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 Dream Car - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By mia - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Black on Black and totally gorgeous. I pinstriped this baby with a subtle red.. and of course pinstriped my name on both doors! All TBird owners are sure to love their cars..but I feel like one with mine! I have had the fortune to have owned and driven some of the best cars ever made, including Mercedes, Jaguar, and BMW.. this car is the only car I claim to love driving, for the whole experience put together. It handles the road, is comfortable in all of its features, and NOTHING beats the style and look of it!

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  T bird 2004 - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeff Berman - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Hard to get into if you have even the slightest back problem. User friendly instrumentation.

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  A car to keep forever - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By grey thunder - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the TBIRD the first time I saw it at the auto show in Boston. Price was to high at the time so I thought I would have to wait to buy a used one. Lucky for me this past Sept 2003 my dealer was having a clearance on leftover 2003 models so I snapped up a new Mountain Shawdow Gray T-Bird at a very reasonable price. I am really enjoying this car. It is only driven on sunny days. I love the look of the porthole hard top ...but driving with the top down is so much fun. Power styling and handling can not be beat.

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  Worth waiting for - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By LuAnnette - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I had wanted a Thunderbird ever since I saw the first one in 1955. It took 49 years, but when I saw the Pacific Coast Highway edition I knew I could wait no longer. It is not only beautiful, but also lots of fun to drive. Since there were only 1000 of these made I cant remain anonymous in my town!

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  best truck ever...... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By frank bealing - May 26 - 2:00 am

  you havent drove a truck until you driven a ford !!

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  This car is dangerous - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Lonnie - May 26 - 12:02 am

  I dont even know where to start. I have owned 31 vehicles in my lifetime, and undoubtedly this is --BY FAR -- the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Its been a nightmare from day one, and I have had it nearly 5 months now. Most importantly is how unsafe this car is. On 3 different occasions, and one of them being on a highway, this car just died, went into neutral while I was going along in the drive gear. It did not stall out, but just lost all power as if it were in neutral. I was lucky enough all times where I was able to turn off to the side of the road. Had I been in the center, or left lane on the highway, I could have been KILLED. It was as though the tranny went. All gears were neutral. I turned it off and waited a while, then restarted it. All 3 times the service engine light went on after restarting it. The gears worked again after the restart, but the car ran terrible after these incidents. Of course after the first occurrence, I brought it back to the dealer. They said it was some emission computer glitch or something and that it was okay now. It was okay for a few weeks then did the same exact thing. Now the dealer had it for 4 days. They pretty much said the same thing after changing out some emission parts, putting in brand new oil, filer, and a cat.... converter. That was good for a few months when the same thing happened again just a few blocks from my home. Right now its in my driveway. I would NEVER sell this to anyone. I would never even think of putting someone else in this danger. Right now I have a complaint in with the MVD, and I want the dealer to take this car back, because I will NOT go for number 4 breakdown, and risk my life in this travesty of a car. I implore everyone. Do not buy this car. I would not wish this 4 wheeled nightmare on my worst enemy. Even without those 3 harrowing events, this tranny was never right. Just shakes, vibrates, shutters, bangs and slips going up a steep incline. The radio is actually a joke. Its more like a toy radio for a little kid. Youd have to be within a mile of a radio station to pick any real clear signal. Also I noticed at night the headlights would dim way down for no reason, then brighten again ! The power door locks are now not working, and you have to turn the ignition switch fully 3 or 4 times before the starter catches. This car has worn me down totally. I will not drive it, not let anyone else drive it. It has to go back to the dealer, or the nearest salvage yard. Ford should be ashamed of themselves for this modern day Edsel. I would bet that the Edsel was probably a better car. By the way if I did not mention, it was a low mileage 2013 Hatchback. 21,000 miles when I bought it with a limited warranty that was another joke. Just do yourself the biggest favor you ever can, Stay FAR AWAY from this shameful mess. Dont even look at photos of it.

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  Ignition problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By esmb - May 25 - 5:23 am

  The key sticks in the igition. We have to wiggle it out. Took it back to the dealer 3 times. Even changed the igition. Did not help. We were told by someone there that the escape and some other brands are using a forign tumbler and that is causing the problems. So the problem cant be fixed unless they change back to American. If anyone has any ideas please email me. esmb@aol.com

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  Just a few bugs.... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By PandalvsEscape - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very cute little SUV for a small family. I would purchase another one and I am looking forward to seeing the new hybrid. The Escape is big enough that you feel safe, but not so big that you feel like you have to climb in.

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  my truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. wizard - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I own a 93 ford ranger xlt 2door extended cab. i havent found a thing wrong with it. the truck runs good after 11 years!!! I would suggest it as a first car for anyone.

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  I am a soccer Mom! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By mpr0823 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a van that stands out from the rest of the ho hum dodge drivers! I am extremly happy with it, My kids love it! And with the highest front crash test rating, who can complain!