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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  good - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By llol - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It is good the own this truck. The is the best truck to own,yes.

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  I Love My Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By D.Lewis - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for about 7 months now and I love it! We had an Aerostar mini-van and a 150 pick-up prior. My husband and I decided to buy new vehicles again and living in Colorado, 4X4s are the way to go. He upgraded his truck to a 250 4X4 V10 but I wanted something with better fuel economy than that, so after many reviews and discussions, the Escape won. Its excellent for work, errands and going into the mountains. It has all the space I need for shopping too! I would definately recommend the Escape to anyone. The Escape is another Ford product that tops the list on smaller suvs and keeps the Ford name at its best and something to be proud of!

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  its a winner - 2004 Ford Escape
  By joe cap - June 11 - 10:00 am

  the only thing i would change is give it a little softer ride.rides a little truck like not bad so far i love it

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  My Crown Vic - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Paul C. Pistone - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my Crown Victoria after having a Buick Le Sabre. I wanted the additional room and safety that the Crown Victoria offers. A great feeling having that much space around you, makes driving a pleasure. Great for long or short trips, excellent manueverability and handling for its size. Offers a very controlled yet smooth, almost luxury ride.

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  Crown Victoria excellence - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By F.Eckart - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The crown vic is the best car on the road for the money. this is our second car and very likely we will acquire a third crown vic when the time for change arrives. Keep updating technology on the car. Make in better dont get rid of the model.

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  If it is not broke dont fix it - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 4 X Crown Vic Owner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Room, comfort, large trunk, a real car, a poor mans Lincoln.

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  sweet - 2004 Ford Focus
  By naterd - June 11 - 10:00 am

  congatulations to ford!bought ford focus 2-20-04. was somewhat apprehensive due to past reports.this car is great,fun to drive and well built this car rides better than my merceadies,was pleased to find out that consumer reports rated it #1 small car.

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  eat hondas for breakfast - 2004 Ford Focus
  By billmash - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is great!Anyone who is looking for a nimble hatch with lots of features has probably already been eyeballing this car.Dont let the ford badge deter you.Although this car is not as technologically advanced as the honda SI, let the SVT badge do all the talkin.All the reviews I have read have done this car justice, quick, well built, and great styling make this car very fun to drive.More room than the SI too.Lets not forget about aftermarket goodies!Cold air intakes, pulleys, superchargers, and body kits, I am sure will find thier way on to my car!!

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  I love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By JediPrincess - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Its cute, its reliable and it looks good when youre driving it. This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned.

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  Nice Pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By david - June 11 - 9:28 am

  Options on our car include the Pony package, leather seats and upgraded stereo. Having owned a 65 Mustang Fastback for many years I really wasnt expecting to be impressed by the new Mustangs. Boy was I wrong. With each session behind the wheel of the new Pony, the poor handling, braking and lack of air conditioning of my classic Pony becomes even more evident. The new Pony really is more fun to drive. Even though I bought the car for my daughter, I do get to drive it when it needs gas. Which isnt that often since the peppy V6 gets 18-20mpg in town & 26-30 mpg on the road. So many styling cues taken from the early Mustangs I feel right at home in this car.