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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  New Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jake - May 24 - 2:47 pm

  We were looking for a car with more space and comfort than my wifes Toyota Corolla. Which we traded on the Flex. We own a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD. We love it but, the Flex has way more space and comfort. We took a 325 mile trip with it straight from the dealership. 24 MPG as long as you keep it at 2000 RPMs or less. The sound system is super. The driver seat in the SEL is more comfortable than my recliner! We went to our sons house and the five of us went out to eat. They were equally impressed with the comfort and space in the Flex. The cabin is well laid out. Dual climate controls are nice. It is as advertised by Ford. If you are looking for space, comfort and fair MPG buy one!

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  Friends dont let friends.... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By kevjalittell - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Buy Focuss. this car has been nothing but trouble. Emissions sensors pop and the dealerships want me to rent a car for 3 days so they can fix it under warranty. UGGHHHH...If the value of the vehicle wasnt dropping so fast Id sell or trade but I financed it for 4 years with 15% down and Im STILL upside down on it. 26MPG is average with the AT. The interior is starting to fall out of it....It eats tires and wont keep alignment on either axle. Brakes on front end cost $375.00 in PARTS ALONE because they dont have squealers...Pad wear out and overheat the calipers...

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  the gtr (mustang)make it sellable - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By vcvvc - May 24 - 10:00 am

  i think that the concept car mustang gtr should really be a car to sell not aa concept. I would buy it and so would probably millions of other people.(forget the style i picked because they dont have mustang gtr.)

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  Focus on Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cinticindy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  My Focus handles great! The size is just right. The drive is always smooth! In fact, the ride was so smooth I had to have my brother test drive it, because I was used to cars that you felt every bump. I have received many compliments from family and friends about how nice my Focus looks and rides!

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  2004 Focus SVT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By NJMike - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car lives up to all the positive reviews its earned from all major publications. Its a total hoot to drive - and you get a $2500 rebate to boot! This car flies, handles like a dream and is functional too - guaranteed to put a grin on your face. The only bad news - you may not be able to find any 2004s left - maybe a 2 door here or there.... and Ford isnt making a 2005 SVT Focus (go figure). If you can find one, dont hesitate - buy it. My car has the audiophile system and sunroof, all for under $18K after the rebate. And you get to blow the doors off almost all the Civic, Eclipse, Impreza and Jetta drivers out there.

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  my little ford escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By james donophan - May 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife & i took a vacation to tennessee from delaware. we saw this vehicle on the road & we both fell in love with it. when we got back home we went & purchased ours. wouldnt give it up for anything else. if another vehicle was given to us we would sell it.the other vehicle that is. we also have two mustangs.

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  i love this truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By natetown40 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  the best f 150 yet

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  Amazing - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dvenoregon - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Some reviews state the cabin is too noisy. Totally untrue. The cabin is quieter than most sedans on the market and is very roomy, especially leg- room. The new body style brings back the masculinity of a pickup. The new frame (nine times stronger than the previous model) and suspension allow for excellent cornering, stability, and braking. My dad has a 2000 F150, and you can really feel the difference between the two. The new one is much smoother. The only negatives are the added weight for the new model take away some of the oomph off the line. Gas mileage is poor (13-14) although I didnt expect much.

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  Its ok, BUT NOT FOR TEXAS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By HoustonPerson - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall I like my truck ok. The MSRP was $41,000 It cost about $2,000 more than most of the others and about 4 to 5,000 more than a comparable Dodge or Chevy. It is way over priced!

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  Love It - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dazzcoach - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the sporty look of my Sport Trac. I drove a Jeep prior to this purchase and I will never go back.