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 Best - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By supertunernrgme - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I like it alot.

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  My Week in a Droptop Stang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By gsemike - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Rented a V6 stang convertible when I was in Dallas. The weather was great so having a drop top was nice, but I could not own or live with this car permenantly. The roots of this car go back to the fox platform which debuted in 79 and it shows in the build quality and ergonomics.

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bushwacker - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, so my wife tells me. She loves it too. Has a lot of getup and go when you need it and it is pleasingly responive in turns. Never had a car that got so many positive comments by onlookers.

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  Seats! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By vols - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a good little truck, but the seat suck. I have the 3.0L not enough power and poor miles. The 4.0L I had get the same mieage with much better performance.

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  Quite an improvement in driving comfort - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Waldo Otten - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1995 Eddie Bauer Explorer, put 122,000 miles on it with no major repairs or rust, sold it to a friend and hes got it over 175,000 miles now with no major problems. But I love the comfort of my 2003 because I dont feel as beat-up after driving 700 to 800 miles in one day, as I do a couple times a year. Much more stable on road especially at 70mph and above, and independent rear suspension gives it the handling characteristics of a luxury car and not a truck -- like the 1995 model. Seats more ergonomic, too -- no stiff legs after long driving stretches. Would buy another.

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  Hey, This Aint No Chevy! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ChevyDude - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I must admit, I am a Chevy Man, but my wife really wanted to check a super deal in the paper on a 2003 Ford XLS MSRP $26,985. After a test drive and 3 hours of checking everything out, we got the fire red metallic. No, I dont ahve leather, no 6 cd stereo, no 50 way seats and no major extras, but it is brand new and I got a great lost leader deal at $18,300.

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  Best Explorer yet! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ohmboy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Explorer,a 92, a 2000, and this 2003. The ride, acceleration, brakes, and room are all improved. Finally fog lights that work! Perfect vehicle for Ohio snow and 2 kids and a dog. Some minor glitches, mainly rough idle and rear hatch window that popped open occasionally.

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  My Wifes car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Short Round - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Its our third one

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Savyth - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This was the first 4 wheel drive vehicle I ever purchased and my first Ford. The ride is excellent and its great for long trips. Will not hesitate to get another one! Third row seating is nice to have and lots of room when seats are folded down. Great Job by Ford!

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  Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Qadine - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had 5 Explorers since 1992. The 2003 is my favorite so far. The wider wheel base made a big difference.