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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  my babu - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By sylvia mora - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i love this car.it is my first sport car, and everyone that sees it, wants to know what it is, and where i got it. a great car.

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  MY STANG - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ToTo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I am a blond who not only looks good riding with the top up ,but when its down gRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

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  Very fun to drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By kirra - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Im starting to modify it. Cant wait to see what will come of it.

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  Perfect Size - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Cardinal - December 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Explorer for its 4WD capabilities, but we were surprised how nice it is to drive around town. It is great for driving in town and short errands. Weve taken it on the highway a few times, and like it on the highway. It is great in the snow.

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  Our family loves it! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Cardinal - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Expedition, and we love it. We have three boys, and the older two play hockey. It has all the room we need for our frequent weekend hockey trips. It handles much more car-like than its exterior size would indicate.

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  The best - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Yuni Mora - December 31 - 2:00 am

  The Best SUV on the ever

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  Satifsfied, would buy another one - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By John - December 30 - 10:34 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used in 1997 with 36,000 miles.. It has been a reliable vehicle overall. It now has 138,000+ and still going strong. It doesnt use oil, Transmission is still original (serviced every 40,000 miles). New radiator this past year and waterpump. Had a problem with water temp. gauge in 2003 new circuit board fixed problem. Only complaint is auto hubs went bad (plastic components) and would cost approx.$800.00 to fix from Ford dealer. Had manual hubs installed for half the price.

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  Most fun car we ever owned - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jason - December 30 - 7:57 pm

  Our 2003 Prem TB Hard Top is the most fun to drive its realy like having 3 cars when you put soft top up then Down and The Port hole Hard top on. Crack the window and listen to that sound of the 60s coming our of the great SC sound system and the exhaust pipes.

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  Good Bull 03 - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Tom Batz - December 30 - 5:09 pm

  The 03 model I have has been very dependable and very comfortable. Good family car with good performance on highway and local roads.

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  Dont Buy, Lemon, Lemon Sitting In My Yard - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By christ - December 30 - 3:15 pm

  3 transmissions, 2 engines, only one covered by Ford, another new head gasket for second engine,$1,500 in brakes, broken sway bar, locks lock and unlock while driving, and now only drivers side lock works. I canÂ’t open the back hatch or the light stays on and canÂ’t turn it off and then the battery dies. Antilock brake sensors in front have had to be replaced. The dealer didnt stand behind this van. I called about the transmission and no heat 31 days after I purchased it. I bought it from a Dodge dealer with an extended warranty for an extra $1,800 and they sold me a Dodge warranty, which no one would honor except a lot over one hour away. Ford didnÂ’t stand behind this van, I made many attempts. I have put on 31,000 in four years, cause it never runs.