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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  Well built, solid, and sporty looking - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Dave B - November 4 - 2:00 am

  A good value for the money. Sporty looks with a solid, road hugging ride. Feels and holds the road like a heavier car, but gets excellent gas mileage (28+) with highway driving, even exceeding the speed limits. A good all round family car that provides fun to drive and roomy comfort. Has a smooth ride that makes long trips enjoyable. Would buy a Taurus again!!!

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  My Crown - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rod H. - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car to drive mainly on the highway. It is an extremely excellent highway car. For the size it gets very good mileage. It has plenty of power and corners much better than expected. (Dont try to outrun one of these in the police car dressing, you cant.)

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  love my escape, - 2004 Ford Escape
  By soccer mom - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Im 410" and wanted an SUV, but didnt want to climb a mountain to get in and out. I love my escape. Lots of power with the 6 cylinder, great highway milage. With the 16" tires, it looks more rugged than the average compact SUV. I am a very happy Soccer Mom.

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  96K and still hangin tough - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Quinal - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Escape. Everything is fine with it.. I only have a couple of complaints. The road noise is a bit much at times and the seats are a hard. Other than that, everything is great. VERY Peppy, great value for the money. Drives like a car, not like a truck. I owned a Grand Prix GT before my Escape and Id race that GT with my escape anyday. Even with 96K miles.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Escape
  By nicbpapa - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The drive is wonderful. It has plenty of power to get you in and out of tight spot for highway driving, The feel in the steering is terrific, as it truly does ride more like a car than most other SUVs. There is plenty of interior room for most anything you need to do. The suspension is outstanding. It gives you great value for your money.

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  Love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Kathleen - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford Escape. I bought it 6 months ago. I am a Home Health Nurse and enjoy driving my SUV. Its comfort and realiability cant be beat. I have a 22 month old grandson and feel he is safe in the back seat with the lockdowns. I have plenty room for my nursing supplies in the back. It is the perfect vehicle for me

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  Review of Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LVB - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My second SUV. Previous car was a Chevrolet. Love this car. Lots of creature comforts. Feels like a luxury car.

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  focus rating - 2004 Ford Focus
  By michelle/robert - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this car has been great for us. Fun to drive, looks great, great warrenty. I cant wait to buy a new one.

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  Great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By oris - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have no problem with this car. I was amazed at the comfort it offers.

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  Two Focuses in two years - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Dennis Hodges - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought first Focus for the wife in Aug. 2002. Liked it so well that when my truck was paid off this year, I had to have one for myself. both of them are ZTS models.