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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  Loved This Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By JC - December 14 - 5:52 pm

  I loved this car. Bought it new and just after the warranty expired the air conditioner broke. Was about $300 to fix. One other thing went wrong about 6 months later that cost about the same. Other than that this is a great car. I swore I would never buy an Escort but this car was great. We totaled it last week when we hit a deer. Id buy another but they dont make them anymore.

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  Probe - 1993 Ford Probe
  By richard - December 14 - 2:12 pm

  The Probe is a awesome car to drive - very fun but very reliable. I have had hardly any problems with it nothing big for a 93. Comfortable seating. Big space in the hatch. All in all two thumbs up.

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  I love my GT - 1995 Ford Escort
  By A.J. - December 14 - 11:35 am

  My Escort GT has been an excellent car for nearly ten years. It is fun to drive plus I can throw just about anything in the back. I feel its as functional as an SUV but much more fun to drive.

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  Best Bird I Have Owned - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gobird - December 14 - 9:07 am

  This is my 6th T-Bird and my best so far. Ive owned an 84, 87, 89, 90, 95, and 2002. This Bird is a dream to drive and to look at. I think others feel the same way. We get looks from other drivers every time we are on the road. For me, this car is going to be a keeper forever. It is a comfort to drive on long trips and not bad on gas either. The handling is good its not a sports car but a very nice driver. It looks its best with the hard top on but its the most fun to drive with the soft top down on a warm summers day. There are better performing cars on the road but none have the classy look of this Thunderbird. I always wanted a 57 but this one fits the bill for me. Its just One Great Car

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  PCR - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mike - December 14 - 8:31 am

  Purchased The Pacific Coast Roadster limited Edition in May of 2004. Just driving down the road brings comments of nice car or looks great. But thats not the only reason to drive it, its really a great comfortable ride, with plenty of power when needed. After travelling 300 miles on a trip (non- stop), I didnt feel all cramped or butt-weary on arrival. I love this car.

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  Comfy & Quiet - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By L. Farmer - December 14 - 7:17 am

  Love the car, best decision ever. The Titanium is the best car Ive owned. 10 positions for the drivers seat, it even raises up. So quiet my husband and I kept forgetting to turn it off. You wont they the purchase. This car was three years old with only 5,600 miles on it. Great buy!

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  My 2004 Merlot - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ol Dave - December 13 - 10:07 pm

  I traded my 2002 T-Bird, for this more powerfull 2004 Bird. My Merlot w/Sand appearance package, is a head turner everywhere we go. At the annual All Fords National Show held in PA, with 3000 Fords on display, she brought home a First Place Trophy. And she has been invited back for a special display in 2005. She has been personalized and is very very pampered. Kudos to FORD, for bringing back the Icon in American Automotives.

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  My T-Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Joe166 - December 13 - 8:16 pm

  I have had this green TBird for about a year now and have enjoyed it a great deal. There is nothing like riding home in the evening with the top down. Makes my whole day. I do it often.

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  Dont overlook the Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Sandy Pearl - December 13 - 4:03 pm

  After having an Escort wagon for 11 years, and 100,000 miles (the clutch is still original) I decided to look for a second car. Test drove the Honda but bought the Focus SES Sedan. Right price, good ownership and reliability experience with Ford, and union made. Honda is the Starbucks of the car world. Big money for average coffee.

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  FOCUSNME - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Eileen - December 13 - 11:22 am

  Great Car!! Only downfall is the color- YELLOW! But other than that this car is fun to drive and equipped with the 2.3l engine it has a great pick up. Seats are confortable and with the premium package the entire experience is excellent. I had a 01 Nissan Sentra before purchasing this Focus and it was definetly an upgrade. I would never trade this in for anything in its class!