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 svt fiona - 2004 Ford Focus
  By logon - July 21 - 2:00 am

  very torquey when I first got it I had to get used to a little torque steer when you lay on the gas. I think that I would stiffen the suspention. it feels a bit flotty.

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  LoooOOOooove My Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By mmgoodboi81 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my focus in the January Of 2003, and its been the best car that I have ever purchased. Its fun to drive, comfortable and totally cute. I bought the ZX5 because I haul my brothers and sisters around all the time, but I also was going through the "I want a Hatchback phase". I am totally pleased with my Focus, and would totally buy another one.

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  Fun for the Money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sulyman - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car. My only complaint is the low end torque. It is a little sluggish at low RPMs. Other that that, way to go SVT.

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  I love my Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By SSugar - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my FreeStar ..If i had to say anything at all it would have to be that the SEATS arent as comfortable as they should be ..I m not a lg lady so it fits me good but when guys get into the van they say the seats are made small..

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  2004 ford escape xlt - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cobrausa1v8 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  real nice suv. The only thing is not really over appealing is the tan color interior of the seats and the real light color tan floor mats. First stop I made was to an auto store to but the rubber ones whaich collect water and mud, otherwise within a copel fo weeks they woudl be trashed in the NE winters but all other interior is excellent from what I can tell so far.

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  ? What does that mean? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Joyce Strothman - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought the RAV4 since I use to be a Toyota fan. I absolutely LOVE this vehicle. My son loved it so much, he went and bought one 3 days later. Were now a big FORD family!!!

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  My little yellow school bus - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Maynardd - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great Handling, Excelent milage, Fun to Drive, Economical

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  Tarusse - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Gal.220 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car. Have driven Ford autos forover 40 years.From the same dealership. I can reccomend a Tarus to anyone who wants room for several,convienence(elec. seats,windows all controls visable at night etc)Very good car but my 1995 was a little better on fuel.Excellent dealership.

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  Could Be Better Customer Service - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By SulleySundance - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I had a Chevy Suburban for 10 years and loved it. Purchased a nearly new 2000 Ford Expedition, and missed the cargo room and the third passenger seating right away! We test drove and searched for the right vehicle for 5 months!! I was going back to the Chevy Suburban or Tahoe and realized the brakes have not been impvoved, as the Ford Brakes stop on a dime! No spongy feel! I also liked the idea of having my cargo room when needed, and my third passenger seating for my family who are 62" and need the leg and head room to ride comfortably! Excellent selling point for Ford as Chevy has yet to address those issues.

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  Explrorer Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By FordExpSprt2003 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i also have a ford expedition...but this little explorer can get me where i need to go in the city and do the job right....very handy...and fun to drive on weekends.