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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  Nice Ride - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By bluesguy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  After working at Ford for a couple of months, I test drove this and I fell in love with it. My wife liked it so much she got one also but in a different color. These are nice spacious vehicles. Very fun to drive.

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  FORD!!!!! Fix your transmission problem - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By K. Cimmy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Reading other reviews on this and other Ford Explorer models, confirms that ours was not a fluke. The dealer couldnt understand why we had transmission problems when Ford never acknowledged anyone else having problems. I thought maybe we had bought a lemon. Come to find out, there are a lot of lemons out there. To bad for Ford.

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  SUV for eveything & towing - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 2 Lane Blk Top - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the Eddy for 19 months with no problems. I down graded from the Excurion with V10. We love the styling and options, it loaded without side curtains and Navigation. The seating is perfect for 8 adults. We have two kids 18 and 14. Camping and long trips are a breeze. We tow a 9,000 Travel Trailer, with little effort, but the Excution was better. But with the air dam on the Eddy its not problem.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RGober - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome! Has a very comfortable ride and plenty of room. Smooth ride and I love the independent suspension! I also love that third row seat, push of a button and it lays flat. Would recommend this vehicle to everyone who wants to ride in class!

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  Three In A Row - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Ed ESars - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 97 a 2000 and now a 2003. When the 2006 comes out I will get one of those too. An all around family vehicle, and safe to. Lotsa room for trips, warehouse shoppin, soccer, sports equiptment no problem. They get better every year. Rides and drives like a car! They are great, wy wife and kids love em too!

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  Rattles galore, brake dust king! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By wilbur274 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Outside appearance is nicer than the older style, sits lower and feels tighter on the road. It does, however have its share of rattles and squeaks, something totally unacceptable for a vehicle in this price range. Specifically, the dash, rear window, and tha passenger door window vibrates at highway speeds. Cant tell you what Ford uses on the front brake pads but its garbage! The brake dust on these trucks is brutal! Funny,they dont acknowledge it as being a problem. I changed pads with 10,000 miles, how bad is that? Finally, the middle row seat needs to recline with the outter two. Ever have kids fighting over seats Ford?

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  Expedition Rocks! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Homegrown808 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Expedition for only 8 months now and I love it! I like its solid feel and roominess. Living in Hawaii, my family and I have been up to the mountains and down to the sea with complete satisfaction! Plan to keep it for a long time!

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  Owner - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Joan240177 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Our Expedition Has been the most comfortable auto ever to drive or ride in as a passenger. We have had to drive from Fl. to Maine quite a few times. Never have had any troubles even when we had 700 + miles on black ice and snow. The manuvering into parking etc. have never been a problem, all like a charm. We will trade for the same type and model again.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ranner - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I had a 01 SE that I loved, and never had any problems with, but just recently I decided to let it go and get an 04 ZTS, I can really tell the difference in horsepower. I like the front end design better on the 04 than on the 05. They shouldnt have changed those headlights. The folding back seats are wonderful, I use that space all the time. Even the trunk only is very roomy for the size of the car. For the few times Ive ever sat in the back seat, Id have to say, it was very comfortable and surprisingly roomy.

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  Mustang Rocks It - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Abenny - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is absolutely awesome, it has power and stamina, cant touch it.