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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  pixe - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By jessicapoo - September 17 - 2:00 am

  i love thunderbirds because there so high-teah and there so cute.i wish they sold them everywhere

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  Hanging On To My Youth - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tcocove - September 17 - 2:00 am

  At 55, my Tbird is helping me hang on to whats left of my youth! A neighbor had a 57 and I just loved his car and dreamed that someday. My Tbird rides a little heavy and sometimes feels like its floating. Both inside and out, it is just retro beautiful and everybody who sees it has a Tbird story to tell me. My story happened last Oct. when a Park policeman pulled me over for speeding. He told me that he had a 56 and that mine was the first new one he had seen on the parkway. He asked me if he could drive mine! And who would say no to a policeman? 15 minutes later he returned with a big smile. By the way, I didnt get a ticket!

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  2003 T-BIRD (JAMES BOND) LIMITED ADDIT. - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By CHERYL JONES - September 17 - 2:00 am

  WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ALL MY TROUBLES DISAPPEAR. IT WAS THE BEST WASTE OF MONEY I EVER DID !!I RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE. AND THE CORAL COLOR GETS A LOT OF ATTENTION. EVERYONE NOTICES ME DRIVING THIS CAR. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU STARED AT A VET ON THE ROAD? I GET ALL AGE GROUPS LOOKING AND EVEN ASKING QUESTIONS AT RED LIGHTS!

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  cool car - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By corinna - September 16 - 2:00 am

  i loved the cars

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  Totally Satisfied - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By JTIME - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck in March 03 with 166.5K in AL and thought that it would be an ok run-about truck. I drove the truck home (Houston, TX) and have not gotten out of it since. Currently has 178K and it does not burn or leak any oil. I really believe I can get 300K out of it without any major problems. The body is tight with no squeaks or rattles and the performance is great (4.0L V6). I get about 23 MPG hwy and 19 city. I own a Toyota Avalon and a Nissan 300ZX so I did not expect to be this pleased with an American auto. I would buy another provided its the 4.0L. I highly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Again? No, thanks. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jehlers - September 15 - 5:50 am

  I was cruising through one on the weekend, and the Explorer Sport caught my eye. Not to mention, I loved the two door look and it was black! Ive always wanted a black vehicle. Another bonus, it had a sunroof, luggage rack and running boards. I dont think I couldve asked for anything else. It had $10,900 on the windshield and I got it for $9,400 with only 56K on it. I got a pretty good deal. Anyway, its not mid-July and I hate the gas mileage. Ive already replaced the air intake control valve ($225 w/ labor) and now it clicks loudly when I turn my wheels. Someone mentioned the hub bearings. I think my next car will be a Honda, Nissan or Toyota. Thats what I wanted originally.

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  My review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David - September 15 - 5:16 am

  I waited especially for this model year to buy the F-150. I paid just under $21k for mine. Of all the trucks I have driven, this one ranks up there in ride quality. The only downside is the power isnt where I want it to be. That will change with some upgrades soon.

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  Ford the best built, best looking truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Gary Statham - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 F-150 Lariat S/C flareside has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. The truck has 79,000+ miles on it and has not had a wrench touch it other than regular oil and filter changes, and tire rotation. I have the 4.6 litre engine which has plenty of power for my needs. It has the limited slip rearend and I get 18 mpg on highway. I hate to see Ford change the body style in 2004. Ive seen the new body style and dont like it compared to the 1997 through 2003 body style. I would like to buy a new 2003 Lariat 4x4 crewcab before all of them are sold. They are the best looking truck on the road by far.

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  2001 F-150 Lariat 5.4L - 2001 Ford F-150
  By michael G - September 15 - 2:00 am

  great truck, awsome power! Looks great with 20" rims!!! Handles great, looks great!

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  SC - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By miclub7 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Too many easily prevented problems from manufactuer. Head gaskets are a huge problem along with skrawny motor mounts that couldnt even support torque for a 4 cylinder. Honestly the problems are a pitty.