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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  Reliable car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By dkageff - August 10 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this car has been very good. It is 8 yrs old and has 134,800 mile and the 3.0L Duratec is still running well and it still rides nice.

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  Owners impressions of Thunderbird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By E. S.Herz - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall I like the car. The Thunderbird however could use a bit more horsepower and most certainly the blind spots (rearward) could stand some improvement. Also, the (future) poor re-sale value of the car will be an issue when I elect to sell the Thunderbird.

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  awesome - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dondon37 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle!

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  mustangs rock - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By g.e.t.dudes - August 9 - 10:00 am

  this car had plenty of room to fog the windows all around! i loved this car for many reasons.

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  Matter of the Heart - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Revfuzzy - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I was the proud owner of the first 65 Fastback Mustang in San Bernardino county in 1965. Said car was then modified for SCCA track racing. This 2003 Mustang coupe was purchased as a last vehicle type thing (70 years old) just for fun and nostalgia. Its a fun drive, fairly economical and we can get six suitcases/handbags in the truck. Its not going to win any races for me but it is responsive and comfortable.

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  Used Car Alternative - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Hoopty - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought a brand new 04 V6 5 speed Mustang as an alternative to a used car because the price was right. It is a very sharp car. Discounts and a new body style on the horizon made this a favorable deal. Wife thinks its fun to drive too - so much so that she offered me her Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. in exchange. The novelty of the manula transmission only lasted a week or two and she wanted the Jeep back. for the money - the Mustang is a car you can be proud of as opposed to just another econobox. I think it will resale easier too.

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  very pleased - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hoagie - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time I bought a Ford truck. Ive always bought Toyota trucks so I was pretty aprehensive about buying a Ford. The first minute I sat inside the truck I fell in love with it. It has a very nice/comfortable feel to it. If you didnt sit up so high, you would think you were driving a car. I have the 5.4 V8 and with that you have more than enough power. In addition, with the supercab, you will have more than enough space. The only complaint I have is the gas mileage, Im averaging 17 mpg which probably not too bad for a V8 but its still a little tough for me at the pump. In conclusion, I am very pleased.

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  Chevy vs. Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Sarno - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Truck is very nice. Needed to add a little more power (chip). I think the ride is very good, car like. Ford did a great job on the ergos. Everything is in the correct place. Im a chevy guy and after looking at everything out there in this class I had to buy the Ford. It was simply the best thruck in the class.

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  works for me - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dipit - August 9 - 10:00 am

  For my need`s this little gem has so far done ok.It`s Defiaately not a pick up and Not a true 4x4 suv.For commuting 70 miles a day and carrying my wife wheelchair it not bad> the ride could be better and so could the handling. but all and all I like it.

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  Shays Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Shays Man - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I truly love my truck but the only thing I can think of is my upper and lower control arms are starting to pop and I think that whould have been a issue that should been handled from the factory.