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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  FORD TOUGH - 2004 Ford F-150
  By thomas h. funk - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED MANY FORD VEHICLES IN MY LIFETIME. ALL HAVE BEEN VURTUALLY TROUBLE FREE. I HAD A 2000 F-150 PREVIOUSLY. I COULDNT IMAGINE ANY TRUCK BEING ANY BETTER THAN IT. BUT THE 2004 IS THE BEST SO FAR.

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  Ford F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Graber - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Best ford ever built.

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  best truck ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sweetkiwi - September 22 - 2:00 am

  my family have been leasing trucks from ford for about 10 years. We finally decided to buy a truck for 6 years. I think we made the right choice though. its comfortable. The first thing we did was have a road trip, and it was extremely comfortable! It rides like a cadillac. well I hope many more people buy this truck. Oh! there was one problem, since we got a flare side, we still dont have a bed liner that fits!

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  My favorite truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By L.A.B. - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my loaded white 04 F-150 FX4 CrewCab and enjoyed every moment so far. It is the best. Acceleration is great for a vehicle that weighs this much (5.4L 300hp highly recommended). I am a small guy, but with adjustable pedals, I sit comfortably from the wheel and get a good view. We own a 98 F-150 XLT with the same engine and with routine maintainance we never had a problem and she has 72k on her. I definately love the 04 F-150 and I wouldnt buy any other full-sized truck unless I get a better deal on a Ram 2500. I recommend the F-150. I give my truck a perfect "10/10".

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  FORD DONE IT AGAIN - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FENDER - September 22 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POWERFULL, THE CENTER COUNSEL SHIFTER,SKID PLATES ,THE FRAME!!! THE QUIET ,THE RIDE,THE POWER SIDE WINDOWS THE POWER REAR WINDOW,THE WHEELS,TIRES.THE LOOK.AWESOME.MAN WHAT A TRUCK!!!!!!!

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  great car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By vinb - September 22 - 2:00 am

  love this mach it is fun to drive i have a stick thats the way to go

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gkyg4567 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  After driving SUVs and sedans for over 15 years and reaching close to 40 and enjoying my Camaro in 1994, I wanted to go back to an inexpensive sport vehicle. I Love the ride and comments about my mustang and my 17 year old daughter loves to practice her driving in it also.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By nans - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an Expedition for my Escape. It drives like a sports car. Very responsive. Great turning radius and tight streering. Solid center of balance. Great car.

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  Imports no more - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By teacherguy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Im glad I bought domestic this time, couldnt be happier! Fit and finish are great, as is reliability. Milage is what I expected from any suv this size. The ride is as quiet and controlled as any car. No need to by imports anymore!

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  Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Very satisfied - September 22 - 2:00 am

  After comparing to Tahoe, we found the Expedition to have a smoother ride and much more head room in 3rd row seat plus easier entry to rear. On recent trip from Arkansas to Florida, fully loaded with 4 adults and 2 children, we averaged 22 miles per gallon. Overall, we have been very pleased with the Expedition and were able to get 48 month lease for $100.00 less per month than Tahoe.