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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  202 Escape:) - 2004 Ford Escape
  By john g. - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Ford Escape ....I love it. No complaints

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By drew0125 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  SUV is comfortable and easy to operate all equipment.

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  BIG FAN - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JCampbell - March 19 - 2:00 am

  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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  jairos reviw - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mr shadow - March 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS THE TRUCK I BEEN WAITING FOR..A REAL TRUCK FOR AREAL MAN!!

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  My New Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Tycorodger - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This new ruck rides great. Ford has really done their homework on this new design. The truck is very quiet and rides like a luxury car. Great job FORD!!!!

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  Beauty&The Beast - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Heinie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck is beautiful, in every respect. It has tremendus power,and has te ride of a fine car. I dont think any truck ever made,even comes close.

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  Brads review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By btbarber - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been a wonderful vehicle to drive, it fills all my needs.For work and everyday use. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  04 ford 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By cpetego - March 19 - 2:00 am

  i tested the 03 and 04. the 04 drives smooth and is real quit. the seats are big and full of comfort.i love the interior mostly the dash. all in all this is a realy nice truck and i am happy i own it.

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  LOW QUALITY - 2004 Ford F-150
  By QUICKYMAN1974 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  3 MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS IN 1 MONTH.. JUST TERRIBLE QUALITY. 9 DAYS IN THE SHOP. MAYBE A LEMON, MAYBE JUST POOR FORD QUALITY

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  04" F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By HDIron - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful interior styling, luxurious looks. wood grain dash deep set gauges. Sound system bumps with bass - real quality. Wider and Deeper bed Perfomance is tops