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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  i 8 a vette - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By little pimp - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, father has a zo6 vette, and with some mods i smoke him all the time at the track, this is the best mustang ford ever has had out since i have been buying them,i owned a 87 gt 93 cobra and a 96 cobra also a 98 cobra, and the 03 is the best car i have owned so far....

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  new 2004 Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By cobra0909 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  i have just had my new car a couple of days,i traded my new 2004 ranger xlt which was a piece of junk in on my taurus, lost 6,000 on the ranger but the comfort and mileage makes up for it.

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  lemon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By mimmigoo - October 29 - 2:00 am

  3 weeks to the day from pulling my new car off of the lot the transmission fried on it. the service department says it will take 2 weeks to repair. what is the justice in this??? they dont even feel the need to rush.

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  Money well spent - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nativejayhawk - October 29 - 2:00 am

  A great little car with a lot of pep. I owen a 2004 Mustang and I enjoy driving the focus just as much. Great stereo system. The focus has a smooth ride. With few exterior upgrades like I have done it really an eye-catching vehicle.

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  Love my Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By susie lynn - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Love my sport trac. It is easy and fun to drive. Its versatile, easy to keep clean and as a sales associate at a Ford dealership I think it is one of the best SUVs we have.

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  one hot truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By svt2001 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  ilove this truck nothing in my mind will ever touch this truck in power and performance cant wait till the 05,s come out 500hpunder the hood

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  excellent - 2004 Ford F-150
  By John Ski - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The best truck I have ever bought. A little over prices but well worth the money

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  THIS TRUCK IS THE BEST EVER - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FORDMAN - October 29 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS AWESOME. The quietest cab on the road. Truck that rides like a Caddy. When it comes to interior style, ther is no comparison. Why buy a chevy or a GMC, when you can have this truck that is in a class of its own.

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  Third Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Joe C. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the Third Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Ive owned my first was a 1999 AWD V-8, my second was a 2002 Eddie Bauer V-8 the first year of the redesign and it was light years ahead of the previous model as far as ride control and comfort go. My new one is a 2004 Eddie Bauer V-8 again Ford raised the bar on the mid size SUVs. Please remember this is a full frame truck NOT a unibody AWD car.

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  We Like It! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By KarlS - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Much improved over our 1998 XLT Expedition with the same drivetrain... in all aspects.