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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  Our family loves it! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Cardinal - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Expedition, and we love it. We have three boys, and the older two play hockey. It has all the room we need for our frequent weekend hockey trips. It handles much more car-like than its exterior size would indicate.

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  One more happy old guy!! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Richard Johnson - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car instead of a Chrysler Crossfire. Fit and finish of the t-bird is just excellent. Did not buy for acceleration; etc. But this car is just great to drive whether on an Interstate or just on an around- the-town by-pass. Lots of quiet, smoothe get-up-and-go! Love it!

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  my babu - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By sylvia mora - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i love this car.it is my first sport car, and everyone that sees it, wants to know what it is, and where i got it. a great car.

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  Most fun car we ever owned - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jason - December 30 - 7:57 pm

  Our 2003 Prem TB Hard Top is the most fun to drive its realy like having 3 cars when you put soft top up then Down and The Port hole Hard top on. Crack the window and listen to that sound of the 60s coming our of the great SC sound system and the exhaust pipes.

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  A Great Truck! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Spencer - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Since owning my baby, Ive never had a problem. I love my truck and have taken it just about everywhere. For a small truck, it can pull quite a bit. The only drawback I have noticed is the fuel economy, but there is a price to pay with everything! After driving a Toyota with no power at all, I knew that this was the truck for me!

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  Very reliable & comfortable 4X4 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jia1 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first American car, it is supurisingly reliable, exceeded my expectations. During three years of ownership, I had only two repairs, Heater control valve and idle air control valve went bad, both were easy fixes. The rest of running cost were just gas, maintenance and insurance. I am very happy with it will continue to buy American.

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  Focus ZX3 S2 edition - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Turkish - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought a ZXS S2 edition in September 2001 and it has been great. I set out to purchase a German car but ended up at Ford dealership for a little comparison. I quickly made up my mind that the S2 was going to be the car for me and I have not looked back. Its fun, sexy, and economical. I am six foot 5 and this car fits me great. Seats are awesome and great head room too.

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  1998 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4WD - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By R - December 29 - 5:25 pm

  We purchased the vehicle new in April 1998. We now have roughly 108,000 miles on the vehicle and it drives the same as the day we bought it. The vehicle has required minimal maintenance, and is probably the finest and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I have rarely put on more than 60,000 miles on a vehicle, but anticipate driving this vehicle to at least 175,000 or 200,000 miles. It is tight and looks great! Although the original MSRP was roughly $43,000 and the mileage is not so good, this vehicle has lasted so long, and at such minimal expense that it will be the most economical vehicle I have ever owned.A great truck!

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  Performance with Style - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Joe Cool - December 29 - 2:23 am

  I have driven the Lexus SC430 and the Ford Thunderbird I have purchased has surpassed it in both ride and performance. I shopped around and drove many convertibles but once I got into the Thunderbird it was easy to determine which vehicle I would be buying. Since I have purchased it I have been more pleased in all aspects that you would consider. It is one vehicle that once I brought it home, I havent been sorry for spending a little more than planned with what I have received.

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  Performance with Style - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Joe Cool - December 29 - 2:23 am

  I have driven the Lexus SC430 and the Ford Thunderbird I have purchased has surpassed it in both ride and performance. I shopped around and drove many convertibles but once I got into the Thunderbird it was easy to determine which vehicle I would be buying. Since I have purchased it I have been more pleased in all aspects that you would consider. It is one vehicle that once I brought it home, I havent been sorry for spending a little more than planned with what I have received.