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 13171 through 13180 of 30,482.00-
Love my Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
By flexdublin - March 16 - 6:33 amI just love my Flex. Got my Flex a short two weeks ago and people cannot stop talking about it at the gas station, the store, and work. People just love it and so do I. So much room and the ride is so smooth. If youre looking for a new car, drive the Ford Flex. You will love it .
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it just runs - 2000 Ford Focus
By Brian - March 15 - 2:31 pmI bought it new with 12 miles on it currently has 84,0000 miles and has never given me an expensive out of warranty issue, always delivers - very low maintenance.
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Best Vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2003 Ford F-150
By Ture fan! - March 15 - 12:18 pmI loved Ford and Harley Davidson for years and this truck is the epitome of performance and style in a truck. Anyone that has the opportunity and means to own one should take it. I love it and even my children will love it when I can give it to them.
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Excellent Escape 2001 AWD - 2001 Ford Escape
By matthew516 - March 15 - 9:27 amI have no complaints. My 01 Escape has almost 100k miles and everything is still in like new working order. Hardly any squeaks or rattles. The 4 wheel independent suspension and AWD make this SUV outstanding in all conditions. GOOD QUALITY!
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Performance - 2005 Ford Escape
By linda pico - March 15 - 6:26 amI just love the way my Ford Escape handles. I was a little disappointed that it didnt have cruise control as a standard feature; however, I am still very happy with my SUV.
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OK if you are not demanding - 2005 Ford Escape
By Jonathan Devens - March 15 - 3:06 am2005 Escape - itll get ya there, but if you are a "car" person, or have high standards, stay clear. CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP - interior is awful! And the price, while reasonable, is not as cheap as it ought to be for what you get. Exterior looks great, some nice features, but terrible interior. Also, auto transmission performs terribly - hesitating after shifting w/ poor overall shifting. All other operations are fine. I should have looked at the vehicle closer - I never knew they could make a dashboard out of a slab of rock hard plastic. Now I know!
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SVT!!!!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
By mrpolo - March 15 - 2:00 amThis car is pretty awesome. Especially for the money. The best "bang for your buck" out there today. The handling is superb and the power is great. Overall this is the best sport hatch out!
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Buyer Beware! - 2005 Ford F-150
By roadrider - March 14 - 10:04 pmThis truck has so many issues I dont know where to start. So rather than try to sum up my experience, I will advise anyone who wants to purchase a Ford go out and do some research first. I have replaced the front differential and axle assembly, drive shaft, ring and pinion gear assembly and now the clutches in the rear posi rear end. All under warranty at dealer and all common problems with this vehicle. I drive it like a car! Haul nothing pull nothing! BUYER BEWARE! GOING BACK TO TOYOTA.
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Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
By elijeremy - March 14 - 9:03 pmThe handling was much better than I expected, also it has a very smooth ride. I wish it had better fuel economy, but other than that a very great experience.
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2006 Ford Taurus SEL SDN - 2006 Ford Taurus
By Chief - March 14 - 8:02 pmAverage city highway mileage: 25.0 18,500 miles and will need to take into the repair shop for the wheels shaking at 45mph and above. Some pulling to the right. If youre 63 like myself, its hard to see the gauges. CD player only takes 1 cd at a time and for the price you pay they could give you the better radio. Seats are powered and go back and forth but no lumbar power. Add 6 way seat.
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