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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  Faithful... - 2000 Ford Escort
  By ALG - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had no mechanical problems with my car. I have had to do no more than oil changes, car washes, and fluid checks. I have had to replace my tires once...and they were more expensive than I had figured. Relatively hard to find too. Overall, great car.

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  Wouldnt Drive Anything but my TBird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By merryelle - March 20 - 2:00 am

  After extensive research among all convertibles in the TBIRD class, I chose Fords Hardtop Thunderbird Convertible because of how well it handled on the road. I went from a Lincoln Navigator (still in the garage) to the TBIRD, and found the TBIRD to be so much fun to drive. I can get 2 complete sets of golf clubs in the trunk. The TBIRD is larger than most sportscars and the insurance isnt based on a "sportscar", just a sedan. The doors are long. Seating is comfortable, and I have had ZERO problems with my "TBIRD". Its wonderful. Wouldnt change my mind, even if someone tempted me with a free Audi TT...

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  I LOVE MY T-BIRD - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By BMMONT - March 20 - 2:00 am

  THE T-BIRD IS A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE. PLENTY OF ROOM ON THE INSIDE AND A BEAUTY ON THE OUTSIDE. I ALWAYS WANTED A T-BIRD WHEN I WAS A KID, NOW I FINALY GOT THE CHANCE TO OWN ONE. GET ONE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.

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  the truck for me - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By ace pilot - March 20 - 2:00 am

  the 1999 ford ranger extended cab xlt is a great truck even though the 3 speed over drive is not very economic for i had the 4.0L six it was very fun to drive and i would highly recommend it for those people who want an american truck.

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  Good Used Vehicle for 1st time Driver - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Nimbus - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This dependable and easy to drive vehicle would be great for a first time driver. It is safe and durable. View of the road is excellent and brakes work well.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily? - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Harmonious - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Great truck so far but the chrome is already rusting with only 2,900 miles!

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  Sports Sedan On A Budget - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By grmc210 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus SHO is a great car for familys and fun to drive. If you get snow in the winter, it has great traction due to the front wheel drive. It has a nearly bulletproof Yamaha engine, but as for the rest of it, its a early 90s Ford, and may require some TLC. This car comes loaded from the factory. Usually leather/cloth combination seats, many of them have automatic climate controls and most of the options you would find on todays sport sedans. Dont expect to get one for the $1700 that this site suggests as high end. A 91 SHO in decent shape is probably going to run around $3000 or maybe a little bit more.

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  Has sides like butter - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Tia Chang - March 20 - 2:00 am

  The transmission on my car went at 50,000, and the dealer wouldnt replace it. One person ran into it (just with his body, not a car) and left a big dent in the side. The air conditioning went out at 75,000 miles. The salt on the roads has eroded the muffler and loosened the catalytic converter cap, no matter how often I get it replaced. On the plus side, it gets great gas mileage, and you can fit a surprising amount into it. Also can park it in very tight spots.

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  What a ride!!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jeff Snyder - March 19 - 5:40 pm

  I just bought this vehicle on 11/10/04 & I must say that Ford got it right with this all new 2005 Mustang!! I have yet to find a feature that I didnt like about this car! Well, one minor detail is that I feel they should put dual exhaust even on the V6 models, but hey, thats what Summit Racing & the other companies are for!

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  Its like a Leatherman - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bick - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This will do anything -- from a night out - to 4 x 8 sheets of plywood.