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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  Great car! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rjsutton - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Wonderul piece of machinery, winderful styling, nice interior and comfortable. Very good on the road and handles very easy. I have used the traction control and it works great. The performance of this car is outstanding, it meets or exceeds my expectations in all areas.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By GammaGraphix - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Hard to find another truck with same price and all the features, even though Im biased to Ford vehicles.

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Ga1stsharp - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I am a die hard Chevy man, but when my wife got me to try the Expedition it was impossible to go back and buy the Chevy. A clean new look inside and out. Great power from the 5.4 v8 and a wonderful ride, perfect for long road trips with our new baby. We are all very pleased with the Ford.

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  BUILT FORD TOUGH - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DAN SMEJKAL - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY EXPEDITION! GREAT LOOKS,MOST TORQUE IN CLASS AND BEST TOWING ABILITY IN CLASS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. FOR A FAMILY HAULER, YOU CANT BEAT IT!

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  CLUNK TRUCK - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE (KENTUCKY) - December 29 - 2:00 am

  AFTER PURCHASING THE EXPLORER I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND A HOWLING NOISE IN THE REAR END THAT WOULD DRIVE YOU CRAZY. THE TRUCK HAD 45000 MILES ON IT. WITH NO EXTENDED WARRANTY I PAID $1200 DOLLORS TO GET IT FIXED,WELL PARTIALLY FIXED, IT STILL HAS A CLUNK AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION WHEN TAKING OFF. IF YOU BUY ONE "GOOD LUCK". DAVE (KENTUCKY)

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  Ford Explorer: Vehicle of Choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GKarl - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our fourth vehicle in the Explorer/Mountaineer family that we have owned, and it is by far the best. The new lower suspension introduced in 2001 gives the new Explorer more of a car feel on the road, with no sacrifice of off road capabilities.

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  Would buy another one tomorrow !!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kris667 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my ford explorer for over a year now, I still look forward to enjoying it every day. Whether I am in sunshine, rain, sleet or snow I know I can trust it to take me to my destination safely and comfortably. I live in New England area, where the weather changes every minute it seems. This truck actually makes me look forward to snowfall even though I do not like the winter season. I have gotten many people out of snow banks or even up hills on a snowy day. This past summer I had to help pull a chevy van with a 28 foot boat behind it up a ramp since it was stuck, The ford seemed to have all the power needed. I would recommend this truck to all.

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  explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rlcd - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle ever owned. Much better than Trail Blazer. Roomy love the third seat for kids.

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  nothing - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Glenn Cunningham - December 29 - 2:00 am

  good traction in snow

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MIKEBIGEZ - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Ford Explorers over the pass 13 yrs. I just purchase my third one and kept my 10 yr old 2nd one as a all around work truck. The new one is by far the best.I remodel rental properties on a part-time basis that I purchase which are in bad shape so my Explorer is used frequently to haul all kind of stuff. But I am a CPA on a full time basis and need a nice looking car to call on clients too. The Explorer meet both of those needs and a big selling point for me was that it holds a 4x8sheet of plywood which is a must for me and it is the only one of its size that does that.