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 first Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Joe R - March 23 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV and am very happy with the Escape. The automatic 4WD is easy for my wife to use on those snowy Northeast days. Power is more than adequate, interior and exterior design is excellent as well as build quality. Very fun to drive and is a good vehicle for those not wanting or cant afford the bigger trucks. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  needs help - 2000 Ford Focus
  By lips - March 23 - 2:00 am

  needs alot of help. not very reliable. in the shop more than the road.

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  STINK BOMB - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ELAWTON3 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  AFTER DRIVING MY CAR FOR SIX MONTHS I AM VERY DISPLEASED. UNDER ACCELERATION THERE IS A BAD SULFUR SMELL THAT NEITHER THE DEALER OR FORD CAN EXPLAIN. BECAUSE THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES SAY THE CAR IS PERFORMING PROPER THEY WONT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEMS.

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  nice - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Priddy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Of all the cars that I have owned, this is the best car that is out there. Me and my wife drove to Florida in this car right after I purchased it, it was very nice.

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  love my little hatchback - 2003 Ford Focus
  By grammie - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my little Focus. I am a Grammie and it is the best car for the bucks. I feel very secure and comfy in it and it handles well. Perfect for traveling back and forth to work and milage is excellent.

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  the ride of your life - 2004 Ford Focus
  By YourHonesty - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car its fun and FAST! Great for teens of all ages! Im 21 and man it is aa awsome car!!!!!!

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  i love my focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By godsblondeangel - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ford focus is the best car that i have had, i am in love with my focus ..

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Anicia - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Cant beat the Focus for the money. An affordable fun to drive sedan we can live with. Great perfomance and handling. Comfortable seating for 4.

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  good - 2004 Ford Focus
  By a person 129872459 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  the ford focus is a high quailty. it has great performance compared to other cars

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  focus to the focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dreama - March 23 - 2:00 am

  i would just like to say that i have had my focus for a year and there isnt one thing that i dislike about it. its the most practical car and the steering makes you feel like your driving a race car. it could be a nice family car, or it could be a sleek sporty car. whatever your needs are the focus is the best choice!