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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  ya - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By keg - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love the 2004 ford mustang.i love the way its set up on the interier.

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  Disapointed buyer - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Disabled Veteran - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I purched 2003 Mustang due to promises of a very reliable vehicle and an incentive to lower cost. I have had to endure delivery waiting period of three days wait, the dealer drove vehicle putting miles on new vehicle over 150 exactly before I recieved delivery. Have had to replace light fixtures, the windows leak stains on the inside of passengers seat. Sold extra coverage that does not cover anything at high cost. Freedom ford is not the place to purchase any vehicle I have learned and I will never purchase another ford product ever again.....

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  Mustang Gt - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By wht01gt - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Best car for under 23000 dollars.

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  Best car I ever bought - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lilqt2200 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever bought in my life.

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  I love my stang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SassiRed - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my mustang. I have had absolutly no problems with it at all. The only thing that I really dont like is that they are no fun to drive when it rains or snows. Unless you like skidding all over the place, then its an extremely fun car. I love the fact that at a touch of a button the top goes down and you are windblown bound. All and all it is a great car to drive and its cute at that.

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  most fun for the $$$$ - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jake mcBride - November 13 - 2:00 am

  After looking at AOLs Top Ten....one would have to agree that for the bucks...the Ford Mustang Convertible GT is by far and away the best bang for the buck!! It IS Americas Muscle Car!! Fun to drive, classic looks and power to spare. Nobody does the V-8 like Ford...it has that classic rumble that is subtle yet expressve, AND with a few AFFORDABLE add-ons this car will blow away cars that cost THOUSANDS more. Far and away the best value on the market. Americas car for 40 years strong...the Ford Mustang!

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  I Have two and love them both - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MustangTyler - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I currently own two mustangs, a 2001 performance red 2 door coupe and a 2000 oxford white convertable, both V6s. I have been EXTREMELY pleased with both of my mustangs and would definately promote any new buyer!!! Lets keep the tradition alive!!!!

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  My Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mac1 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Great power...awesome feel. I love the muscle car feel. very sporty and great looking.

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  2004 anniversary edition mustang conv - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DebbieF - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love it! The appearance, style, performance are great. My original Mustang was a 66 convertible that was such a pleasure and so much fun to drive that I just had to have this anniversary edition. It is just as much fun to drive !!!

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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dbpumpkie - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I got into a car accident not to long ago, and my mustang is now gone! Its the hardest thing because I LOVED that car! Its a great car for any age! I always dreamed of having a mustang ever since I was little, and it truly is a great car. Not alot of room in the back, well at least if you are tall! But it is a great car to drive