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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  SPORT CAR IN WAGON BODY - 2004 Ford Focus
  By CARSDUDE@AOL.COM - July 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING, IT IS THE WIFES CAR, HOWEVER IT IS A BLAST TO DRIVE. GOOD LOOKING WITHOUT TOO MUCH RACE CAR LOOK.

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  Better than dodge by a mile. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By bigtex - July 11 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive great performance 1/4 mile numbers for it have been so different but my personal experiance with my car and im a avid drag racer legally of course know that the three door which no one seems to test for god knows why is way better than a five door counterpart in performance issues anyway i havent even seen a five on the streets only three so write about it instead as far as the neon goes if i slapped a turbo on my focus which by the way has a smaller motor and is naturally aspirated and still keeps up with the dodge the focus would smoke the neon srt-4.

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  freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By sstmfadwn - July 11 - 2:00 am

  it is the best van you would ever drive

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  Strong and Solid SUV/Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By NEOLITHIC - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted one for ever i finaly bought one and it is great. I love them large and roomie. Chevy has nothing on the size or the handline and the well built quality in this truck. Chevy does not have the size at all. only one thing i would love to have a 5.8 ver a 5.4 351. Ford has came along way. Chevy needs to go back to the board when they built a good p-up the last good one was 1970 c-10 4x4 solid truck well built and powerful and they need to get away from the box and go cab foward. NEO

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  Get yours fast before they are gone! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DougsMach1 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Mustang and the 2004 Mach 1 is the best yet. My 67 289 coupe and 97 Cobra(trade-in) were fun but the Mach 1 with its "Shaker" hood scoop and other exterior features mixed with the performance and ride quality make this car a great buy and a pleasure to drive. For me, no regrets. So far I have driven the Mach 1 350+miles and it is getting smoother and stronger with every turn of the key. I have not experienced any problems with the Mach 1.

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  Mustangs rule - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Verno - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This Car Is BOSS !! I puit some pulleys and exhaust on mine and it hauls ass

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  V8 Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Patrick M. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I just traded in my 01 Suburban and they dont even compare. Better gas mileage than my old vehicle and its not a huge boat but still has plenty of room. Performs well off road and in snow. Great vehicle.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2009 Ford Escape
  By lisa - July 10 - 8:53 pm

  I went from driving a Ford 500 Sedan to my new Ford Escape. I absolutely loveeeee this vehicle. I purchased the 3.OL V6 engine, Audiophile Sound System, the 17" Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels, and Sunroof. It is very fun to drive, handles like a dream, sharp to look at! I will never go back to driving a car. Cant wait until winter to feel safe and secure in my area driving my new 4 Wheel Drive. Oh! and I love the color, Torch Red !! WOOOO HOOO! 48 years old and lovinn life.

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  A GREAT Deal!!!! - 2008 Ford F-150
  By depch - July 10 - 4:11 pm

  I bought this car June 30, 2008, the last day of the month. If you buy on the last day they really deal so as to build the monthly sales figures. Bought an 08 Lariat Supercrew with every option except DVD. Was a manufacturers vehicle w/4100 miles. Boy did they deal. Threw in everything except the kitchen sink and sold it below trade-in value. My ONLY complaint is the sluggishness when accelerating from a light and the gas mileage. My last truck was 12 years old (I keep them for a while) with a bigger engine and better gas mileage. Ill probably put straight pipes, performance muffler, and a cold air exchange on this one as I did with the last and watch the milaege improve. Great Truck!

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  2010 Mustang Convertible - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Joanne - July 10 - 3:20 pm

  I just got this 2010 vehicle on Monday, July 6, 2009. I have always wanted a yellow convertible since I was 5 years old. Im now 71 and I must say my Sunset Gold Mustang is all I hoped it would be. Its like driving a big computer, so much to learn about the car. However, it is very comfortable and easy to drive. It has a lot of pick-up for a V6 and I love the Sirrus Radio. I really dont know what else to say escept its the fun car to drive, especially with the top down whether you are 20 or a Senior Citizen.