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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  As Fun to Drive as they say - 2002 Ford Focus
  By psendab - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Our 2002 Focus ZTS is as fun to drive as they say it is! It corners great and has fairly good acceleration. This has been a great car for a family of 4. We have two young kids and they fit well, including taking one of their Grandmothers with us at times. The trunk is surprisingly roomy and holds enough luggage for a week long road trip. We have had no mechanical problems and only one repair due to a missing retainer on the inner wheel well trim.

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  Ford Escape! A Great Alternative - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Stick09 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle despite I have to fill the tank up every week. Only get about 230 miles per tank out of a 15 gal tank. Thats a low 15mpg. Otherwise, I love it!

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  LOVED MY YELLOW ESCAPE! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By KNSBETH - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Ford Escape after owning a Jeep Cherokee. I loved it....loved how it handled, looked, and performed overall. We moved to California in 2001 and drove it from Florida to California with my 2 Labrador Retrievers in the back...with the rear seat down of course..very comfortable for them. Drove it back to Florida when we recently moved back East. I always get compliments on it, especially the color...

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  Escape-in - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sdj - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Escape. The gas mileage is ok but not bad. I love the 6 CD stereo. Its great when your on the road and cant find a good radio station. I havent had it very long (2/04) but I havent had any problems so far.

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  Love our Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Nccrto - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We have only had our Escape a month but we love it. We were going to get a Kia Sorento but the local dealer was unwilling to negotiate price. We went next door to the Ford dealer (same owner) to complain about the Kia managers attitude. While there we desided to test drive the Escape. I was very suprised by how comfortable it is to drive. The large cargo capacity for a small SUV has come in handy already.

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  Escape and enjoy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Boring Family - July 6 - 10:00 am

  My Escape has met the needs of my growing, almost empty nest family in many ways. With two active teenagers left at home, we can still haul sports bags and friends with ease. Plenty of backseat and frontseat leg room is a great feature for my tall family. The Escape has been easy to handle for my new driver as she practices driving in traffic. Easy to manuever and park. Very responsive even in ice and snow.

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  it really rocks, baby! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By nick0772 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  awesome! this baby really rocks. the one I have is screaming yellow with pony package, and trust me it really makes the heads turn. i bought this car 3 weeks ago, and Im loving every moment of it. will highly recommend it to anyone planning to buy one.

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  Mustang Conv - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MindsEye - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Affordable fun, the original nostalgia car!

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  i love my truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By krisme - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i love my truck!!!!!!!

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  compliment getter - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dmop38 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  definite upgrade in quality and appearance from last models of f-150. new look is an eye catcher that others definitely notice.