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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  Not a bad car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By choof - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Except for some suspension system troubles around 90000 miles, I have nothing bad to say about this car. I am 67" and would have liked more leg room, but do a lot of city parking, so made a compromise on overall vehicle size.

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  It keeps running and running and running - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Thatch - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I am amazed at the engine. I have 112000 miles and change oil every 3000 miles. It has never needed a quart and is still relatively clean when I change it. Good gas mileage 30 to 33 on the road.

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  Ford For Fun! - 1990 Ford F-150
  By Danny Marsh - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I drive my ford to and from work every day 13 miles. I drive during the day occasionally... I have to fill up every four days (I fill at 1/4), but I love the fun of ride. I like the accel. I love it when I drive and people think they can beat that guy in the old ford. I got the 5.0 and E4OD. It is great at the line and GOOD at puddle hopping. There is a three foot puddle I hit every week and this truck can go down, up, and thru the puddle.

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  Great little car, keyword...little - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Larry - September 17 - 10:04 pm

  Great looking car, ride is decent for a small car. Getting in and out is the reason we traded into an Escape. That and the seats will cripple you on a trip. Highly dependable and we had only 2 warranty issues, both with the outside mirrors delaminating which the dealer took care of quickly. The 2.5 engine is more than enough engine for most drivers but its no hot rod. Gas mileage for us was 24-26mpgs town driving and 38-44 hiway. Seems like 65 is the best speed for gas mileage for ours. That would be in Texas heat and rolling hills. Brakes were great but the car has more than expected road noise. On course asphalt you cant hardly hold a conversation and for a modern car, thats no longer acceptable. Trunk space is limited as is the back seat area. This is not a crowd hauler or family car. For the wife to go to and from work, it did the job but after sitting in traffic for an hour, she couldnt hardly get out of it due to the seats and the cab forward design which makes it hard to get in and out. While I wouldnt exactly call it an econonbox, its not much of a step up from a Focus which was her previous car.

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  My First Ford Auto - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Tomo - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have never considered buying a Ford before. I didnt like the previous shape, but liked the 2000 Taurus design. We purchased our Ford second hand (26,000 miles). We have had it over a year (current mileage 38,000). The only problem was to replace a rear light bulb. Cost under $4 at the local Checkers.

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  My Silver Bullet - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Mr.D.J - September 17 - 10:00 am

  After owning the Ford Aerostar mini van for 8 years I find the Taurus SES one fine car. Very stable and solid on the road.Good styling and good gas mileage.

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  I Wouldnt Buy Another - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By parkerad - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Price & Resale Value (I paid $30k & that didn’t include Leather, Tonneau Cover, Bed Extender, or Running Boards.The day I bought it, 1 yr ago, I had $6k in equity. Been trying to sell it – I’ll be lucky to break even.); Fuel Efficiency; Noisy (Sounds like the drs & windows are cracked w/ the wind blowing thru.); Sun Visors (Sun is always in my eyes no matter how I adjust them.) Overall,not worth the money I spent. Maybe the dealer I used ripped me off. Maybe Ford needs to improve upon this vehicle. Would I buy another? No way.

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  Vancouver ZX3 owner - 2003 Ford Focus
  By o1_zx3 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car all-round except the gas mileage which averages 20mp US gallon around town. Im lucky to get 31mp US gallon on the highway. Cheap to maintain. Very reliable up to now. Great service department at the dealer. Looks great. DONT BUY A BLACK CAR IT SHOWS THE DIRT BIG TIME but it looks great when its clean. Stylish, believe it or not the car attracts glances from people saying they like the look of the car. Space, the trunk is HUGE!

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  Saved my moms life - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MBailey - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought used in 2001, Rides, and handles great, could be beter on gas, but hey what can you expect out of an SUV. A week ago was totaled due to an almost fatal accident. The Explorer is actually my moms... she was on her way to work when a Dodge Dakota cliped her on her passenger side, the Explorer immediately turned sideways, and flipped 4-5 times on a paved road. My mom had on her seat belt (Thank God) and had minor injurys considering the servierness of the accident everyone talks about how well the truck held up, although she will never buy an exlorer again the frame, and the safety design saved her life. Thanks Ford!!!!!

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  Inexpensive, Reliable, and Bland. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ehiser - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus was a real bargain these cars have zero resale value and I got mine for only $1200. At 139,000 miles it still runs strong with no major problems. Taurus transaxles are notoriously bad and they have lots of little electrical problems, for example neither rear power window works on mine. But I still say they make a fine daily driver for the thrifty.