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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  THANK GOD FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY - 2004 Ford Focus
  By chrissy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  MY VEHICLE BEFORE I PURCHASED MY LITTLE ZOO-ZOO WAS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAD ALL THE LUXURY OF AN SUV, BUT THE GAS MILEAGE WAS A LITTLE HARD TO SWALLOW DUE TO THE FACT THAT I TRAVEL 55 MILES A DAY TO WORK. AFTER PURCHASING THE FOCUS, MY GAS WORRIES WERE GONE. I DO APPROM. 300 MILES ON A TANK OF GAS AND I LOVE THE SLEEKNESS AND COMFORT OF MY VEHICLE. I WOULD ADVISE EVERYONE TO AT LEAST TEST THE FOCUS AND EXPERIENCE THE LITTLE ZOO-ZOO FOR YOUR SELF.

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  Ford - A car that is a mistake - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ford - fix - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a joke of a vehicle. My cousin bought a new Focus. From day one she had problems with this auto. During her first 1000 miles of driving the transmission needed to be fixed three times. At 1800 miles the battery failed. At 2700 miles - the brakes failed, yes at 2700 miles the brakes failed. Her dealer was useless. The zone representative was of no assistance. She will never buy a ford and I would never own one either.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By lakidafam - July 28 - 2:00 am

  i just love my car i always wanted one since i first seen one in 2000 when they first came now i have it i just love it

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  THE BEST IVE OWNED - 2004 Ford Focus
  By angichaos - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. I have bought 2 brand new focuses in the past two years. These cars are fun, fast and they look great.

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  Analyzing 2003 Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Richard - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I belive this is the best car yet. Ive been through many, and this ones the greatest thus far. Thank you, Richard Fulcher @ MawMaws52@aol.com

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  great car to own - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sr - July 28 - 2:00 am

  great car to own

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  My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LaraLynn - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Focus.....it is perfect for what I needed financially, economically and relistically. The back seat has planty of room to seat confortabely, and the front seat has plenty of leg room, even for my 64" boyfriend. I am impressed with its power and gas mileage, it does very well out on the open highway and on long road trips. I am very pleased with my purchase!!

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  My Focus... - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Candra - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Focus since October 2000. It gets good fuel mileage and if you take good care of your car, it will take good care of you.

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  Oh Yeah! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By beetle_chick_cj - July 28 - 2:00 am

  As a poor college student this car was my first choice. It is very economical (the price and the amount I save on gas). I recommend this car to anyone! It is very roomy inside and is extremely quiet!

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  Ill always have a ZX3 in my driveway. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By QueenBecca84 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My experience with a ZX3 2000 Ford Focus Hatchback 2 door has been really awesome. I fell in love once my eyes set on her. I have a really bad obsession with this car.