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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  Great American Car - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Eurodance - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car. I loved it. I had the LX style. It had leather, anti lock breaks, etc. It was a very safe car. Last week it was hit severly and the car was totalled but I was not hurt. This car is safe!!

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  Sometimes Not So Good - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By RIP - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Taurus wagon for almost 3 years having bought it used. The wipers were bad from the beginning, the alternator was a nightmare. It required frequent repair. I had always heard you either get a good one or not, I believe I was the not. However I loved being able to pile 8 kids in one car. I bought the car with 77K sold it with 105K.

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  Van is Junk Ford has No Integrity - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ihateford - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has blown its head gaskets five times! Three times after Ford Dealer installed an engine remanufactured by Ford. The transmission also failed at 40k miles. Ford not only been extremely reluctant to fix this piece of junk they seem to be incapable of doing so. If anyone tries to sell or even give you one of these things RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!

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  Great First Impression - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Testy Driver - May 21 - 12:56 am

  Ive had my Vista Blue Mustang GT Premium for about two weeks. The appearance and feel of the car are awesome, as is the acceleration. This is a car I plan to keep for a long time, as Ive waited a long time to get it. The car handles well, it seems eager to get into curves. So far, I love everything about it. The car came with the Shaker 1000 stereo, which may have been overkill for this 45 year old.

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  Worst gas hog I have ever owned - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Reed Thwaites - May 20 - 3:53 am

  This truck was a wedding gift from my father so I probably shouldnt complain about it, but people want to hear it so hear it goes. It is a very heavy truck it takes a lot of effort to drive, the steering is tough the shocks are tough and the breaks are touchy. The fuel economy is not 16-17 its more like 10-12. I cant wait to pay off my other car so I can trade this hunk of junk in.

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  Ford hit a home run with the 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ward - May 20 - 2:23 am

  Excellent mileage, over 30 if you stay below 65. With a 20 gal tank thats one gas stop a week for me and I love it. Interior is sweet and comfortable, every control and surface has excellent feel and for me the stereo is better than my home system. It plays my MP3 CDs so I pack up the 6 disc player and never look back. Good bye radio, who needs ya. Handling is also excellent in all weather with just FWD, which added to the fuel economy.

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  Who says you cant go back - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By FordA - May 20 - 2:00 am

  A great riding car with excellent standard features. Fun to drive and love the nostalgia, like driving the little T- Bird of yore. I own several vintage Fords and people ask us as many questions about the new bird as our older cars (Model As & an Early V-8). Quite, smooth & powerful.

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  Best Bird Yet. - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By JAT - May 20 - 2:00 am

  The new Bird is the best. I have owned 4 over the past 15 years. The ride is wonderful. I sold my 1999 Corvette because of the ride quality. The T-Bird beats it hands down.

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  My Review - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By ironchopz - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used in 4/97 with 28325 miles mileage now: 171700. Im very pleased with how the car has held up. The car is driven a lot. Its very comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. This T-bird routinely gets 23mpg+. Compared to the smaller engines (< 2.5L) that get 26-30mpg, this Bird (V- 8/4.6L) sips gas its a better value than the smaller-engine vehicles. Ive towed a 6x12 U-Haul trailer through the Rockies: the engine never ran hot & fuel economy didnt drop much (19-20mpg w/ full car and trailer). Cons: the doors are heavy & go out of alignment periodically. The Premium Sound CD system is installed, but it lacks the punch an aftermarket CD player would have.

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  Much more substantial than others - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By berintheair - May 20 - 2:00 am

  We had a Toy 4-Runner. With 1 teenager, 1 very active 4 year old and another on the way, we felt very claustrophobic in that rig. We didnt even realize what we were missing in a full size rig until we climbed into the Expedition. The power was great. It was a much more substantial rig than the 4Runner. I couldnt believe how much more of everything we got, room, power, leather, v-8, less payment. We only lost about 4 mpg compared to the gutless v-6. We are 4 years into it and