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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  first 1000 miles - 2004 Ford Escape
  By r silva - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 99 Explorer. Big difference! The ride of the Escape is much better than the old style Explorer and I think a little better than the new ones. The Escape has a little more road noise. My wife and I could not justify the $ differance when compared to the Mercedes, BMW, Lexus or Toyota. We test drove all and almost went with the ML320 but she changed her mind when we went back to retest drive an Explorer and she saw the Escape Limited on the lot and asked to drive it. The Escape just fit.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cheechee - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle to use as both a recreational and passenger vehicle. We recently moved to a different state. We found it to be a very comfortable, if not cozy ride. Considering all that were hauling, we got good gas mileage. Out boat is longer and taller than our vehicle, but it hauled the boat with no problems at all. This is such a smooth-riding vehicle, you honestly would think you were riding in a luxury car.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ARSchnarfs - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my car, it is so amazing. Its great to drive, well designed and just all around fun.

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  Too Much Fun - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Too Kool - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best performance car I have ever owned. Comfortable and performance all in one great package.

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  Buy one! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By nuendo84 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have driven rangers simlar to mine at work everyday for 2 1/2 years. I blew one up (it was a 4 cyl) at 256,000 miles...these trucks last! I got the 3.0 which I also used at work...the one at work has 190,000 and is strong. Never had a major problem! I wouldnt blow smoke to you, these are awesome trucks!

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  Outstanding - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ian Lanier - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding Vehicle, best I have ever owned

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  love my expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kluke - May 20 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful, comfortable, quiet SUV. A real pleasure to drive!

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  a great truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Donna G - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun truck to ride around in for the mom on the go. It is also great on the long trips too. We frequently go to Vermont and the ride is enjoyable and comfortable in this truckEasy parking with a good turn radius. The storage area when the seats(third & second rows) are folded down is amazing for the size of the vehicle. I found that I have just as much storage space as I did in my Windstar which is about 11" longer than the Explorer.

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  Good choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Royrich - May 20 - 10:00 am

  So far has been a good buy, very happy with this SUV.

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  nice vehicle = get an 8 cylinder - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By osmalls[ - May 20 - 10:00 am

  i was one of the first ones to buy the new explorer a few years ago. its been nice. it rides a little rougher than gmc cars but its good for the money. i had an old explorer with 8 cyclinders. i tried to save a few dollars and went with the 6 this time. people told me you wont feel the difference. wrong! if you like driving like i do, get the 8 cyclinders. other than that, its not a bad vehicle.