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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  Escape Now In Panama - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ric - September 27 - 4:00 am

  The Escape Rocks! I purchased it new the first year it came out. My reason purchasing the Escape was for the ease of placing my windsurfing boards and equipment on top. I have taken this SUV on many of windsurfing trips with a lot of gear inside and on the top. I have had only slight issues with the Escape. Clutch master went out on a road trip to New Orleans. Went to the auto parts store and fixed it myself. Steel trending came off of the rear tire and broke of some of the trim. Problem was the tire not the Escape. I have now retired to Panama and have taken my Escape with me. We have great roads down here but the gas is a little high down here, the highway mileage is great

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  Back to Ford - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jim Warren - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Drove 6500 miles in two and a half weeks flawlessly. 29 mpg. interstate driving, was a pleasent surprise. Very precise handling. Much improved over my previous rwd. car

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  NOT WORTH THE PRICE - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By BANDIT - September 27 - 2:00 am

  CAR IS NOISY- SEATS ARE NOT VERY COMFORTABLE -VERY FEW APPOINTMENTS FOR A CAR OF THIS PRICE. COULD HAVE BOUGHT A CADILAC SEDAN DEVILLE WITH LESS THAN 10000 MILES AND ABOUT 3 MONTHS OLD FOR THE SAME PRICE WITH A BETTER WARRANTY

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  Smart Shoppers New Toy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ray Reep - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle! What more can I say. It goes great in the snow and has done everything I have asked it to flawlessly. I can only find two flaws. Excessive road noise and the doors do not have an "outer" weather seal.The door jams and sills are allways a mess and need hand cleaned.

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  TooMach - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By TooMach - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fast. The car has good feel and comfort for a machine of this caliber.

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  Not as good as a Chrysler - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Tsunami - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for a little over six months and it has spent six days in the shop. The uphill pull is gutlessn and there is not a lot of torque going up steep grades. The fuel economy hasnt been even close to to the posted estimates at the dealer and the overall ride isnt as smooth as a Chrysler.

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  THE BEST - 2004 Ford Focus
  By FRANK - September 27 - 2:00 am

  ALL GREAT THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED

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  04 Focus ZTW - 2004 Ford Focus
  By libsdad - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this wagon Jan. 04. Have 2 main concerns for this vehicle. Fuel economy has been on low side, have filled up 2 times since delivery and have only averaged 24 mpg with a majority of driving done on highway around 60-65 mph. Will wait and see on this as vehicle "breaks in". The luggage rack only comes with two longitudal bars on either side of vehicle, cross bars must be purchased from Ford to complete assembly. Kind of like buying laceup shoes with laces extra. Otherwise OK.

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  Drive like Schumacher for under 20K - 2004 Ford Focus
  By DigitalGT - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The SVT Focus is hands down the most fun I have ever had behind the wheel of a street car. Ive been the owner of a 300ZX TT and a Supra TT and for a time I drove a Renault Clio V6 Sport on a daily basis. While all of them are faster, none of them have been more fun. While the car does has some weak areas, it certainly makes up for them with its suspension, gearing, and overall connection with the road.

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  i like it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By trickyt - September 27 - 2:00 am

  well i didnt have a very good start;whitin a week of having the truck i had problems.the truck had a defectie part in it which cause the truck to make a very loud noise. but over all its o.k. it needs more features like on star and like the navigator