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 1171 through 1180 of 30,482.00-
fordmamma - 2002 Ford Escape
By smoochypoochy - September 16 - 2:00 amBought my Escape new in sept of 02. previously owned a 95 escort wagon (5 speed) with over 200,000 miles on it. just wanted a 4x4 for my commute in the snow. Wow! great little car in snow. handles well. Too bad it now has over 250,000 miles on it. looking for another manual Ford transmission. They seem to never give up. 4 cylinder engines lacks power, but didnt buy it for that. Only had oil changes and fluid changes. Totally recommend Fords. Just test drove a 97 toyota Avalon, not impressed. STICK WITH AMERICAN
-
First new vehicle - 2010 Ford Explorer
By sqwash53 - September 16 - 2:00 amAfter years of vowing to never buy a new car I decided it was time. Has close to 6000 miles on it with no issues. I live in Germany so its a monster over here but has no problem in the snowy winter here. Plenty of room for our 4 daughters and the sync is priceless. Drove it to Rome and was comfortable during the long drive. Just wish it got better MPG and had the option to get leather heated seats with the AWD. I love the exterior style (I hate cross overs)and the silver paint with black trim and 20" wheels complete the package. Id buy it all over again.
-
My ride - 2008 Ford Fusion
By Jonny - September 15 - 2:00 amPros- This car looks great and handles very well. With a 6 speed auto trans its not too bad on gas with a 3.0 in city i get about 22 mpg. Cons- Replaced Wheel bearing $300 bill at 38,000 miles and battery with two years of manuf. date, not too bad but they came at the worse time when money was very tight. Because money is tight i am selling my car but i hopes of one day owning another fusion this has been a fun, fast, sexy looking car from the start letting go is going to be one of the hardest things i do IF i can do it. I would highly suggest this car if youre looking for something all round these are here to stay. (did hurt my back at first tho) and the inside feels cheap
-
Check your transmission - 2009 Ford Escape
By Dana - September 15 - 2:00 amIn the beginning of the year I purchased a used 2009 Ford Escape from the Ford Dealership with 23,000 miles on it. About a week later I was on the highway and the rpm started racing and car wouldnt accelerate. Ended up bringing truck back to dealer because it happened a few times and was so unsafe. I hadnt made my first truck payment yet and they adv me I needed a new tranny. After doing online research there are a TON of people who had the same prob, while there is no official recall BE AWARE it is a widespread issue. It took 6 weeks to get the new tranny because they were back ordered. The truck is great now, but it really destroyed my confidence in the purchase. Guess its mine now.
-
Saving gas (and the planet?) - 2010 Ford Focus
By ridgerider - September 15 - 2:00 amAfter spending several weekends in rental Foci, I decided to "downsize" to a 2010 Focus. Nine months and 9,000 trouble free miles later, Im happy I did. The Focus is much quieter and smoother riding in its third generation, much like a mid-size car, only more nimble and easier on gas. Fuel economy was a major consideration in my purchase. Driven sensibly, the Focus gets about 20% better gas mileage than the EPA sticker. Ive been lucky in all my other vehicles to even match the EPA figures, let alone routinely beat them, so I am quite pleased. The trunk isnt massive but it is big enough, and the folding seat backs create a space big enough for my road bike.
-
Just keeps going - 1994 Ford Escort
By cracker - September 13 - 2:00 amI bought my escort in 2004 with 111.000 miles on it, currently has 172.000 on it and all i can say is it has been one heck of a car, some of my trouble areas was the pump in the transmission went out at 118.000 miles which caused the whole transmission to have to be rebuilt, which if i would have replaced the pump when it started whining it may still be original idk. the a/c and heat have stopped working, but other than that the car just keeps running, no leaks, doesnt use oil, i let the car set for 1 and a half years just got it back on the road a few weeks and runs as good as ever,no problems. but i really like my scort and would buy another one.
-
165,000 and running good. - 2001 Ford Explorer
By Fergus - September 13 - 2:00 amWe bought our this Exploder new and at 165,000 miles replaced the ball joints today. I replaced the thermostat at around 60,000, the brake pads around 110,000 and battery around 120,000. It has proven to be a very dependable vehicle. I have never seen it get less that 20 MPG and have seen it get as much as 29 MPG highway. I give some credit to Militec-1, as I have used it in all my vehicles since being introduced to it in 1988.
-
Ongoing brake problems - 2009 Ford Flex
By wtex - September 13 - 2:00 amIn one year Ford has tried to fix brakes 7 times to no avail. The make grinding and rubbing noises when applied. Locked up one time on my wife. This problem is also present in Lincoln and Ford models because they all share the same brakes according to service manager .
-
Bad deal - 2009 Ford Flex
By jam - September 13 - 2:00 amI bought the Managers Special with 4500 miles on it. Within 2 weeks the engine light went on. I have been back 4x and they hope they get it right this time. Right Caliper/breaks had to be changed. Gears rub between 3th and 4th, knocking in engine? No real good explanations they just keep blaming on modules and sensors. OH and the drivers seat making noises, they order parts, but are missing some. Have to bring it back again? OH car was in for service at 2300 miles when the Manager had it ( at least 2-3 x)!
-
2010 Fusion - Worth a look - 2010 Ford Fusion
By ronv - September 13 - 2:00 amI researched a lot and test drove about 6 other cars including Accord, Malibu, Mazda6, Altima. The car has great pickup with the V6. Seating is comfortable. Ride is very sporty without feeling every bump. The Sony audio system is great and the Sync voice-activation system is great once I figured it out. Storage space is sufficient. Fold down the rear set and you can haul an item over 7 feet long. Gas mileage is not necessarily as advertised. Im only getting around 14-15 MPG. But using the Flex fuel which is around 55 cents less than regular gas is a big plus. Rear leg room could be added as an improvement. But, overall I love this car.
-
Ford Aerostar 141 Reviews
-
Ford Aspire 71 Reviews
-
Ford Bronco 139 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Energi 36 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Hybrid 124 Reviews
-
Ford Contour 410 Reviews
-
Ford Crown Victoria 334 Reviews
-
Ford E-Series Van 1 Reviews
-
Ford Econoline Wagon 63 Reviews
-
Ford Ecosport 1 Reviews
-
Ford Edge 657 Reviews
-
Ford Escape 2,320 Reviews
-
Ford Escape Hybrid 335 Reviews
-
Ford Escort 835 Reviews
-
Ford Excursion 500 Reviews
-
Ford Expedition 1,452 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer 2,880 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport 207 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 560 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 3,032 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 Heritage 28 Reviews
-
Ford F-250 79 Reviews
-
Ford F-350 37 Reviews
-
Ford F-Series 1 Reviews
-
Ford Festiva 76 Reviews
-
Ford Fiesta 297 Reviews
-
Ford Five Hundred 569 Reviews
-
Ford Flex 299 Reviews
-
Ford Focus 3,280 Reviews
-
Ford Freestar 265 Reviews
-
Ford Freestyle 640 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion 1,419 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Energi 20 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Hybrid 266 Reviews
-
Ford GT 43 Reviews
-
Ford Mustang 3,414 Reviews
-
Ford Probe 258 Reviews
-
Ford Ranger 1,516 Reviews
-
Ford Shelby GT500 102 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus 1,954 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus X 88 Reviews
-
Ford Tempo 99 Reviews
-
Ford Thunderbird 667 Reviews
-
Ford Transit Connect 52 Reviews
-
Ford Windstar 915 Reviews