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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  No, I dont have a hemi, I HAVE A V10! - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By DadVan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van to replace a no- longer-available Ford Aerostar. With a family of five, including three older teens, we needed the room for the "final years" of integrated family life. The incredible SPACE and flexibility the vehicle offers afford us the needed flexibility for this stage of life. It has a great balance of quality vs. price, by that I mean that it provides equipment appropriate to this type of vehicle without a lot of "junk" you dont/wont need. Bottom line, I love my "ETon".

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  NEW F-150 SUPERCREW XLT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By nhmaddog2002 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new F-150 Supercrew XLT after driving all of the competitors vehicles. What an improvement from the old style! Not that there was much I didnt like about the old F-150, but the new body and interior are what really sold me. I have to agree with most people and say the engine, while and improvement, still seems to need a little more power. Having owned both FMC and GM trucks in the past(my last truck was a Chevy 3/4 ton) I would llike to say it is the nicest truck I have owned yet.

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  The Best truck Ive owned to date! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By C.M.H. - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this truck for a week now and I am very pleased with the way it handles and performs.Ford has really out done their selves on this truck! Ive owned chevy trucks and they dont even compair to Fords new truck line. Way to go Ford!!!!!!!!!!

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  My 5th Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By John Kay - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the ultimate in pickups. Power to spare, room for everyone, easy to drive and handles great.My wife loves this machine! This truck is like a sedan with a bed! My 5th Ford pickup since 1995, and Ive never had one thing go wrong with any of them. I laugh at the Ram and Chevy owners I work with when they tell me of breakdowns they experience. I even got a loyal Chevy fan to switch to Ford. Of course I must admit it was pretty easy when his Z74 kept breaking down after 50000 miles. You cant go wrong with this truck!

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  You wont believe it til you get one! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Maree - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car!Its performance is "zippy" and has great "zip" for getting over the mountains too! I took it to Mt.Lassen and it just climbed right along next to the "Big Dogs." We got a kick out of it cause we knew our little "zipper" was and is more fuel efficient than others.With a comfortable ride we easily put three car seats in back and there is plenty of room in the trunk for everything else.All features in the car are easy to access and within reach of the driver and/or passenger.

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  my focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By heather marie - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my focus! It`s the best car I`ve ever had and I love to drive it..it`s so much fun. My car is very reliable, as long as I do the proper maintenance it runs like a dream.

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  Not for big men - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By ShelbyJock - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Short version of the story. Im 65" and wear a 14EEE shoe. This is a fleet car, so little choice as to options. When driving, my right shoe is under the brake pedal. If I have to stop in a panic, top of said foot hits a duct, and I end up with my foot trapped between throttle and bottom of brake. Solution? Drive barefoot. Vehicle is almost identical to the Windstar. Less power, more quiet. Handles about like expected - like a brick suspended on rubber bands. A/C seems adequate, though only just. Stereo is fair. Fuel economy is a bit better than the Windstar, but really gets about 19 highway and a bit less in normal use (about 17).

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  I Love my Freesstar Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brenda hagan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had many vans and cars ( mostly neww ones )BUT when i bought my Freestar Van ..I fell in Love with it ..Its great! It has everything i want in a van plus more ..I always make up places to go just to drive it ..Thank You Ford You out did yourselves with the new Ford Freestar..

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  owner/consumer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By rosalba bazan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i have driven an expedition since the 1st yr they were out and i love it wont trade it for anyhting else

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Poor Quality - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have two New Ford SuvÂ’s both with stall issues. Engine shakes a little ruff at times. No more Ford vehicles for me. I do not recommend. Ford should seek help from Honda or Toyota.