Good Overall - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jahjr - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Great drive train power and response. Firm sporty ride for an SUV. Nice interior space and reasonable comfort.Get 4WD, the FWD spins tires alot on acceleration from stop in rain and snow because of overly responsive gas pedal.If they upgrade the interior I would buy another.

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  2002 Ford Taurus SE Sedan Honest Owner Review - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Nick - September 28 - 9:04 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Ford Taurus in April 2016. It is my first car, and it had just about 86,000 miles on it and cost $2,900, a fair price at the time. Throughout the time Ive owned this car, the experience I have gained from owning this car has been completely average. By this, I mean that nothing about this car really stands out while compared to other cars of its class. Its a vehicle that was built for the purpose of getting you and any other passengers from point A to point B. It isnt as comfortable as a luxury sedan, but it also doesnt feel like a pickup truck going down a dirt road. Its average. It doesnt have the power of a new Audi S8, but its also not as slow as a Yugo. Its average. Its not as mechanically sound as a Toyota 4Runner, but it wont leave you in the dust like a 500,000 mile Cavalier would. Once again, its average. Getting into the drivers seat, I immediately notice something very convenient; door handles in just the right spot where you dont have to pull at a weird angle just to close the door. Ive noticed in newer Fords (such as a 2013 Fusion, 2012 Fiesta, 2012 Focus, 2012 Edge) that the interior door handle (driver side) is placed closer to the steering wheel, meaning youre pulling the door shut in an uncomfortable position which gets on my nerves every time I get in. Also, the center console feels very roomy and makes for a comfortable arm rest when it is not folded back into an extra seat. Sometimes the little things really count! An adjustable steering wheel and electric seats and pedals with easy to use controls makes finding the right position very easy, however the seats arent ones that I could still feel comfortable in after a long drive. Although the entire vehicle isnt enormous, it has a very spacious interior able to fit 6 total people! Im 511 and have plenty of headroom and my knees arent constantly hitting the bottom of the steering wheel. The trunk has plenty of space as well, and should fit all of your basic needs without a problem! My experience driving my Taurus varies every time I get in. On some days, it accelerates very well and gets me up to speed without a problem. On other days it feels slow and sluggish, as if Im driving with 3 other 200 pound men in the car with the AC on when Im only driving by myself on the same roads I go down every day. One thing that is consistent however is that it struggles to go up any slight hill. Another trait about my Taurus that is inconsistent is the shifting. Sometimes it will shift into the next gear (accelerating from about 25-35mph) at around 2800 RPMs and go down to about 2100, but other times it will go all the way up to around 3600-4000 RPMs before it shifts, despite the fact that I dont drive any differently on those 2 occasions. In terms of its reliability, I feels as though its days are numbered. Every day it gets me where I need to go and has not given me any huge trouble. The only real problem that I have had with it in the past 10,000 miles was 2 bad starters and a dead battery. Other than that, the only things that needed to be done was a new AC blower motor, windshield wipers, alignment, and oil changes. The current problems that I have as of March 2017 are a bad passenger side reverse light, a belt that squeaks when wet, and possibly a dirty throttle body (sometimes the gas pedal gets stuck while in resting position). The gas mileage isnt horrible, but it doesnt feel great either. I get about 250 miles out of a full tank, considering Ive been driving at or slightly over the speed limit every day for about 2 weeks. If I have to do any highway driving or 30-ish minute long drives multiple times a week, a full tank might only last a week or less. All in all, my Taurus has served its purpose as my first car; getting me where I need to go without having to spend a ton of money on it. All in all, I would recommend the Taurus to somebody who needs to transport multiple people on a regular basis but is on a tighter budget. For someone such as myself who doesnt transport more than 1 or 2 people regularly and doesnt need to travel more than 5-15 miles round-trip every day, the Taurus isnt the vehicle that really suits my lifestyle. In April 2016 when I bought my Taurus, its value at 86,000 miles purchasing from a dealer was $2,900 between Edmunds and KBB. As of March 2017, the value of the same car with 86,000 miles from a dealer is about $2,200, and Im afraid that the value will keep on going down throughout the next few years. For me, this wouldnt bother me as much if I didnt consider selling it in the near future. All in all, it has served me relatively well in the past year, however, at 95,000 miles I dont feel as though it will keep being reliable and hold up very well for the next few years, nor will it hold its value for very long.

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  Great first truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Danop - September 28 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I can think of that I dont like about this truck is the 8 spark plugs on the 2.3L engine. It was a great starter truck but I am looking to get a extended cab 4X4

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  Not bad for a Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By MOS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this wagon in 2001 with 85000 miles. I have since put on 46000 miles. Once had to have work done on the transmission with two solenoid valves replaced on the valve body. All tranny shops wanted to rebuild the whole thing for 1500/- and above. The local ford dealer did a good diagnosis and prescribed the right parts. I then went to a trans shop and gave them the diagnosis to fix for half the labor estimate of the dealer. In all about 400/- to fix. 300/- in parts.

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  F150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By QASupv - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable Ride and convenient features. 4x4 is excellent in the snow. Plenty of room in bed with the optional bed extender.

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  its a work truck people` - 1992 Ford F-150
  By work truck user - September 28 - 2:00 am

  If you use a truck for what its ment for this truck is great. The 4wd system hasent failed me yet. i went tru last winter and was able to dirve the truck thru all the snow we got and still pull people out of snow banks. the 5.0 is a good strong motor i havent had to replace anything but a u joint and some tires but that is normal usage of a 4wd truck. If you dont like upkeep dont buy a 4wd but deffently buy a ford the out last all the others.

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  Wild Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By GoStang Go - September 26 - 6:07 pm

  I purchased my 2006 GT convertible used from a dealer. It was 11 years old with only 22,800 miles on it. I had to see it to believe it. It was so beautiful. Black with red leather interior. I purchased the vehicle on site after a test drive of course. This is my 4th mustang and my third convertible. I am addicted to the mustangs. This model does remind me of my 1969 Grande coupe I had. The lumbar support is a definite improvement for the lower back on this 2006 GT premium. This was a problem in my previous mustangs for longer trips over an hour or so. The pick up in acceleration is fantastic. I agree Ford should cut back on the plastics in the interior because it cheapens the vehicle. I have a shaker 1000 system and it sounds really good. The cd player is garbage. The first cd I placed in it got stuck. I get plenty of looks and compliments all the time on her. This is a good cruiser car and the family and I enjoy the ride tremendously. Top down rolling down the highway is so soothing and therapeutic. I had a 2002 convertible and 2004 convertible and using the convertible top is a breeze on these newer models than the previous models. The top seems to completely fall into place without effort and you just lock it down with the lighter handles. I would have been great to have power passenger seat. I believe the passenger seat is too low and should have a power package or at least a manual lever to raise the seat or lower the seat and give lumbar support. The rear seats seem comfortable enough. For a convertible, it is roomier than the Mercedes, jaguar and camaro. The camaro does not compare. If you really look around, you can see more variations of mustangs by mustang owners than camaros. If you have a mustang, you can almost totally redesign the mustang to your personal needs with all the parts and accessories the market have available for mustangs. These have been very reliable. The previous fox body styles, 1999 - 2004 did have this seal leak between the transmission and engine that was annoying after about 90,000 miles and it was not a cheap fix. I am praying these new mach 1 body styles do not such flaws. I have noticed though, the a/c in my older models got colder quicker was much colder. I saw a comment to the opposite so I am not sure why this is. I have had an 02 and 04 and you could freeze to death in there with the a/c on max. Over all, good price for a fun and reliable vehicle.

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  Nice Car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By stud1234 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Consistent performance. Tight car, handle, drive, feel, etc.

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  clock problems? - 2003 Ford Escape
  By eshanks5 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I cant seem to get an answer as to why my clock does not automatically come on. Why must I push the clock button every time i drive the car? I got nowhere with asking the service dept. One guy told me I must not have gotten that option!! It is just plain annoying!!

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  Shop before you buy this one - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By ForrestZ - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new 4 years ago, and have mixed feelings about it. I have a decked out 4WD version with 4.0 SOHC, 5SP Auto, leather and sunroof. I highly recommend all of these features. It has been an all around good vehicle, with no major problems to date (75000 miles). I use the 4WD for the beach a few times a year, and occasionsal trail use for camping, and occasional utility trailer hauling. It has served me very well in this capacity.