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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  AWD - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By mitch - December 17 - 3:23 pm

  This car has been great. I live in the Sierra mountains, and the Taurus does great in the snow! I looked at a Lexus and MBZ. I am glad I went with the Taurus. A lot of people dont realize that Ford still makes the Taurus.

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  Very Pleased - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By quinner - December 16 - 11:00 pm

  Bought this car with 39000 miles two years ago. Now has 69000 miles. No complaints with how the car has run so far. Roomy enough for a family of 4 with power enough to pass somebody while getting 26-28 mpg highway. I even drive it on our hunting roads where only trucks dare to travel, handles great. Stock CD player works great and has nice sound. Heating and Air conditioning work excellent. Easy to change oil yourself and perform any other maintenance. The car looks good too.

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  The problems unfold - 2006 Ford Focus
  By J - December 16 - 8:58 pm

  So I bought this car in September and it was awesome until two weeks ago. The battery light stayed on. One morning I went out to my car and heard the radio playing inside. I hit the unlock button and it stopped. The car wouldnt start so I had to tow it in. There seems to be a lot of electrical problems like the trunk button, back windshield wiper, radio/clock, and cruise control button dont work properly or at all.

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  Worst car Ever Bought - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Driver - December 16 - 3:47 pm

  I bought A 96 Ford Contour with less than 100000 miles on it. Drove it one day transmission went out. Had it replaced and then less than 6 months later same thing. I had to replace the water pump, timing belt, serpintine belt, battery, and battery wire on this in 6 months and not to mention after replacing the cable. The car caught fire! Never buy anything stamped found on road dead again!

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  I love this truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By huntingfisherman - December 16 - 2:35 pm

  I traded in my old V-6 2WD F-150 for the large towing capacity and because 2WD on the ice around here is horrible. My first impression was same truck bigger engine, but as time passed I noticed a lot of little things Ford did to make this truck better than previous models. The mirrors are bigger it has a softer ride it rides higher than previous 4x4 models and it drives like a compact car. I can swing the truck in and park where i couldnt have before. Backing up is easier with the larger mirrors and the added horsepower without the huge loss in fuel economy are huge assets.

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  Crazy Transmission - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Keim Time - December 16 - 11:00 am

  I had this 1995 Ford Probe GT for a month or 2 and so far so good. The manual transmission can be a little jerky and not get into gear sometimes when you start off ecspecialy when its really cold. It could be intake or compression but overall it handles awesome for 116,000 miles. I can get 63 mph in 2nd at about 7,500 rpm so after that its not so fast.

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  Nice vehicle.....Except - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Burned Up - December 16 - 2:26 am

  Moved from a MKZ to a Fusion Sport because we feel we got a better car with more features for less money. That said, we never had any problems with the MKZ. We were about 5 miles from the dealership on the day we took delivery when we noticed a "burning rubber" smell in the cabin. Thought it would go away, but it did not. Took it back to the dealer at about 200 miles and they smelled it but couldnt find anything. They said to drive it and the smell would go away. 1200 miles later it still smells, its back at the dealers and they think its our imagination. Not what I expect from the "Car of the Year".

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  Im in love. - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Crazy for the Edge! - December 15 - 8:58 pm

  After owning several foreign cars and SUVs, about 1.5 years ago I purchased a new Ford Explorer. I hated everything about the thing. I told myself over and over again I would never purchase another American-made vehicle again, I thought it was such a mistake. Then I came upon the Edge. It is unlike any Ford I have ever known. It is gorgeous inside, love the two tone! Its so fun to drive and handles so well! I feel really safe in it. I love the leather, its not that cheap plasticy leather, and I love the stitching. Super roomy. I was really shocked at the price - very affordable. After seeing the success with the Edge, I hope Ford re-designs all of their vehicles. Thanks Ford!

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  No other - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By No other - December 15 - 8:42 pm

  I purchase this car new. I have over 233,000 miles on it and still runs like new. Nothing has gone wrong with it. Just replace tires, and brakes. She look great up to 12/15/2008 when a lady nearly hit the car head on. Sadly the insurance is going to write this off even though she still drives great. Full power everything inside. I love this car. Sad nobody is going to see her worth to me. I believe it will go to 400K. Next time you think of Ford tough it dont have to be a truck.

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  Great in the sun, bad in the snow - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Bruce - December 15 - 4:07 pm

  I was told that the newer Mustangs handeled much better in the snow and ice than the older models. Mine does not. The car handles great it most conditions, but I have problems with a light rain or snow/ice. Granted I live in Chicago and probably shouldnt have bought it as my main car, but didnt think it would be as bad as it is. Spun out twice and had no control of the car after we had some snow in the area. Currently looking for a new car, but this car doesnt hold value. Ive had it for a little over a year and its already lost $11,000. I love my car, and Ill miss it if I sell it, but the winters are just too bad out here.