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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  ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By lisa a h - June 11 - 10:00 am

  fun truck for a family. I use it on our ranch

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  Expedition = top notch SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By roy mullins - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have been a manager at a Honda Mazda Nissan Suzuki dealership for 11 years. The General Manager for 3 years. I feel that I have a pretty good idea about automobile quality and performance. The Eddie Bauer Expedition is a level above almost any SUV on the market. We see them all and I have owned Porsche,BMW and have driven Lexus, Mercedes as well as most others. For the $$$ get the Eddie Bauer Expedition and you should be pleased.

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  2004 Expedition Eddie Baurer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Macnotere - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Auto reverse sensing mirrors are irritating as is easy exit seating. Transmission has made some loud bangs shifting into 4wd. Auto locks have pinched arms for both driver and passenger. Fuel mileage has finally reached 14 hwy in 2wd. Brake dust leaves front wheels black.

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  a great suv! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By rleet - June 11 - 10:00 am

  we love our new 2004 eddie bauer expedition. it is the perfect travel car. everything is very user friendly and useful. it drives and handles great. we are very happy with it. ford does make a great car.

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  fordexplorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kevin lacasse - June 11 - 10:00 am

  our first brand new suv has been a wonderful experience so far, only two weeks in the ownership though but looking good. the dealership i went thru was kind and courteous, thanks Lafayette Ford.

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  this is the best - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sandraleigh - June 11 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd explorer my first i bought was a 1995 and i bought it new it just like my new one never gave me a problum they are easy to drive and i feel safe and i feel safe carring my children.the new onedrives much smoother and is much larger inside i think...

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  Mystic power - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By the waz - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a mistic Chrome and I cant say enough about it. People stop me everywhere to talk about it. Vetts Camaros Birds all suck air when it comes to power. With a few minor adjustments this thing flys. This is by best far the nicest car that I have ever owned..... Keep up the good work SVT team.....

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  2004 Ford Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Parker - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang is an excellent car for the price. It gets good fuel economy, but has plenty of power for enjoyment.

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  Ford Reinvents the American Muscle Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By butchguy - June 11 - 10:00 am

  As a a guy who grew up in the 60s American cars have, for along time, been a major disappointment! It seems all the American manufacturers could produce was Japanese wannabes. Then enter the new Mustang! Wow! What a trip. Thats a real car. The sound of that thobbing engine and the rush at takeoff. Man thats a true Muscle car in the finest of American tradition. This is the first Ford bought in my family in three generations. So far it beats anything GM could even dream about. So long GTO and GP. This car even makes the old Corvette look kind of ordinary!

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  good job - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By tim anderson - June 11 - 10:00 am

  total performance is of a very high quality. design ad ride is very smooth.interior design and body style. colors are some of the best i have seen in years