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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  The only choice - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SirFartsalot - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car, handles like a ferrari, fast, duriable, dependable

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  My STANG! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By WinningWoman20 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This mustang is wonderful!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Footer88 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything you want, get one!

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  Nikkis review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Angel21p - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for about 6 months and i love it i get so much attention and people hink that it is a 50,000 dollor car but it was only 29,995. the car looks awesome and runs awesome and there is tons of room under the hood to make adjustments. i am throwing a turbo into mine next week and i cant wait. the only semi bad hing about this car is that it sucks up gas. But it is worth it!!

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  dont waste your time - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mustangbeffers - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the worst car I have ever owned I wouldnt recommend one person to purchase one of these cars the only vehicle that ford makes well is the F-150 series trucks!

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By GrizzMcc - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Engine continually surges, although window sticker rated this vehicle at 23 MPG, Ihave never been able to get over 14MPG. This is after 4 trips back to the dealership. In addition, acceleration is far below what it should be for an engine that is rated at 200 HP.

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  excellent choice for young and old - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sportster666 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  i think this car is a beauty. both performance and style are modeled to almost perfection. i have been driving this car for a while now and i wouldnt think of sellin it even for a corvette or anything. its relativly inexpensive for the quality. i am only 20 years of age and i can afford it and still have spending money. wonderful car!

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  The Best - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Bennett - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought it for my birthday and its been the best investmant I ever made.

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  Be Aware Mustang ? - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mikesc99 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Be sure this is what you want and look over the car very well before you take it home. Example, I purchased a Silver GT from Ron Bornick Ford In Md. and the paint was messed up from the factory on the L - 1/4 panel. Neither the dealer or Ford want to fix the problem. Problem still exists.

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  The Best of the Best! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Girl X - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic car! I just go it and it is the best of the best. I dont know how I lived before my Mustang!