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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  NM BIRD 02 - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By NM BIRD 02 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Happy car that provokes friendly conversation with friends and strangers who either have a TB story or just admire the looks, particularly the interior. Very enjoyable to drive. Terrific handling and response! Puts me in a good mood just to get in it and is even more fun than I thought it would be.

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  Ford Tempo - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Sean Stevens - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Tempo new in 1990. Over the years all it took was a new muffler. It is excellent on gas and is built tough. I have been i a few fenderbenders over the years but it has always stood up. I drove the car up to last year when the transmission went. I can do the repairs myself because all it needs is a case but I have been too busy. The A/C went but probably needs a compressor. All in all this car has performed and stood up excellent over the years.

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  Remember the song "Ode to My Car"... - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Niqo - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Dont get one of these. You will end up spending all your money on repairing it every other month. Everytime you get something fixed, something else breaks. Its not worth it. Its not a good car.

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  Requiem for a Great Car - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By renabg - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Just ordered a new Mazda6 to replace my venerable 4.6L V8 T-Bird. Wonderful car for the past 9+ years. Had the torque converter shudder but synthetic fluid plus a cooler fixed that. Fastest electric windows Ive ever seen. Terrific road car. Replace orioginal tires with Michelin x-Ones. Perfect for the car. Car is wiped down and covered after every use. 147k miles on it and it looks like it just rolled off of the assembly line. Will be passing it to one of my sons who will care for it like I did.

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Aharv - February 14 - 10:53 pm

  Having always driven small cars, I wanted to step up to something larger, but didnt want a mammoth SUV. I bought my limited in May of 2009 and am still in love with it. The Sync is awesome. Interior is roomy and comfortable and everyone raves over it. My 8 year old step daughter loves her DVD player and we love the wireless headphones. Cargo area is great and completely flexible. Very comfortable on road trips. Fuel economy averages around 25-26 on interstate and about 22-23 in town.

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  I love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Happy Camper - February 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive only had my Freestyle since the end of December, but I love it already. Ive seen some complaints about a lack of power but there is plenty there for me and I love the way it corners - like its on rails. Every time I get a tank of gas, someone compliments its looks. The good news is that I dont have to fill it up that often. Its gotten in the mid 20s since I got it. When its time to get rid of my wifes Odyssey, Id consider getting another one of these.

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  let down - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By wantsanewjetta - February 14 - 2:00 am

  the headliner falls, too many rattles, the trunk gets too torn up from regular daily use, valve problems, just not very dependable. only 49000k on it and i already feel like i cant trust it. too many small things have added up to me not liking my car very much. decent gas mileage, nice style, acceptable performance, great front seat room

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  1997 Ford T-Bird LX - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By tomfal - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This Automobile is in near perfect condition. It runs quietly and responds like it did when new. The exterior is bright red, and is sporty in design. A photo is available. It has power locks, driver seat and windows. It has automatic drive, air conditioner, tilt wheel, and radio with cassette player. Snow tires are included. The interior is clean and the rear seat has almost never been used. A really nice used car!

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  An American Icon - 1999 Ford F-150
  By benzcrazy1 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1999 Ford F-150 XL 4x2 X-Cab, it is a great truck. I would drive it anywhere! It has served me well! When it comes time to trade I will definiately buy another one. There is no other truck like it out there.

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  Keeps on Runnin - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Ed F - February 14 - 2:00 am

  185,000 miles and still going. No major repairs...only brakes, tires, muffler, alternator. Wish they still made em.