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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  Ive owned 4 Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By 3-fords - December 10 - 12:44 pm

  All around this is a great car. You cant beat the trunk space without getting an SUV. Cloth seats could be more comfortable. I have leather seats in my Taurus sedan that are way better. Great car with seating for 8 if youre small enough. Strong engine with no problems anywhere on the car. Biggest complaint is that the color shows door scuffs.

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  My focus on my Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Focused - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The 05 version of the Focus is 100 times greater than its previous year models. All the kinks are worked out and Ford has added new perks to make this version fun to drive and inexpensive to own. Plus, if you factor in all of Ford rebates, this car is a steal!!!

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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Martin Wooldridge - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My first Ford that I have owned. Overall a great vehicle. Ford refuses to replaced the front brake pads with new ones that do not have escessive dust. The excessive brake dust has stained my running boards. This is the only problem I have with the vehicle.

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  Bang For The Buck - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bang4thebuck - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had several new Porschs, Bmws. Vintage Jags, Masarati, This mustang will be my teenage daughters first car in 3 years I love this lil car it is fun to drive, the rag top is a good rush and its for cheap for what you get the bang for the buck is good. Its smooth on the highway-I have the 6 cyl (so my daugher doesnt have over the top HP) it cruizes at 80+ smooth and easy. I read the editors negative comments on the interior finish -and really disagree --its fine.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mmslwrp - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome fun car

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  Loving My - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jules M - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This car looks good, feels good, and is a blast to drive. I get comments from strangers about what a sharp car I drive whenever were out cruising with the top down.

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  Ford did it right - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SilverSnake - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The 03/04 SVT Cobra Mustang is a docile car under normal driving, get on the gas and the car just flat out scoots. The handling is much improved over the previous Mustangs & Cobras. The interior is basically the same since 94 save for the seats, which are well bolstered (maybe even too much). When I purchased my first Mustang, a 1998 Mustang GT, the saleman told me once you own a Mustang, youll always have one. He was right and this is my 3rd Mustang since then and the Cobra is above and beyond the shoulders of the GT. My words give the car no justice, go test drive one and dont be scared to lay into the throttle a little bit.

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  Fun car to drive and look at - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dorrie - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved Mustangs since I was a kid. Loved the first Mach 1s and already own a 98 coupe. My husband recently bought me a 04 convertible and I love this car. The exterior design is classy and the interior is plush. I have to say the under carriage is a bit stiff and creaks on bumpy roads, but out on the open road it handles very well.

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  review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By missyins_cali - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Have been very happy with the car so far..

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  the Mach is back - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By usnfobry - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Mustang I have owned, and it is by far the funnest one I have owned or driven. Basically, the fastest Mach I to date, excellent gas mileage, and the shaker hood!!