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 - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By lisa a h - June 11 - 10:00 am

  fun truck for a family. I use it on our ranch

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  My Dream Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ddonner641 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is everything a Mustang should be. We are a huge Ford family. We have never owned anything else. But, even if we werent, I would drive a Mach I Mustang. This rivals any sports car on the road.

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  Mach 1 is as good as it gets - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By EZJim - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2004 FX4 for myself untill the wife said it was time to trade the 1998 F-150 in also.I picked out a 2004 Mach 1 instead of another FX4.I,m glad I did.This thing is sweet and a fun to drive

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  1 mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CheapShots - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I am a 62 year old man who always wanted a Mustang and I finally got one. Its the 2004 Mach 1 Mustang and it is a joy to drive. I only drive it on sunny days.the rest of the time it sits in my garage it has never been rained on. This car handles the road like a sports car should.you get a lot of good quality and performance at a good price in the Mach 1.

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  best car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jack squat - June 11 - 10:00 am

  very nice, very nice

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  billy bobs review title - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By billybob1990 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  its amazing and i love it. if i had a different car i would cry. i need another one like it. thanks

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  good job - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By tim anderson - June 11 - 10:00 am

  total performance is of a very high quality. design ad ride is very smooth.interior design and body style. colors are some of the best i have seen in years

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  2004 Ford Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Parker - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang is an excellent car for the price. It gets good fuel economy, but has plenty of power for enjoyment.

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  Mystic power - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By the waz - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a mistic Chrome and I cant say enough about it. People stop me everywhere to talk about it. Vetts Camaros Birds all suck air when it comes to power. With a few minor adjustments this thing flys. This is by best far the nicest car that I have ever owned..... Keep up the good work SVT team.....

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  Love It! Love It! Love It! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jo jo - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking at this vehicle for about 3 months before I bought it. Now that I actually own one, Im so glad I purchased it. It is very comfortable and quite quick for a V6 which I own. I wish it were a little better on gas, I guess the only difference I would make it buying one new is purchasing a V8 rather than the V6. However, I have no reservations.