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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  best car ever - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By mother of two - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car cause of the saftey it offers me for my family. It is very roomy and comfortable to drive. It is great on gas.

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  Happy - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By R2kiwi - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Good, solid, american car. For a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord with comparable features it is several thousand dollars cheaper which is nice. I cant think of anything I dont like. Nothing has gone wrong with it. The fit and finish is good, I was treated well at the Ford dealership.

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  Herd of ponies - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By machone04 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have the azure blue, color is amazing. 2 days after taking delivery of vehicle I relaced exhaust system and now it sounds great. Car feels like it has an unlimited top end, and when you need to get a short distannce quick, it does that too. For the most part the handling is acceptable. The traction control helps a little, keep the rubber from melting.

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  Best ever - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By seller - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great van for the do everything family. Sound systen is awesome, as well as the overall comfort of the van. Ford really did their homework on this model.Great engine with the 4.2 litre, it actually drives like a car! The power side doors with synchronized turn signals on the mirror are great for dropping the kids off for school or anywhere.

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  Dadmobile - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dadmobile - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Focus, First was 4dr se, love the performance handling and have not had any problmes at 49000 miles. I love the space and design, have the telescoping wheel with speed control,

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  A Clean Green Sports Machine - 2004 Ford Focus
  By clintondee - August 12 - 2:00 am

  WoW! The New Partial Zero Emmission 2.3 liter engine from Ford is a real treat. Not only is the engine much more powerful than the z-tec it emits close to no harmful emissions. Emission related components are covered up to 15 years or 150,000 miles! The zx5 interior is exceptionally roomy and its dash is stylish and well laid out. The cd/mp3 player is great. The hatchback design coupled with the four doors makes the Zx5 a real family car. Access to all seats is good and theres actually alot of room behind the rear seats for groceries. Fold down the rear seats and you have a ton of useable space. In all the zx5 is great@!

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  best car i had - 2004 Ford Focus
  By edwart26 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  a lot of fun to drive, really really fast, is a great ride

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  My First Ford - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mom Morton - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I received this car for little money and it needed some preventive maintaince done to it which was long over due and neglected by previous owner. I am still having trouble with the transmission but will fix it once and for all real soon with the help and advice of a good qualified mechanic.

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  Windstart GL - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By lhm - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Can pack 4 adults and 2 kids, with tons of "stuff" and travel fairly comfortably, good cargo space. Has been very reliabale, given the punishment we put it through.

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  Needs work - 2004 Ford F-150
  By applanice1 man2 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  brakes noisey,dealer wont fix, dash noisey,dealer tired to fix,ulgy rims, blackwall tires,gas hog