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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  My Beautiful T-Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kimberley - March 22 - 7:34 pm

  Hello! I purchased my dream car last June. It is beautiful! My T-Bird is Torch Red with the black soft top and a matching Torch Red hard top. The interior is black with leather seats accented with the red. This car is awesome to drive and gets tons of attention no matter where I drive it. Best of all it offers the performance of a sports car and tons of fun. This is the best driving experience of my life. I love to drive it, day or night. And for the brisk spring and fall nights, those heated seats deliver the warmth to keep driving topless. I LOVE my Thunderbird! I highly recommend it!

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  Please, dont stop making the Excursion! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Billy Speer - March 22 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Ford Excusion for our ministry pulling a trailer and averaged 40,000 miles a year, This is the best heavy duty and enjoyable vehicle we have owned, I couldnt wait to trade up to the 2005 Excursion. Its one of the most dependable, hardworking, vehicles weve ever used. Please, dont stop making the Ford Excursion! Im a big person and it fits me just right. It has all the options a person could want, and the speaker system is fabulous. If you want to haul anything, this is the SUV you want, and we are getting better miles a gallon than before with more power! Wow! dont know what I do with it, thanks Ford!

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  Freestar SES - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By George E. - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Not a van person but I love the Freestar. I compared it to Honda and Toyota minivans and more bang for the buck. Test drove a SES with 16 inch wheels on the highway with wind gusts to 70 mph and very stable. Ordered the SES with 17 inch wheels and stability is even better. Love the room, safety features, acceleration, looks and the quiet ride.

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  wouldnt trade it for anything! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mustangchic - March 22 - 10:00 am

  this is an absolutely wonderful car! i have had hardly no trouble out of it at all. i used to drive an suv and there is no way that i would go back. i am a 6 foot, 18 year old girl, and it is very comfortable. i love it

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  Upgraded from 4Runner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By toyotatoford - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 4Runner SR5 for this car. What an Upgrade in comfort, styling and power.

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  Weve now had TWO Sporttracs - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By teachers husband - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We leased the first one off the truck at a dealership. Loved it. After two years, we bought one "loaded" and have not had a single complaint. Wife loves the higher view, comfort, and reliability of the unit, expecially the factory road assistance (if she ever needed it!!) We even bought the extended 7 yr. 75,000 warranty, but have not needed any assistance. Weve added custom wind screens - custom painted to match Sporttrac silver.

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  The Best Thing Since 66 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Stephanos - March 22 - 6:20 am

  This is a car that real mustangers have been waiting for, for 40 years!! I would advise Ford to continue running down the road of Retro, They havent had anything in a car woth driving since the late 60s early 70s. I did say car. I do Drive an F-150, There still is no better truck on the Road today!! Back to the Real Mustang! The 03 and 04 were giving some Glimore of hope but still did not go far enough! But Now!!! The Generation that Dreamed of having one of these cars back in the day can have a real Mustang!!! With the change of Platform and design it seems that someone at Ford that actually has some car passion got involved and made our dream come true!!

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  Thunderbird Ride - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By David F. Candelaria - March 20 - 9:36 pm

  My wife and I, who are in our early 50s were looking for a convertible for Sunday and getaway drives to the coast. We test drove several cars, all convertibles, a Crossfire SRT (330 h.p.), a Nissan 350 & a Vette. The Crossfire was simply too small. The Vette actually body swayed at high speeds. The Nissan was nice but too many on the road. The T-Bird was perfect! We got the premium package and its a great ride with good road feel and more than enough power with 280 horses. Its a very comfortable ride and the Select Shift is good on curved roads. The stereo is great with three settings for top down, up and driver alone in car. Further, theres not too many on the road.

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  2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL - 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Cyrus E Phillips IV - March 20 - 9:24 am

  If you prepared for a rolling computer, this vehicle is for you.

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  Luxury Car All The Way! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ellen - March 20 - 5:30 am

  My family and I love or 2007 Ford Five Hundred Chrome Limited Edition. The interior is very spacious as well is the truck space. The only problem is my husband is 63" and he said that there is not enough space for his left leg to stretch out when he drives. Other than that, the car has all the bells and whistles and comfort.