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 12061 through 12070 of 30,482.00-
This Car Is A Lemon... - 1994 Ford Taurus
By poofusnoof - August 31 - 8:30 amI got this car in 01, and its been nothing but trouble since we brought it home. We took it for a test drive..all seemed well, then we brought it home, and after you stop, and press the accelorator nothing would happen, and then your tires would squeal, and your off. We got the transmission rebuilt twice and looked at again, it still jumps BEFORE and AFTER you stop. PLUS I had to fix both shocks AND struts, Radiator, Water Pump, Motor Mount,Thermostat, Muffler, And for some reason the only power window that works is the drivers side, and the power locks dont work unless you press the lock button really fast, at least 12 times. Theres alot wrong with this car, But I Dont have room to list it!
-
the most bang for your buck - 2005 Ford Focus
By Mike - August 31 - 8:03 amObviously the Ford Focus isnt a luxury model. You get what you pay for. But I purchased a 2005 ZX2 SES om July of 05 (the day before Ford decided to do employee pricing). I also added the upgraded sound system, side impact air bags, and moonroof ... I paid $13,150. I believe that dollar for dollar you get more for your money that Toyota or Honda. Remember you are paying premium price on those two cars because of reliability. Ford has worked out the kinks and I believe its not worth paying an extra $6,000 for a Honda just because a Ford MIGHT break down and a Honda MIGHT not.
-
Great Mid Size SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
By Chris - August 30 - 10:33 pmHave had my Explorer for just over 3 weeks now and just love it! I have had Ford Trucks for about 18 years and wanted something with more room. It drives so much nicer than a truck and I find myself alot more comfortable in the Explorer. I love the chrome both inside and out and feel that Ford made some great choices on the interior. Sure the rear headrests are big but I just fold them down and have no problem seeing out. The V-6 is fine for me since I dont plan on hauling anything and the ride is nice and smooth, handling is great! The Explorer is built solid and has a great design with quite a bit of room inside. Im lovin it! and feel you would also...
-
Expedition all the way! - 2007 Ford Expedition
By Nardjordan - August 30 - 3:07 pmI owned a 1999 Expedition XLT and I loved it. Put 170K on it. Sold that one and got a new 07 XLT. All I can say is I love it. The ride is smooth. The engine is more powerful. The braking distance is great. It is just a nice vehicle all the way around. Ford has done a good job on this one.
-
First time Ford SUV owner - 2008 Ford Expedition
By Scott - August 30 - 12:44 pmWe switched after two Tahoes and 2 Pathfinders. The final decision after reviewing MB GL, Chevy Tahoe, GMC, Range Rover Sport, Nissan and Infiniti, and Toyota was this loaded Expedition Limited. The big factors: Design, navigation nystem, folding 3rd row, interior finish, tow package,... At a lower price than anything the competition could offer. My wife is the primary driver and loves it already!
-
All AAAAAAs Here! - 2006 Ford Mustang
By kmparry - August 30 - 4:50 amThis car has been everything I expected and so much more! Drives so smooth and tight yet quick off the line. A real head turner wherever I go. This is the return of the muscle car at its best!
-
If The Car Fits, Wear It - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Slider7 - August 30 - 12:16 amI purchased mine last July. I have just over 9,000 miles now and it has never been back to any dealership. Two synthetic oil changes and one air filter. Most comfortable and reliable. The only reasons Id buy new!
-
The Honeymoon is Over - 2003 Ford Escape
By juniper jenny - August 29 - 10:23 pmI purchased the car used with low mileage. I felt very safe driving it and it was a fun car to drive. It had a very loud ride. I paid a lot of money for new tires to make the ride quieter. Ive replaced numerous belts on the car and an alternator in 2005 right after my warranty ran out! The car has had 2 recalls in 2 years too. At 63,000 miles the tranny went. I owed $7,000 on the car and a new tranny was $4,000. Ford gave me a great deal on a trade-in and now Im trying out the Explorer!!
-
Ford 500 Limited AWD at 125K Miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By pkfloydlvr - August 29 - 8:52 amThis car has been dependable and almost bullet proof. Will likely drive to 225K miles or more. Transmission - I have the CVT transmission and service every 60K miles as per schedule. No issues at all. Local dealer shared stories of failed CVTs, but poor/late or no service led to problems/failure. Dealer has some fleet cars approaching 300K without CVT issues. Brakes - The weakest system on the car, IMHO. Replaced brakes at 18K (warranty) and 32K. Recall took care of rear brakes. Went to aftermarket brakes and rotors and harder compounds. Longer life, but poorer performance. Currently getting about 65K on brake sets. Ride - Original suspension.
-
Best car yet - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
By tim - August 29 - 7:55 amI have a black 1996 T bird 4.6 v8 moonroof tinted windows. the first time I seen it i knew it was special. I paid $500 for her spent $1800 to bring her up to standards (brakes etc) the last owner didn,t really know what he had. I ve had her for bout 1 yr now and have not had one problem. I love the car. The leather interior needs some work. I think this is the one that is going to get some money into. I plan a complete and through rebuild with a little more hp. Shes a keeper. Good job Ford
-
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