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 1691 through 1700 of 30,482.00-
Road legal ATV ??? - 2007 Ford Ranger
By SaskSaint - January 7 - 10:40 amBought new as my second Ranger. Loved my first one. I am a short fella 5.7" and this truck fits me great, with one exception. The drivers seat can be uncomfortable on long trips due to high front edge causing leg cramps. Running on cruise, when possible, greatly improves comfort. The engine is a jewel with great personality. Nice little truck off road, works well in tight places. Pulls my boat and wood trailer like nothing. I hear a lot of whining about fuel consumption and I am not too unhappy with mine. I have done as high as 26 mpg but average 22/24 on highway at 100k, or less. I would like a longer box option, say 7 foot , for hauling ATV as this little box is rammed full with a bike on.
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So far, Im pleased - 2008 Ford Escape
By mariposa7684 - January 7 - 8:37 amI bought my 2008 xlt used with 11k miles. After almost a year of ownership, Im happy with the overall performance. Nice and roomy with good visibility. Handling is smooth. Could perform better in snow--dont think the OEM continentals are so great. Had several warranty issues (leaking transmission fluid, defective CD player, stained seats) and they were all taken care of efficiently by the local ford dealership.
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best car - 2000 Ford Focus
By m011 - January 6 - 9:20 pmI love my 2000 ford focus, with over 100000km on it ive only had few problems. i love it. for a small car its big.
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Very Nice Small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
By JimmyD - January 6 - 8:05 amHave owned my 06 Escape for almost a year now. Great Vermont car - great in snow / bad weather. Had no problems until recently - had one ABS speed sensor go bad. The Ford dealer quickly diagnosed and fixed. Snappy performance with the 6 cyl, tows my 17 foot runabout boat without a problem. Roomy for a small SUV. OK gas mileage (22mpg). Seats very comfortable but stain easily (with just water). Ive steam cleaned several times. Scotchguard helps.
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Love it - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Alan - January 5 - 8:41 pmI bought this truck with 100 miles back in 2002 i have had 2 problems at around 112,000 miles the tranny went in 2008 then a few thousand miles later the alternator went besides that well maintained and runs great have about 128,000 and still trucking love my ford.
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Technical Service Bulletin - 2006 Ford Explorer
By cold - January 5 - 7:12 pmBought this for my wife last year with 50,xxx. Two weeks later had radiator leak. Lucky the dealership replaced radiator at no charge. Here it is less then a year later and radiator is leaking once again. Again lucky the radiator that got replaced had a 1yr warranty. Turns out 2006/2007 4.0L explorers have a tech service bulletin for a PCM (Power Train Module) update calibration. If you have a 2006 Explorer, Mountaineer or 2007 Sport Trac I would get this updated before you have to replace a radiator if you havent already. This TS bulletin was released 5/4/2009 so just a heads up to anyone having trouble with radiators leaking. $100 for software update or $$$$ for a new radiator.
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still going - 1999 Ford Escort
By rosa - January 5 - 3:46 pmBought this used, and now has over 200,000 miles on it, and still going strong, absolutly great gas mileage, but the ride is bumpy and noisy, but its basic and cheap transportation, moon roof is neat, body paint still shines, replaced thrmostat, timing belt, rods, battery, tires. will drive it til it dies.
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1999 Escort 4 Door LX - 1999 Ford Escort
By MacBob - January 5 - 2:11 pmBasic transportation with good gas mileage. Surprised at the cheap plastic trim that breaks easily. My Escort is basic model, 5 speed, with no P/W or Power Locks, but does have A/C. Good handling and decent performance from 2.0 L motor. * I chose this over buying ZX2 because ZX2 motor(Zetec)less reliable than this basic motor. If you can an obtain a used Escort for a good price, buy one. Otherwise buy a Corolla, Elantra, or comparible better car.
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not bad so far - 2005 Ford Focus
By Craig - January 5 - 1:55 pmI am the 3rd owner of this Focus wagon and bought it for mpg and interior space. Best mileage was 34 hwy and worst was 22 city mpg. I average about 27 mpg. Only problem was a rear door latch failed which was recalled and inspected long before I bought it. Ford refused to reimburse me and it cost me $350 to have it replaced. There are a few interior rattles, especially in winter.
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The BEAST! - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Raf - January 4 - 1:59 pmI bought a 04, Limited, Diesel Excursion. I LOVE IT!! YES the gas milage is bad and Yes it does turn like an aircraft carrier but I knew that going into it. I bought it to pull my 30ft travel trailer and my family of six down to Texas from Alaska. It did it with no problems!! I would recommend this vehicle to any large family (weather they had to travel or not).
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