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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  Its an okay car` - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Toyota Lover - October 29 - 2:00 am

  although toyota makes em better, I still like my taurus. Id heard bad things about them, but so far(knock on wood) i havent had any of them. I have 85,000 miles on it and hope to push it to 150,000 at least. everybody pray for me, i think i might need it. The cooling fan went out on me recently. Battery did its last dance yesterday.

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  Engine Trouble - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By pnewell - October 29 - 2:00 am

  After spending $1,500 on three engine repairs before 90k miles, I am not happy with the reliablility of this vehicle.

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  2005 Mustang V-6 Premium - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By captnfred - October 28 - 5:46 pm

  While the 2005 Mustang V-6 is no GT Muscle Car, it is a great bargain, has adequate power, is very quick and handles like a sports car should. The Premium version with leather has a classic interior thats comfortable and sporty. The car is rock solid with no rattles or creaks. The Shaker 500 sound system is OK but could use more midrange. Great ride for the price.

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  Are you a good driver? - 1993 Ford Probe
  By jmick - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my probe at the repo depot when it had about 85000 miles on it. As soon as I got it home, it dropped a manual transmission.... After that the car was a dream. Its a fun car to drive and its tiny engine burns NO gas. Heres the catch, I got into a wreck last year with a Chevy Z71 pickup. It bent his front quarter panel and totaled my car out (bits and pieces of the little thing went flying into traffic). So, if youre a good driver, enjoy! (if youre in the market for one, notice how it sounds like a tin can when you close the door)

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  Wanna luv it BUT..... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By KyleJ - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I wanna love the car with itsstrong 200hp motor & strong acceleration (when the tranny doesnt get mixed up with the gears) I love the design and ample interior space. But its making me worried - my warranty is up next month and so far had to replaced: Speed sensor, Ignition switch, ALL LOCKS ON THE CAR! they all died (including the trunk lock) one at a time, Battery, Alternator, Accesory belt, Drivers side mirror - the original one CAUGTH ON FIRE while driving! I dont want to be in a market for another car especially when this one is only 3 years old with only 30,000 miles on it - but Im not so sure I can count on this car for the long run.

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  Performance Red w/ white top - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By jam2u - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Great first car, but dont get the AODE transmission...sloppy shifting and not convincingly reliable. Otherwise the 5.0 will run forever with the regular oil change.

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  Family Transportation - 1997 Ford Contour
  By fordman - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Great $15K car. Zero problems in almost 5-years. Good small family car! The used price on these cars are cheap, cheap, cheap. Good value at $3-5K.

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Greg G - October 27 - 1:00 am

  For the price I think this truck was a deal considering all the interior space that you get. I could not find any other trucks in this price range that had this much room. I looked at the Tahoes but they were thousands more and they appeared to have less room.

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  di - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By di - October 27 - 1:00 am

  I had a 1995 Windstar that I loved. I fell asleep, sit the back of a semi, and totalled the Windstar. I was so impressed with the safety factors--I walked away with a whiplash and some back medium back issues--that I called my salesman and told him to find me another one just like it. He did and now over 6 years later, I still love it.I have driven long distances in comfort, hauled a huge variety of items, lots of furniture, building supplies, kids, dogs, people and luggage and never been disappointed. Ive even pulled out small trees and shrubs with my Laser Red Windstar!!!

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  great price, reliable, not flashy - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By JMick - October 27 - 1:00 am

  If youre buying one of these things in an attempt to be unique, try again. If you want to get where youre going in a hurry or even if you want to beat an old woman in a Buick off the start, think again. BUT, if you just want a nice big car thats cheap and easy to drive, here ya go. After I totalled my MX-6 I wanted a BIG car. I bought the taurus w/ 50k miles on it, now its got 80k. Ive had to replace a radiator (standard on a ford). Other than that, its great. Ive learned to love my Taurus and to give a nod to all the retirees that Im with in the slow lane.