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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  Like no other - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Overjoyed - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a year and absolutely love it, still. With two kids its perfect for traveling. I looked at Toyota, Land Rover,GMC, Acura but pound for pound you cant beat Ford. I have all options except Nav & Autotrac. My only complaints are the bottom of the drivers seat wears on the edge from getting in/out of the truck and the brake dust (plan to get ceramic pads to take care of this) Mileage is only about 13.4 city and 14.5 highway but I didnt get this vehicle for the mileage. I will be pulling a boat in April and cant wait. Also plan on buying another in June 05 with Nav to replace it just for the heck of it.

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  As good as I expected - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By George Heimur - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I researched all of the SUVs and this one is the largest and most luxurious. Cheaper than others with more and better features. Bought on 4/30/2004. 2 small problems, One with an interior light and the other with the power seat getting stuck on occasion. Dealer has ordered part. Everything else is great. Mileage is what I expected about 12 around town and have seen 15.5 on the Highway. Car has 1800 miles on it and Mileage should improve especially on a long trip, Truck feels heavy Duty and luxurious

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  MY 2004 TRUCK - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JCAUTIVO - November 7 - 10:00 am

  HI!IM VERY SATICFICED WITH MY FORD I DONT EVEN MIND THE PAYMENT ON IT. THERE IS ONLY ONE PROBLEM THAT I NOTICED ON IT, AND THATS THE BRAKE DISKS THEY WORE OUT ON IT REALLY FAST, I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL!AND I HAVE SEEN ALOT OF TRUCKS WITH THE WHEELS ALL BLACK WITH THE BRAKE DUST, AND I MEAN BAD!AND THIS IS MY FIRST FORD I LOVED THE NEW STYLE THATS WHY I BOUGHT IT! AND NONE OF MY OTHER VECHICLES HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. WELL OTHER THEN THAT THE TRUCK IS LIKE ONE OF MY KIDS,I LOVE IT !!!!!!!

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  Fun, Fun,Fun - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Skreemin - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I own an 89 Saleen and I have to say that this pony has almost as much power and pickup. The suspension is impressive for a GT. I would however mention that they need to do something with the seatbelt. The clip always slides back through the guide and the guide is just a little too big. Overall if you are looking for some driving entertainment, try a "Screaming Yellow" convertible GT.

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  MINT CAR - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By goped2448 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  this is the BEST car u can buy its simply mint

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  Mustang Convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bpthurber - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun as hell to drive. I have a beautiful Red Metal Flake paint job, with white roof and white leather interior. Also have the Mach 1000 sound system. I get compliments constantly, "wow! nice car!"

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  Mach 1 Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Yellow - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! Best bang for the buck!

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  great cars - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By C.C B - November 6 - 6:45 pm

  best car I have ever seen

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  i love my freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By pARALEGAL34 - November 6 - 11:57 am

  Its a great van ,love the color ..the room is great also ..THANK YOU FORD !

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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Steve - November 6 - 11:16 am

  This is the perfect family vehicle. It has impressive performance, handling, style and room inside. My Edge performs better than anything in its class, gets great mileage and is solid. V-6 is Wards Auto 10 Best Engine. Large 2nd row seat with ample cargo room. AWD makes it even more stabile in the winter.