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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  the best truck on the road. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jerome fokas - March 29 - 10:00 am

  its my 3thrid f-150 and i love this one the best hands down the compareson. its huge inside with a wild side like no other.very quit, powerful, sweet motor, and alot of fun to drive.

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  I love it - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Tommy Lee Jones - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Its better to get an extended cab. Compared to the other cars this one also looks the best from the outside. Its good for taking heavy items.

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  Excellent value for thhe bucks - 2004 Ford F-150
  By thegrapedriver - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just picked this new truck up on Friday and put on about 150 miles and liked everything about it. The best part is that by trading in my 2002 F150 for this 2004 one I have smaller payments and no interest.

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  WOW - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BLariat - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I never want to stop driving this truck. Everything about it is perfect. Sure, it may not be the fastest truck, but it has plenty of power to get going. Plus, the interior is better than most luxury cars. My only regret is when I have to wash it because it is pretty big!

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  Recommended - 2003 Ford Focus
  By TheReverend - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed our ZX5 Focus a lot. The power is adequate, though not great, and it handles like a champ on all types of roads. I love the way the interior is laid out, ergonomics are good, seats are comfy. Our minor problems were that we had to have it re- aligned after only 17K and the paint chipped off the shifter knob at about 15K. The alignment could have been my fault, I do drive it pretty hard. The exterior looks get a little old after awhile, but aftermarket parts are everywhere.

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  My Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By laurie - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Focus used. It has been an absolute pleasure. The hatchback and split rear seat offers great cargo storage. I have been able to move all sorts of stuff. My boyfriend is 64" and fits very well into the car. People are usually suprised about how roomy the inside is for a small car, and ther comment posativly on the design. Mine is a 5 speed and is a kick to drive. Peppy and responsive.

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  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By david gutierrez - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I swithced from an SUV to the focus because i was worried about the gas price hikes. Although i miss the height of the SUV, i love the gas savings and the sportyness of my 5 speed focus.

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  I hate this car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By elh430 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have not had a single good experience with this car. It leaks when it rains hard, the braking system sucks, (I have been told it the type of brakes it has), the window adjustors fall off all the time, handles terrible in the rain, and snow. the manual handles for the windows were put on backwards, I could continue.

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  greatvehicle - 2004 Ford Focus
  By johnearly - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Use of vehicleis 60% highway 40% city. find easy to handle with excellent gas milage. outside of normal oil and maintenance no other problem . one thing needs betterment would be radio. plan on buying new one next year,

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  car of cars - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jackielighting - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this car is truely the best car I have ever owned both men and women look at the car as I drive by I have seen them point and smile with the look of wanting on there face