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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  Texs T-Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tex from LI - November 3 - 10:00 am

  The new Thunderbird is everything that you would expect it to be and more. As the Baech Boys sang, "its fun, fun, fun." It has all of the elements of the original classic Thunderbirds and all of the modern safety and convienience of a modern luxuary car. All of this and unmistakeable style that doesnt look like anything else on the road. The only possible drawback is that you will be noticed everytime you drive it.

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  poor design - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By rich bison - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Hard to get in and out of when the hard top is on. Also the drivers seat should have more adjustments.

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  The Ford Excursion Limited Rocks~!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By RLR8682 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Ford hit the nail on the head with the Excursion. From the Homelink to the tough truck look, V-10 power and torque, heated mirrors and seats, power outlets, shift on the fly 4- wheel drive,rear heat and A/C, leather interior, DVD entertainment system, 45 gallon fuel tank, back up alarm, towing ability, six disc CD player, cup holders and interior roominess the Excursion Rocks~!!!

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  Go slow to enjoy!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Big "L" - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my ZTW and took a small trip across the state. The cars handles well but the noise level at highway speed is terrible, I had to constantly raise the volume of the radio in order to hear it. At city driving speeds its more tolerable.On my first tank of gas which was this trip I got 24.9mpg mostly 65-80 mph. I was hoping for better gas mileage, since Ford Web site says 26-36. Sticker says 25-30, who is lying??One good thing is that I got it for an out the door price of $14,300.00 Maybe because it was 8-31-2003 ?? Save thousands compared to Matrix-Vibe (less trunk).

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  THIS CAR IS FANTASTIC!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JONATHAN ANTONIO - November 3 - 10:00 am

  this one is a real buy, for under $12K, i got what i wanted for a coupe! compared to those high priced hondas and toyotas!!i just love to drive anywhere, even to las vegas!! the power is amazing!

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  04 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DAVYBUG - November 3 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS VERY WELL MADE,NO RATTLES WHEN DRIVEN OVER SPEED BUMPS OR OFF ROAD.GREAT STEERING AND SUSPENTION.WHEN LIFTING THE HOOD YOU NOTICE THE FRONT GRILL COULD BE BETTER QUALITY.

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  Best - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By fh - November 3 - 10:00 am

  FORD RULES, this is the best thing anyone can get from any dealer or model its the best ever

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  Mustangs are best,let the others rest! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By David Soderdahl - November 3 - 10:00 am

  The best car out their. It has great gas milage, is fun and sporty plus it has a great safty/reliability rating. What more could you ask for?

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  Mustang Cobra Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03 SVT Mustang - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Why pay 50k, or 60K, or 70K-80K for the type of performance Ford sells for 34K- 38K. With a blistering 4.6 second launch from 0-60 you will be hard pressed not to grin all the way to where ever you are going. The Mustang is an American Legend and the 03 Cobra is the best Mustang built to date. Pure fun and comfort. Dont spend twice as much and get lack luster performance. A six speed supercharged 390 hp car with a factory warrenty is unbelieveable. Nothing Moves Like a Mustang :-)

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  Nice Big Camping Machine! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Brad G. - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We love the commanding view of the road and the smooth ride. VERY comparable to the "Luxury SUVs". The interior is very luxurious with incredibly comfortable leather. The engine could be a little more powerful but its a truck...how quick does it really need to be? It has plenty of power for towing but not as quick as others on the road.