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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  Good people/cargo hauler - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By vegman - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 153,000 miles. Have had good luck. Only major repair was a blown intake manifold gasket ($650). have had the typical nickel and dime expenses of American made vehicles. Fuel economy stinks but the 4wheel drive is great and it can haul a ton of stuff and tow over 2 tons without whining. Overall not a bad vehicle. The new minivans on the market have almost as much room and towing capacity with better fuel economy.

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  T-Birds have been good - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By rvernooy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 83, 89, 94 and 95 T-Birds. I like this body style the best and have had only two problems that I consider significant. Both the 83 and 94 TBirds have had the driver door hinges fail. The transmission on this car failed (overdrive locked with 3rd gear) so replaced at 70K miles. Otherwise, good economy at 21MPG still. Good air, power windows, doors, trunk still. no leaks. No exhaust problems to date (love that stainless steel exhaust).

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  EXCELLENT CAR !!!! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By firstliner - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is is the best in all ways of any Ive ever owned. VERY comfortable. Does not hurt my bad back even after 8-10 hours of driving. It handles better than expensive, foreign sports cars that Ive driven. Extremely responsive and fun to drive. Independent Short and Long Arm front and rear suspension. Does not drive like a Ford at all. Plenty of pick up and speed. No hesitation at all. Braking system is excellent. Four wheel traction control, anti-lock disc brakes. Plenty of storage space for a small car. Convertible top goes up and down VERY easily. Removable hard top great for the winter. I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  excellent retro - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By judgeshell - September 7 - 2:00 am

  i have had ferrari,vettes,xke,rx7 and mark as well as caddy and lexus and infinity.This is one great car overallnot sexiest,not fastest,not most luxurious.But overall it is excellent,price is reasonable and reliability as all Ford i have had beit a mark or ford explorer sport spoil you.

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  my expo 2001 - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ronjnz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  disappointed that the 4x4 is rough on some of the smallest bumps in the road. other than that it rides like a dream,luxury(leather). i wont discuss the gas mileage,but you dont buy a suv for good mileage. overall this is a very nice truck.

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  Excursion can do it all! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By brewdaddy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded my mini-van in to get my Excursion so I could feel like a man again while driving my family with four girls. What I didnt know was how versatile this beast is. It seats even 8 adults comfortably. It tows almost anything without trying. The ride is very smooth. I took out the back seat & folded the middle one down then camped in it by myself for three days quite comfortably. Here is the one that is hard to believe. My trailer was out of comission so I took off the front wheels of my YFZ450 Quad and stuck it in the back! I took pictures to prove it and Im sending them to a quad mag. This truck is amazing.

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  Drivers Seat Design Flaw - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ken Vinson - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2-door SVT and the only problem I have experienced is with the drivers seat. If you drive with the seat bottom raised up in the back, you have to remember to lower it if you pull the seat back forward to let someone in the back seat. Otherwise, over time it will rub a place in the lower seat cushion. The Ford dealership where I bought my SVT is replacing mine free of charge this time. The service writer at the dealership agreed it is a design flaw. Now all I have to do is tie a string around my finger and remember to lower the seat cushion when I have passengers for the back-seat. :}

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  T Birds Rock!! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Doc M - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has great pep and the automatic transmission moves smoothly as the car accelerates. The SST transmission lets one shift through the gears, overriding the transmission for some fun in driving. The vehicle handles very smoothly and holds the road well. The convertible top goes up and down very quickly. The retro lines catch peoples eyes. This is a very enjoyable car to drive and ride in.

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  Just a good ol truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By txtruck - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. If it layed down today it would not owe me a dime. I have owned it for 11 years. It had 16k miles when I bought it, now has 117k, only paid $12.5k loaded out. Best vehicle purchase I ever made. Wow, can it pull a boat. Used to pull my 3500 lb ski boat through the Ozarks and pass cars going uphill with the a/c blasting-temp gauge stayed perfect. No rust problems- spent most of its life up north. When this one gives up I would like to buy another just like it-only a different color-after 11 years I am really tired of the 2 tone brown. I call it the milky way on wheels.

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  DONT DO IT!!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Dankel - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Since the day we brought our Taurus home, it has been nothing but trouble. The head gasket, brake system, pumps, air conditioner compresser, and who knows what else had the car in the shop more than in our driveway. I suggest you continue looking for a better deal. We originally paid 1500 and by the time all repairs were made, we put more than 3000 dollars into it.