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:
Showing 1161 through 1170 of 30,482.00-
Weak Transmissions - 1999 Ford Taurus
By Dan - November 21 - 1:32 pmI adopted the car from my mom which she bought it brand new. She always had it serviced by Ford for everything. The design of the front rotors are under spec for the car. Ford should have used bigger rotors. The rotors would warp very easy and would have to be turned or replaced. This is with factory rotors and good after market ones. The transmissions are known for problems with these cars. The trans oil pump failed when the pin broke and the differential had to be replaced. This is Ford short cutting the transmissions. Like I said, this is a known problem. The 3.0 Duratec motors are pretty strong, but a real pain to get to the back plugs, you have to remove the intake to get access.
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Not going to buy another - 2000 Ford Focus
By jspin77 - November 15 - 2:00 amMy wife loved the car for about a year and a half. Until all the problems. We ruined the rotors at about 15k miles. I guess that is my fault for not checking the brakes, but I have never had a car that ran through breaks before 30k. Since that we have had well over $2000 in the car in three years. It has left my wife stranded twice(which sealed the deal). Currently, it is still not running. Its not starting sometimes. We will see how much this one costs. I have a total of 60k mi. Mostly highway. Since replacing brakepads, they have lasted well over 40k mi. Many of the problems that I have had, are also happening on my fathers Winstar.
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Never again will I buy a Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
By Sthebkrman - November 12 - 2:00 amThe first thing that broke was the rack and pinion power steering system. I paid a $50 deductable for about a $1300 repair job. Then the transmission started shifting very roughly between 1st and 2nd gears. Ford said they replaced something but there would always be a little shutter when it shifts. They said this would have cost me around $2400 without the warranty. The whole van still shakes profusely when it shifts. Now the front heater temp. valve is broken and the engine light is always on. The right side elec. sliding door has never closed correctly. It comes unlatched after it closes. I have to close it manually. Chucks of plastic chrome coating have fallen off of the grill.
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Steer Clear! Lemon Alert!!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
By Donewithford - November 12 - 2:00 amExperience uncooperative dealers, and months in court litigating this Hecho in Mexico Focus! Motor blew with 619 miles on it, 3 fuels pumps, trim falls off, door locks broken, and eight recalls! Quality is NOT job one anymore! Not reliable, and I dont trust this car anymore.
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Transmision Woes - 2002 Ford Ranger
By fujiman_nb - November 12 - 2:00 amIm on my third, yes third transmission with this vehicle. I had approx. 1200 miles on it when the cap on the transmission cracked and leaked fluid. Ford replaced the whole transmission with a new one. 1000 miles later the same problem again. This time the dealer rebuilt the unit, $1624.00 in parts, and upgraded the cap. I should note that I was not the only one with this problem. Another truck came in the same day as I did with the original problem. They got the same fix and they were back within a week of my second repair for the samething. Gas mileage is poor poor. It is rated for 28 on the highway. I do nothing but highway driving and my average mileage is 20.4
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Nightmare! - 2000 Ford Taurus
By WSUgrad - November 11 - 6:29 pmI knew buying used from a private party could be risky, but it was a one-owner car with highway miles. Since owning, I have replaced 3 sensors (research the EGR pressure sensor issues on these cars- Ford only part & expensive!), the transmission failed at 104,000 miles, the torque converter failed shortly after, radiator sprang a leak, water pump died, the brakes eat through the pads and the rotors warp easily (Ford or after-market), oh and it is pretty thirsty for a six cylinder (one with a measly 150 horsepower, at that!) Overall the worst carI have owned of 4 over my years and the last of the "Big Three" I will buy, new or used! I should have bought a Honda or Toyota!
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A real lemon - 2002 Ford Focus
By Charles Zeller - November 10 - 11:05 pmMy experience with the Focus wagon was extremly bad very nice car but unreliable, was in the shop every other day begining on the first week of purchase. Electrical problems and front brake problems also including cooling problems which the dealer could not fix during warranty time.
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Okay used suv - 1993 Ford Explorer
By marcopolozx11 - November 10 - 11:00 amI just bought this Explorer for a winter beater, and so far so good. Fuel mileage really stinks though. I do roadside assistance for a living, so I really dislike the poor fuel mileage.
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Real class truck - 2018 Ford F-150
By Gary - November 7 - 3:28 pmSticker price,no price cuts
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98 2dr sport 5 speed 2WD - 1998 Ford Explorer
By hawc - November 6 - 1:41 amPurchased from a family member two years ago. Ive had to replace ABS speed sensor and both 02 sensors (FYI: if your ABS light is on in your Explorer then its about a 90% chance you just need a very inexpensive speed sensor which can be replaced in under fifteen minutes). The car has otherwise been reliable. Ride quality and handling are decent. Performance is lacking in the OHV 4.0 liter especially from a standing start. Its a lot of heft to get rolling afterall. Once your up to speed, performance is actually quite decent.
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