FORD

Ford Motor began a manufacturing revolution with its mass production assembly lines in the early 1900s. Now the company is firmly entrenched in the status quo as one of the world's largest makers of cars and trucks. It makes vehicles with such brands as Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. Among its biggest successes are the redesigned Ford Mustang and F-Series pickup. Ford owns a controlling (33%) stake in Mazda and also controls the Land Rover, Jaguar, and Volvo nameplates through Premier Automotive Group. The finance subsidiary, Ford Motor Credit, is the US's #1 auto finance company. Ford has sold Hertz, the world's #1 car-rental firm. The Ford family owns about 40% of the company's voting stock.

CHEVROLET

Jerry Biggers Chevrolet (dba Biggers Chevy Heaven) certainly doesn't want to get smaller. The company sells Chevy Camaros, Corvettes, Impalas, and Monte Carlos along with Isuzu Rodeos, Ascenders, and Amigos at a dealership in Elgin, Illinois. It also offers a variety of used car models. In addition to cars, Biggers Chevrolet sells aftermarket accessories like DVD players and truck bed liners and offers parts, service, and fleet sales. Its Web site allows customers to apply for financing, search new and used inventory, and schedule service. Help is available in English, Spanish, and Polish. The big dog at Biggers is owner Jim Leichter.