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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  Im not Spoiled - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By SMyers - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My dad bought the T-Bird for part of my inheritance. It rarely ever gets driven. Most of the time its in the garage. The car rides very smooth and gets great gas mileage. Certainly not an everyday car but its great for that sunday drive.

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  2004 THUNDERBIRD VINTAGE MINT PREMIUM - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By LAGUNACANYON52 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR OVERALL IS A REAL EYE CATCHER. PEOPLE OF ALL AGES LOVE IT,AND MOST THINK IT IS A VINTAGE CAR,ESPECIALLY BECAUSE MY COLOR IS VINTAGE MINT GREEN. IT IS AN "EXPERIENCE" TYPE VEHICLE.YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR IN A MID 1950S EARLY 1960S CAR,BUT WITH ALL THE NEWER AMMENITIES.IT RIDES GREAT,HANDLES NICE & HAS A NICE V-8 ENGINE.

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  2003 Mustang Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Riemenschneider - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding performance, good looks and reasonable fuel economy. The seat bolsters are a little tight on the sides but the seats are comfortable on long trips.

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  Sweet - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By hammy79 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. It handles like a dream. It has all the power youll need. This car is so much fun to ride. I think every one should buy one

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  Russrs Rating - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By russr - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 GT with a 5 speed manual and I love it. I dont think you can get a better bang for the buck. The slight notchy feel lets you know your in gear, seats are comfortable The controls are simple and easy to reach and the sound that comes from under the hood is music to my ears. A deep growl that lets you know you have a few horses there. And at highway speeds, in 5th, the engine is barely breaking a sweat. If you want to pass, drop it a gear and BANG, your gone. With a nice set of winter tires, and the traction control, snow is not much of an issue.

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  cool - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Sabien - January 4 - 2:00 am

  most awsome car ever

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  love my car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DaphneLJones - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Mustang. They are so much fun to drive. You turn heads everywhere you go. I dog my mustangs and they never give me a bit of trouble.

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  Mustang Macho - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aubtig - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Like all convertibles you have to live in the right place, but once you meet this criteria you are in a really fun car. The top is a breeze to open (No pun intended), and the car is reponsive, quick, and agile. It is a keeper.

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  great - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By absolutwwa - January 4 - 2:00 am

  the best car i have ever had in my life i will def always drive a mustang < 8 cyl only>

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  THE SEATS ARE ROCK HARD - 2004 Ford Escape
  By TYLER JAMES - January 4 - 2:00 am

  ITS NO THAT BAD