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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  Bring it Back - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By dptree - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd full size Bronco. It is a powerful, easy to drive, good looking SUV. Ive not had any problems with this one at all. Ive owned this one for seven years. It is a 1995 that I bought new in 1995. It now has 133,000 miles and still looks brand new. Not a sign of rust or fade. It breaks my heart to have to sell this one since they dont make this vehicle anymore. Ford... BRING IT BACK. It is fun to drive.

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  Dont Make the Same Mistake! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By zippy78 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a terrible, TERRIBLE car...in only 2 years/24,000 miles of ownership, it had a plethora of problems...mostly suspension related. Then the auotmatic tranny blew at 65K...1K miles after the extended warranty expired. Wound up doing battle with Ford on this repair. Ford didnt want to budge, but with the help of my states attorney generals office, I managed to get a $1,000 settlement. Three weeks after it was fixed this lemon was gone...traded it in 99 and havent looked back since.

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  Great for price - 1997 Ford Contour
  By med01e - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great low cost car - Thousands Saved over Taurus.

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  95 T-Bird Performance - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Enemec - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new with the V8 and all the options. The car has performed well over the last seven (7) years. The 4.6 liter has plenty of power and so far no problems. This is a great American coupe that Ford should be proud of.

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  WOW....Great Car...Ford not promoting. - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By stanley g - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I can only say that every time i drive this car i am exhilarated from the moment i walk up to it until the minute i lock it up....looks, handling and a new feeling every time i drive....not too much for me to want with this touring gem....great job ford, except for the lackluster promotion and at times treating this world class car like an average citizen in the showroom.......

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  T-bird back with a vengeance - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By BodySnatcher - August 18 - 2:00 am

  A comfortable head-turner with power when you need it. More storage space than the vette... an emphasis on comfort but punch the pedal and enjoy the thrust. A hard top when you want one (in my case that means the winter months) a convertible when you dont. Six CD changer, stereo system that is as good as anything out there. A boomers delight, revisit the past with the comforts of today.

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  Crashs Exp - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jcrash - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had only one problem. The rubber escutcheon around the keyhole had to be replaced.

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  wheels always dirty with brake dust!!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By la - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Some added features are improvements, such as the fold down 3rd seat. the fromt wheels get dirty with brake dust in less than 24 hours, so the vehicle never looks clean. the message center in not convenient, nor is the brights-on sensor. i have often had my brights on and didnt know it because of the positioning of the steering wheel

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  Best Car I have ever Wned - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By BrentEsq - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed without flaw. The V8 makes it really quick for a big SUV. It is my 3rd Explorer. It is clearly the best one.

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  Problem vehical that makes me sick - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By DWheat9003 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have a driveline vibration problem since new, this occurs at 30, 50 and 67 - 78 mph. I also have a howling from the rear differential at 67 to 68 mph. My AC Compressor makes a loud shrilling sound when the outside temp is 85 or higher, and wistles also. Seat belt does not retract fully so then it gets jammed in door upon closing, this chips the paint on b pillar, and door at latch side, pissing me off. And most recently, accelerator cable broke and had to have it toed to dealer. Front brake rotors pulsate, had them trued up at dealer but they are still pulsating. I am currently awaiting the outcomes of lemon law proceedings.