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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  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.

• 

  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.

• 

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

  been a great car

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  Lives up to its name. - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By A.J. M. - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Alright, I bought my 93 with 117,998 on the clock and a 5.0L engine. She rode like a dream and still does but she is a high maintainence machine. Ive spent almost half of what I paid for her in repairs in less than a year later. Some of the problems recur.. like the cooling issue, this is my 3rd thunderbird, I previously had an 83 and a 90. Had cooling problems with all three.

• 

  great car great price - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By michaelalec84 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The ford mustang is an excellent car at an even better price in my opinion. Ive had mine for a little over a year now and it has given me no major problems whatsoever. The power is good coming from the 3.8 liter v6 and the comfort of the front seats is excellent. i would recommned a mustng of my type to anyone who wants something powerful, cheap, good looking and fun to drive.

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  Ford Rocks! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Bob Q. - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, its one of the best that I have ever had!

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  I loves my Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By GFunk - July 12 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars, they just need to be maintained and cared for.

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  Finally - a non-hog SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ted Olsen - July 11 - 2:50 am

  Ford scores high in my books for having produced a really driveable small SUV that isnt guzzling gas but performs above expectations. I havent had a moments regret. Everything about my Ford Escape is fun - plenty of power, enough room, sweet design, easy handling, great road holding. Im a happy camper, so to speak.

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  Good reliable car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By yanks27 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Contour is a good driving car for driving to work and back. It wont turn any heads, but you will get to where you want to go, and when it comes down to it, that is all a car is suppose to do.

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  ok car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By sfawcett2003 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  a lot of things have went wrong on the car. it gets u from point a to b and sometimes c however. i would not recomend buying this car unless it is the only thing in ur price range.