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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  good little suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By dee ann - December 1 - 10:00 am

  i just had a very seris accident with my escape- got push into a ditch vechicle did NOT roll (angle of ditch i schould) what did the Most damage to escape was i hit a no passing sign took out front bumper and bounced off the roof( had 2 week wait for new roof-line was down) i buy another one in mintue

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Jenni - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Herc95 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  You must drive one to experience it. The car has outstanding potential for increasing performance, but even stock its a rush. I currently have just under 3000 miles on it and it is still breaking in.

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  best damn car ever - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By jama31398 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Had everything out there. Mustang leads the pack!

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  good bang for the buck - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By miket - December 1 - 10:00 am

  bought my cobra used with 4600 miles. had the drivers side head replaced under warranty at 5700 due to valve guide wear. ford has a TSB for this issue. you can tell if a cobra has the problem by listening for a tick that is present during idle. it is NOT injector noise but a moderately loud ticking. anyway its fixed and i like the car for what it is, but dont listen to these other reviews saying it will dust a z06 because it wont, not stock anyway. these cars are also very heavy and hard to launch out of the hole.

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  Its Everything - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Matt O - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a truck. No its a car. Its everthing. What a vehicle. Last weekend with the help of a small trailer I took 3 buddys dirt bike riding WITH thier bikes. Imagin a full size quad in the bed and two motor Biikes in the trailer all are geer, tools and fuel and plenty of room inside. Before we left we couldnt resist clicking into 4WD for a qick tour of the old mines. Imagin ones "NO Boudries" pride in pulling a JEEP out of a mud pit on the way back. As fun off road as it is functional on, the Sport Track is the greatest vehicle as Ive ever owned.

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  I love my truck. Yes I do! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Lightningstrike03 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck! Soooo incredibly fast and powerful. I must have the 500+ hp 2004 coming out. I loved Ford when I had my Taurus SHO and they continue to not fail me with the Lightning. KUDOS!

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  Excellent Little Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sgrabin - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Kona edition pretty much when the Focus first came out in 2000. Weve been very pleased with the performance and reliability of the Focus. Yes, there have been a lot of recalls, but they were minor items that were done quickly at no cost. The car is very quick and nimble and very fun to drive. Weve averaged about 22 miles per gallon, which is a bit disappointing for 125 horsepower, but its not too bad. The Focus is an excellent value for the money.

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  Get Focused Before You Buy - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mg - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My 1st new car was a complete lemon. The dealership didnt help matters involving multiple engine problems even going as far as saying I just did not drive it enough.

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  love it!awsome visability ford is tha 1 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By simmon stables - December 1 - 10:00 am

  coolest suv around!has a good passing gear,,, loads of power! gets past the 4 cylider baby buggies!