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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  OK Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mike4743 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car- bought it in 2000. BAD- Speedometer, Cupholders, Transmission, Fuel Pump, Power with full load, gas mileage in town (17 mpg) GOOD- Power with no load, Comfortable, Handles well, Brakes, Steering, the ability to cram tons of people and stuff in. I bought w/ 92K, it now has 124K. During that time I have probably put $700 into it, but I do lots of work on my own.

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  230,000 miles and still going strong!!!! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Pat - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 10 years, have 230,000 miles on it and have only changed the starter and air conditioner compressor!!!! This explorer runs like a charm and I still am not worried to bring it on 200 mile trips.

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  Unbelievably Reliable - 1992 Ford Escort
  By TLIY - September 13 - 2:00 am

  While not the best looking car on the road, I cannot believe how long this car has lasted me. I have 210,000 miles on this thing and its still going. It still has the original muffler for cripes sake. Ive been wanting to buy a new car for a couple years now but cant justify it because this thing simply wont die.

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  My Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By tjimler - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car several months ago and have enjoyed it immensely. It has had no serious problems, just regular maintenance. It is a joy to drive and I get a lot of comments on how nice it looks. The 5-speed takes a little getting used to, but makes the ride much more enjoyable than an auto. Overall I would give this car 5 stars for a cheap, fun, good looking ride.

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  Simply a Great Car! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By dtstreky - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 98 Taurs back in February of this year, at first I wasnt too keen on the styling but with time I warmed up to it. Other then that I find that the acceleration and handeling are superior for a car of this class. Braking could be better, and body roll is a bit excessive at times. Otherwise all I have done is changed the oil and put soem new brake shoes on the back. Hope to keep for another year or so before upgrading to something in the SUV category.

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  car - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By bill stull - September 10 - 6:38 pm

  It is smaller then you think

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  SHO ME - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By JimJRJ - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 95 SHO and I love it so far. Leather, JBL audio, cassette/CD, moonroof, auto temp., wonderful car. People are so surprised when they think you have just a regular ole Taurus and you blow them off the line. This is my first American car, always had Nissans and my last car was a 98 Maxima SE and this SHO is quicker. Not as fast as the newer Maximas though, since they have 155HP. I plan on pumping up the horses though.

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  good long time reliable friend - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By alden - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new, and there never has been a mini van built since that can actually carry 7 pasangers and thier lugguage. My new car is a Ford Excursion (ie the F250 SUV) and it has less luggage room than the Aerostar.. So sad the mini vans and SUVs these days are not desined to take your gear with you..

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  First Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Joe Beale - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of pulling power for towing 35 travel trailer. Milage for a vech. of this weight is execellent. 16 to 18 mpg hwy. Very few problems have been encountered.

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  Great Road Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Mr. Mo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car, especially as a road or touring car. The car feels glued to the road. It has been a one owner car initially used for my sales job. The gas mileage has been excellent 35 mpg highway/28 mpg city. I have servied this car every 3000 miles and it remains in great working condition. Black exterior and grey interior.