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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  Its a neat car - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tom Sullivan - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 8 months and I find it one to the best cars Iv ever owned. I think the car got a bum rap when it was first interduced when the Dealers were trying to get an 25 to 30% more because it was a new car on the market. Than Ford Motor could not deliver the T-birds because of production problem. It left a bad teast in the mouth of the buyers that wanted one. There is one bad guy in this whole marketing program and thats Ford Motor because its a great car and Ford just dropped the ball

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  Day One Review - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By MapleRidge - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Drove the car about 100 miles with the top down in the Washington,DC suburbs. The car has great looks and styling. This car is fun to drive. The 280 horsepower from the 3.9L V8 engine gives plenty of power from both a standing start and when passing on the highway. The 17 inch V rated performance tires keep the car glued to the road.

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  WOW! FIFTIES FUN RE-VISITED - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Curtis Patrick - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Car purchased brand new in 2002 (no category in upper field)Excellent fit inside & out. Superb paint job. Ford replaced bad battery---thats it. Drove from Kansas City, KS /MO to Las Vegas, NV., handled tight, strong firm. quiet & comfortable on highway quick to respond. Great Cruiser No mechanical probs. Great power at Loveland Pass at about 8,000 ft. in CO. C.P.

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  "OUTSTANDING, APPEALING - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Sharon E. Osborn - April 8 - 2:00 am

  We own the 2003, Desert Sky-blue Hardtop. Fun to drive, we love the car. Have had many differnt Fords during our driving lifetime. Still have a 72,A/C,351 Cleveland Eng, conv. red/white,outstanding to org. soft top. Both in our local parade this year. Hard to decide which one to drive! All models have their shorcomings, the T-Bird..not many.

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  ford thunderbirds eye view - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By wallace clark - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my thunderbird. The handling is tremendous. Its a fun car to drive and it definately turns a lot of heads. I couldnt ask for more. My wife just didnt want a convertable and now I cant keep her out of it.

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  Ranger Sport, 4x4, Extended Cab XL/XLT - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Lisa Nunes - April 8 - 2:00 am

  At 23,000 miles the drive shaft was already replaced twice. At 40,000 miles she has a cracked transfer case and at 80,000 a new transmission. a loud engine and a constant clunking when shifting gears makes its a poor buy. I suppose the only thing to love is the price. Fords response? Its normal! Look else where.......

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  My Tarus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Tarus guy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed the car very much but have not been so happy with the service department of the dealership. They seem shoddy at best and not professional. Simple things like checking oil are reported as being done when they are not, driving the car through their car wash without taking the power antenna down. Love the car, could use a more professional dealer. But i must say i have as much room in my wagon as any SUV and i get 32 miles to the gallon on highways

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Linsey - April 8 - 2:00 am

  it is the best car i ever driven

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  best truck ever - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Sweet_16 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck rides easy and is so pretty my mom and dad were iffy about buying me one because of my drving history but its so much easier to drive than any other truck i have driven

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  fair - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jose antonio - April 8 - 2:00 am

  needs to have better gas milege