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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  Retro T Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By berngeller - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I love mine! It is the most fun I have had driving in my life!

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  Lot of car for 11 Grand - 2002 Ford Focus
  By etubrutus - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Too many recalls for small petty things. Nothing major or safety related. Build quality only rated a 7 because of it. Interior has enough room for all 63" 240 lbs of me. Rear area hauls as much of my stuff as I want. Car handles great, which helps to overcome the desire to go faster. I like the ZX3 because the door openings are huge and the A-pillar doesnt hit me in the shoulder.

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  Fun Car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By irenvans - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great polyvalent car. Drives like a car and has the necessary uuumf when needed. I recommend greatly.

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  The Truck with Attitude - 2002 Ford F-150
  By KA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  A grin everytime you drive it! If you get this truck, spend the extra $600 on a chip and filter. If you decide on a blower pulley (~$200), youll need a pair of traction bars. ;) For the extra $1,500 (including the traction bars), its not all that much $, considering youll smoke a Vette, and have $15k left in your pocket!

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  my ford truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cos - July 12 - 10:00 am

  excellent purchase, would not trade it for the world. always reliable, always has power when you want it!

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  Sweetness - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Tlang - July 12 - 6:13 am

  I saw my first dream car when I was 15. A red conv Shelby GT 500. All I could think was someday! I have since owned other performance cars including Corvettes, Camaros, Saleens at 560hp. All of which I was and remain impressed with. What can I Say,I am a 12yr old gear head with a decent job that lets me play. Then I got my 2008 Vapor GT500 Conv. My wife will tell you I cant say enough about it. The GT500 was awesome, But I felt it lacked immediate throttle response. A Evolution Perfomance kit (Air Intake, smaller pulley 4psi boost, and a re-program for a quick 640hp)put me into pure wow mode. The GT500 has looks open roof and real power. I am living my American Dream

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  Great economical transportation - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By cycledan - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 8 years now. Only major repair was heating core for $500. Minor repair I performed myself at no cost was putting pan gasket back in place and retightening back up. Also pressure cap on expansion tank needed to be replaced. Other repair was a $20 or so idler pulley went bad - common problem apparently.

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  Very happy with the van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By cycledan - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Much less money than competing imports. In 3 years and 36000 miles no problems other than a check engine light caused by a bad sensor (EGR flow P0401) and covered by warranty. Good acceleration for a van, lots of room especially with back bench folded down or pulled out. Feels safe and solid to go along with 5 star crash rating.

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  great car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By vas97 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  been a great car

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  Flying High & In-Style - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By DalCueCA - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Every time I climb behind the wheel of my Thunderbird I get a rush. Its a real head-turner. You dont have to worry about passing yourself on the freeway or being mistaken for an import. People seem to appreciate its style and character because they wave, give thumbs up, and even take the opportunity to tell me at red-lights and intersections. If you have the chance to own one of these birds Id say go for it. You cant go wrong.