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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  WOW, what a great car. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By code_warrior - June 16 - 11:37 pm

  I had no intention of buying a car but took a test drive anyway to kill time while waiting on service. This car is incredible for the price. I love to drive it and without making extreme driving changes am getting 49 MPG. Almost all my driving is considered City. The only optional features on the car are the Ruby paint and floor mats. Everyone who rides in it comments on how quiet it is. If the radio is on, you cannot tell when the gas engine starts and stops unless you look at the gauges. Love this car.

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  Comp Orange SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JLiegl - June 16 - 9:59 am

  I shopped around for a small commuter that was fun to drive. It came down to the Mini, SVT focus and a Miata. All three were fun to drive but bang for the buck the SVT topped them both. I bought it at 40k on the clock and have taken two long trips and daily to and from work. There have been no issues aside from some worn bushing on the front torsion bar that made a bit of a thump coming back into the driveway. The dealership took care of it right away with apologies that it wasnt fixed before the car left the lot. Its been a good car so far and the dealership as usual is above and beyond. Chevy built a good vehicle but their dealerships drove me away, and I am not looking back.

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  My Stang.... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JanPav - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am 47 years old and am probably going thru a midlife crisis. I bought the Mustang yesterday. Crisis over!!! Plus my 17 year old thinks I am totally the greatest!. LOVE the car!!!! Maroon with gray interior. How great is that!

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  Snake Bit - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By OH YEA - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car really has me pumped up. when you get in and turn the key you feel the testosterone flowing in larg amounts. so go out and get your own.

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  Oh Yeah - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By danman26 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Anoter great addition to the mustang family.

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  My Old Ford... - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Suprchargrme - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck!,from its sports car handling to its Supercharger g-force acceleration,to its special exterior looks that says Im not your regular F-150 you wanna race ? It is a lot of fun,Im glad a went ahead and bought it after looking at them for three years,Plus it seems I get that extra special greeting when I arrive at the dealership for an oil change...

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  T-bird soars - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By wilthefinn - June 15 - 10:00 am

  From the minute I saw it at the SF auto show I knew I wanted one. I put 3K down and waited 8 months and when it was delivered to the dealer the sales mgr called me. He said the whole place was abuzz and I should come see why. As I drove up it was parked on Market Street and there was a crowd. Since that day this turquoise beauty has turned heads. People have come up and asked a zillion questions, some ask me for my card and laugh when they realize I dont sell cars. This thing sells itself. With or without the black hard top its a delight to the senses.

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  Escape Limited - style and substance - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mr. Burns - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Escape Limited provides a great combination of performance provided by an over 200 HP V6, reasonable fuel ecomony and impressive interior style and comfort. The Mach audio improves the interior ambiance through excellent sound. Put on your favoritie CD from the 6 disc in dash system and enjoy. If you drive a lot of miles like I do, in weather that can turn nasty (Michigan winters), the Escape is a great choice.

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  The Great Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By DRetman - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my escape. It handles well in all weather situations. It is fun to drive and has been extremely reiable. I am a short person and I sit very comfortable in the vehical, I feel I can see the traffic very well when I am on the highway. I love the 6 disc CD player, I feel no matter where I am going I have escaped for a short period of time while I am driving......

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  The Best - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dad of 3 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. Plenty of power and great ride with rear IRS. The DVD player is great for the kids and is easily out of the way when not in use. Steering wheel controls for the audio and A/C are convenient and safer than hunting around the dash. Owned a Tahoe before this and will never go back. The keypad on the drivers door makes it easy to lock it and leave it running to warm up on cold mornings.