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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  Shelleys thoughts - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By shelley Klaner - June 10 - 1:42 pm

  Ii used to own a Mercedes and said I would never own a Ford after bad experiences with a Mustang in the 1970s. I absolutely love this car. It handles better than my Mercedes, is solid, comfortable and the car actually makes me feel good. The only negative I have found is that it is hard to park because it is wide and it is hard to visualize the sides and the depth when parking. But besides that it was a great choice.

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  Bondo - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bill Bond - June 10 - 11:14 am

  Great looking car, real head turner. Too bad the dealers got greedy when this car came out charging as much as $10,000 over sticker because of availability. Now they have marketing problem because people think they are more expensive than they actually are.

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  I thought I wanted a truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By R Fischer - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Went to the dealership to trade my 99F150 with 90k, for a 2004 F150. Wasnt finding the color or equipment I wanted. As I was leaving, I asked about the Expeditions and they had a beautiful Blue demo. This thing had all the toys. Only option missing was the sunroof. Its tow rating was more then enough for my boat, which is 7000lbs. It tows like a mule and you feel like youre in a highend sedan. The 4wd engages easily, and is a life saver on slipper boat ramps, which Florida has in great number. Fuel economy is the same, if not better then my truck which had the 4.6 and the is Expedition has a 5.4. The transmission is smooth and sure.

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  our Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Rtom45 - June 10 - 9:54 am

  My wife uses the car daily for short drive to and from work. We use the car at least once a month for trips across the state. Its comfortable and practical for both. Car is good in the snow (Erie, PA). We bought our first Taurus in 99 and were happy enough to buy this Taurus in 04. We like the newer styling also.

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  Fun to drive beauty to own! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By John - June 10 - 7:18 am

  With four kids, and a wife, we needed the room. With the Ford Excursion you have room. Not only room for us but throw a few more folks in with you. Storage behind the third seat is really good. Power, this baby has it. I sit high while driving and I like that also. As for the gas, well when you buy a vehicle like this, you aint buying it for the gas mileage. But on the road its not that bad, I get a little over 16 mpg. The family went from Pensacola FL to Cartersville GA, and ran all over town before we needed to gas up that was great! Room for all, comfort, and a nice secure feeling makes the Ford Excursion a great to own, fun to drive SUV. I love my Excursion, and have zero complaints.

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  Cant Go Wrong With This Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Michael - June 10 - 5:36 am

  This car has been a perfect car for me, it has about 165,000 miles on it today. All I have ever had to do with this car is brakes, tires, oil, belts and an air filter. This car does have an automatic transmission and it has the original. I have had it flushed a couple of times with the filter replaced but never anything more. If you treat these cars well, they will last a very long time without problems. I have owned several cars over the years, and most of which I have had to put a new transmission and/or service the air conditioner by 150,000 thousand miles. But this car has been the exception. I am very happy with this vehicle for a 2nd car!! Buy yours today!

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  Superb Vehicle - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mike Hughes - June 10 - 2:32 am

  Absolutely stellar. This was the first vehicle I have ever purchased new and it did not disappoint. I owned it for 3 years, only needed a tensioner replaced. Runs perfect and shows no sign of stopping. People knock the Ranger for its outdated style but I could not disagree more, I believe it has the look of a real pickup with the most important modern improvements (i.e. engine, transmission, interior, electronics etc.). In fact I am trading mine in for a new 2005 Ranger soon.

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  Great for the money - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Isaac - June 9 - 5:54 pm

  My wife and I shopped around. Our first thought was an Explorer, but after all the research and thought, we bought the Expedition. Dollar for dollar, a better deal. After all the rebates, we saved about 2k over a Tahoe, and about 6k over a Toyota Sequoia.

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  Super rare GTS - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By nmartin - June 9 - 2:01 am

  I purchased my mustang from a neighbor. I didnt realize it was a GTS until after purchase -- oh what a steal one of 6000+ and only 197 of color combo and transmission. Very special car! I did a few modifications, pulleys, BBK intake, 3.55 Gears and complete tuneup. Smoking fast 0-50 4 valve Cobra runner. Great aftermarket watch out if can become addictive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who doesnt need to drive in the snow.

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  Room Galore - 2005 Ford F-150
  By John - June 9 - 1:36 am

  I cannot believe how quiet it is inside the truck. Much quieter than the Chevy. I was close to buying a Chevy with the employee discount, until Ford could beat their price. I am sure happy they did. If you want a truck this is the way to go. If you want a truck that is more like a car, get the Chevy. Chevy doesnt allow for as many mixing and matching with the options.