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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  most fun for the $$$$ - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jake mcBride - November 13 - 2:00 am

  After looking at AOLs Top Ten....one would have to agree that for the bucks...the Ford Mustang Convertible GT is by far and away the best bang for the buck!! It IS Americas Muscle Car!! Fun to drive, classic looks and power to spare. Nobody does the V-8 like Ford...it has that classic rumble that is subtle yet expressve, AND with a few AFFORDABLE add-ons this car will blow away cars that cost THOUSANDS more. Far and away the best value on the market. Americas car for 40 years strong...the Ford Mustang!

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  2004 anniversary edition mustang conv - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DebbieF - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love it! The appearance, style, performance are great. My original Mustang was a 66 convertible that was such a pleasure and so much fun to drive that I just had to have this anniversary edition. It is just as much fun to drive !!!

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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dbpumpkie - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I got into a car accident not to long ago, and my mustang is now gone! Its the hardest thing because I LOVED that car! Its a great car for any age! I always dreamed of having a mustang ever since I was little, and it truly is a great car. Not alot of room in the back, well at least if you are tall! But it is a great car to drive

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  best car ever - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mmiikkee - November 13 - 2:00 am

  the ford mustand gt convertiable is the best car ive ever owned and driven

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  fast car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By moose88466 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS NOT STOCK. I live in MN the home of the TCStangs.... We are the bigest group of mustangs in the twin cities area. My car has been turned into a Roush 2. All in all the base Mustang GT convt. is a good car but Im just the kind that likes loud pipes and fast cars.

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  Mustang, what a car. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Billy Bob Thornton - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I would fully recomend this car to anyone for not only a fun car to drive around in on the weekends with the top down, But also a fun car to drive everyday to and from work and for pleasure. Although this is not a family car it is a great starter car for the new driver in the family.

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  Fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By McDave - November 13 - 2:00 am

  What a great ride...I love this SUV...You have to go and drive one

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  lighting # 1 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 01 lighting - November 13 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN BUY AND DRIVE

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  best yet - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bobbyll - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 7 suvs and this is by far the best. It has features found nowhere else except in the Navigator and gets great gas mileage for a 5400 pound vehicle.

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  Incredible - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tek - November 13 - 1:50 am

  This car has excellent agility, a comfortable ride, quick acceleration, and very smooth shift.