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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  How teens can pull off the 4 door sedan: - 2004 Ford Focus
  By KAR - March 23 - 2:00 am

  step 1: buy a focus. im a teen whos an old person at heart. my friends think i have a cool car, i think i have a family car. i love my focus!

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  great little car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ed kuypers - March 23 - 2:00 am

  fast, smooth transmission, handles like a sports car,small outside but big & roomy inside, rides as smooth as a large car,excellent visibility and high seats that can be adjusted, well made, traction in wagon improved by moving spare tire and heavier items onto the back seat or on the floor,long trips are non tiring,well named as a fun or zippy car, but get the extended warranty.

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  fabulous car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Amy Borden - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this is my first car that i can call mine. It is grea. It runs well and is pretty spacious for a small car. it has a great stereo system. it is a joy to drive. It handles well in all weather and gets good gas milege.

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  my 2002 se focus sedan - 2004 Ford Focus
  By elena71177 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  GREAT! overall car!!!

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  FORD FOCUS ZTS REVIEW - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Kennard Lee - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The overall balance of the Ford Focus ZTS is remarkable for the price of the car. I have driven more expensive cars and have had less enjoyment with those. I was so impressed with the handling, performance and comfort of the ZTS that I bought a second one two months later.

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  Great buy - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Anne - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy my Focus. Great reliability, handles well in the snow. Super on gas vs. mileage. Only problem:water seeps in the trunk when trunk door is pulled open after it rains or went to the car wash but its the only problem I have encountered with this little jewel.

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  I Love It! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By nancy williams - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I really love my new Ford Focus ZX5. Its roomy, comfortable and fun to drive. I think the design is very distictive and attractive.

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  hankstas review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By hank kent - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I find that the ford focus is a wonderful economy car for families, college students, and people who do not want to waste money on gas (like me). The focus is fun to drive and very stylish. Good job Ford Motor Company.

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  Great value for the money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Cromwell - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this is one great little car! It is fun to drive,very comfortable,and gets reasonably good gas mileage. Its best feature is its remarkable handeling. It also has a front seat that is very ajustable and supportive. I would highly recomend this car to anyone looking for a vehicle of this size.

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  My Trendy Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LtlChef - March 23 - 2:00 am

  My focus is the most comfortable and most reliable car I have ever owned. It gets great gas mileage and it very rarely fails me. If you buy a Focus you wont be sorry.