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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  Ford is back! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Luke - May 8 - 11:16 am

  2 years ago I dumped my GMC Suburban and purchased a Scion XB. I was always unhappy with the XBs size & amenities, but the mileage made up for it. I was considering a GMC Acadia. Then came Flex. As soon as it appeard on Yahoo I knew it was going to be mine! I now have a loaded SEL. My wife loves it, too! Finally a cool, luxury ride. Yesterday it averaged 27.9 MPG at 60MPH over a "hilly" 10 mile highway segment using the cruise control! Wow! It beats the sticker MPG, even in the city. Im very proud of Ford!

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  Sunday driver - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By StevenCP - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive it to the country club or for sunday drives in the country.

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  A secret car.....if you only knew - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Nancy T. - May 8 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car, after one year of reviewing other possibilities. What a great purchase. Love it, love it...and guess what, I have never had a car that other car owners wanted to talk about as much as this T Bird. We have added 18" wheels & custom rims which make it standout. Quick and fun to drive. This is the last year they are making the T Bird, so I think it will hold its value.

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  Great!!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By KathK - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Love it!!!!!!!!! This car is very quiet inside with the top up. It handles wonderfully and is a total pleasure to drive. It definitely has speed!

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  LOVING IT - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By practicalmktg - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and resonably priced. Comfortable, sleek design. Classy car! The thing that we like alot is that its production is limited, so its not all over the place. You dont see one every time you turn your head!

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  excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By rob68 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  more subtle than an h2 with more useful interior room. great for road trips and hauling the gang around. nothing like getting flipped off by the gal in the prius.

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  excursion04240 - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By duane04240 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  i love it its feels big and safe with very classy stying it has a look and sound of its own and likes to tow big trailers i would love a new one every year

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  This is the 3rd Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Channel1tv - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I have put over a 100,000 miles on the three in our fleet and they are the best !

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  124K...and still smiling... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By isabel - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Seven years ago, found my Eddie Bauer with 10K, loved the drive, the computer/systems check, the moonroof & cockpit style interior, Picked up the girls from practice and took it for a test drive. A thumbs up from the back seat - cushy leather, stereo controls, a/c vents, cup holders and plenty of cargo space for bags. Consumer Reports it a good rating, price was right...so we made the deal...seven years later I still smile everytime I get behind the wheel. Its been an extremely reliable and cost efficient vehicle and we still love it. Good design never goes out of style!

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  A dull Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By EdgeownerVA - May 7 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in June with high hopes, Im over 6ft. After living with the vehicle I am sadly disappointed in its comfort. If your over I say 510 you need not apply. The seat bottom cushions are far to short to offer support for longer legs. The footwell for the driver is short on space also, making driving very uncomfortable and your only relief is when you go to cruise control on a hwy. Despite the suspect claims of good gas mileage from other reviewers the gas mileage stinks, only 18 for a 6cyl. is absurd. An Expedition gets as good. I was only getting 10 at first. Im light footed on the gas so I dont hotdog. Im looking for a new vehicle.