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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  FoCuZ PoWeR - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Alyssa - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY FOCUS... Not much else to say.

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  Best Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Flaya - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I got a Focus for Easter because my parents were tired of sharing their vehicles with me. This is the best car Ive driven for the past 3 years. Its fun to drive, easy to get around in, and doesnt take much to fill the car up. The most Ive spent on fuel since I purchased the car was about 13 dollars, and it lasts me a week and a half or so. I live with my parents and brother, and we chose this over our van to go on weekend trips. Its the perfect car for a teenager, because it apears like a young and interjetic car. That is exactly what it is, as well.

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  Drives like a spoets car,30+mpg - 2004 Ford Focus
  By gordyd3 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Best small car Ive ever owned, fun to drive, very comfortable, lots of leg and head room. Im going to buy another one next year, an SVT!

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  Focus is cool! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By rednayne - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Its an awesome little car I dont see where people have a problem with it. You get everything you need and more for the price. Its very fun to drive, my focus zx3 makes me feel cool when I drive it, and by the looks I get from people, i think they find the focus to be cool. Ive gotten many compliments about my car.

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  Excellent experience with the Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By unidav - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Have had a wonderful experience with the Ford Focus hatchback that I bought about 14 months ago. No problems at all. Fun to drive, comfortable and good fuel economy.

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  Awsome Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Dj - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The Car is Awsome

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  My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By francie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I had loved the look of the car from day one, and when I was finally able to buy one new I could hardly believe it! I wasnt even going to test drive it first, thats how much I loved it already! And now its everything I had dreamed it would be. Im 44 and i feel like a Teenager again behind the wheel. Its practical yet sporty. Thats good enough for me! I actually look forward to my drive to work everyday!!

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  Proud Owner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 03 XLT - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 98 Rodeo for this truck, and I am glad I did. The exporer has more than enough room. Although I will rarely use it, I love having the third row seating. I wish that I would have gotten the V8. The V6 is fine, but I would like the V8. The Rodeo had 4wheel drive. My expo doesnt, hope That I am not going to need it. But this is my wifes truck and she loves it.

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  Nice but noisy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ART42 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Had water leak in windshied at 20000. Windshield was reset and water leak cured, but, wind noise above 35 MPH is now intolerable. Resetting windshield no help. Ford factory claims this is a design problem. Cannot be fixed. Am very unhappy Ford owner at this.

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  A great car! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By xpoyzenivx - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer! I will keep buying them as long as they keep making them. A very reasonable buy for what you get; lots of great low-priced extras such as power seats, etc. Very comfortable! Doesnt handle as well as it could though.