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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  Bolan - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Bolan - December 3 - 2:00 am

  SVTF has great handling nice engine and tranny its very well equiped and its fun to drive but it requires premium fuel and for sure this car is NOT a gas saver but its fast and thats important

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  Excellent little SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tim Reese - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent styling, handles extremely well. Road tested numerous other SUVs in this class, nothing compares. I rate Ford, dealer extremely high. (We purchased a loaded, limited version)

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  A Fun SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By DaveFrey - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Given the weather in Upstate New York this winter, I finally gave up my sedan (Chevy Impala) for 4WD. This vehicle came as close to a sedan as I ahve seen. It is a pleasure to drive. It has pickup to match my Chevy, and that was very important to me.

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  Ford Escape XLS 6 Cyl - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mahearn - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an awesome SUV its not big and bulky taking up an unecessary amount of room on the road, Lots of space on the inside and you tap on the gas and she takes off. Cant beat it wish i had gotten the no bounderies package though...

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  Fab Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chekmarc - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money. Solid construction, well equipped as standard and very comfortable for a small car. I purchased several options because I spend a lot of time in my car (heated seats/mirrors, spoiler, leather, 6-disc in-dash CD, low- profile tires, power moon roof). It was worth it. I also like the european styling. The ZTS/ZTW has plenty of power with the 2.0 litre. Next model year available with 2.3 litre, even better.

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  My Ford Taurus Ses has been Exellent . - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By kingsol - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I regret very much about Fords decision to discontinue with the Taurus for next year, I think its a big mistake!! The Ford Futura looks very ugly! Doesnt have the classic looks of the Ford Taurus! Also by the way, driving from Colorado to Arizona this past summer, I could not believe my eyes, about the number of Ford Tauruses on the road from here to Arizona.Very popular auto indeed!

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  The best yet. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MustangDarrin - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Mustang in 16 years. All have been very well built and very, very durable which is a plus since I am hard on my cars. (performance wise) This one is by far the best fit and finish of all of them. They didnt stop making the Camaro/Firebird for no reason.

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  But This Car! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MisterDune - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned, period. More bang for the buck than anything on the road. 390hp and I get 18-20mpg, only 2mpg less than my 98 GT with over 50% more power. This car rocks!

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  I love my new pony car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lyndadogg - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mustang. My first GT. I love love love this 40th anniversary GT. It is so bad. Black with leather interior. SO glad I finally made this purchase. Was going to go with an SUV but once I saw this bad boy on the lot, had to have it. I am very very partial to Mustangs. Always been very reliable and fast.

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  great car to drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang41 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Not only is this car fun to drive but it handles great. This is the best summer car around. Doesnt handle snow or ice well. In the summer there is nothing better than putting the top down and cranching up the toones. I would trade my car for anything.