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 18201 through 18210 of 30,482.00-
The Probe - 1993 Ford Probe
By chris - March 7 - 9:31 pmThis is a great first car. Never had a car that handled the track better that was 100% stock. GOOD car to race, FUN car to drive. Seems to last forever.
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Rating - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Tom - March 7 - 7:00 pmOnly had one problem with this vehicle.Only happened once; bogged down while going down highway. Pulled over - shut off engine - waited a couple of minutes and it started right back up and has not happened again since (months ago). Like the style and plenty of room in back seats for adults; the rear seat air conditioning is excellent. Recommend the hard cover option for the bed. Keeps items dry and helps gas mileage. I keep my foot in it and still get 20MPG highway.
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this car - 2002 Ford Escape
By matt - March 7 - 6:01 pmThis is quit possibly the worst truck Ive ever driven. The brakes are horrible. We had to replace the rotors at 32,000 miles. It handles like a barn on wheels. The CD changer went out and had to be replaced. The drivers window makes a horrible screaching sound going up and down. There are so many noises the dealership couldnt even figure it out for 3 months! The transaxle damper went out and it took Ford 4 months to get a part. Road noise is terrible and it eats tires. But its cute! I hate to say it but Ford could learn something from our foreign compitors. Oh yah DONT buy one!
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Awesome Car - 1995 Ford Contour
By Erin - March 7 - 4:10 pmWeve had our Contour for almost 7 years. CARFAX says it was a rental before we bought it. Aside from replacing the alternator last year, weve never had to have major repair service done on it. Rear-ended twice by people going 20+ mph with no real damage. Nice power, turns great, comfortable, decently roomy in the back seat for a small car. Decent gas mileage for its weight and age. We are thinking of selling it (we want a Hybrid) and I will be sad to give it up.
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One complaint - 2000 Ford Contour
By arcin69 - March 7 - 2:19 pmContour was a good car. Would have been great if they had trimmed it out the way it deserved. Needed more options and a nice interior. As a commuter car its been terrific. Going strong at 160,000 miles and still gets 31 mpg.
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Nicest ride in the truck catergory - 2002 Ford F-150
By don doane - March 7 - 12:12 pmI have owned many new for trucks and this has to be the town car of all of them. I have driven all the other makes that are compatible to this vehicle and none compare. This vehicle has performed flawless for us with no visits back to the dealer.
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Solid 97 Aerostar - 1997 Ford Aerostar
By 97Aerostar-Dad - March 7 - 3:31 amOther than a thermostat replacement, new brakes, and tires, this van has been trouble free for me for over 5 years.
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Very Surprised - 2010 Ford Escape
By Nick - March 7 - 12:10 amI decided to dive Ford another chance after years of driving different makes. I am pleased to say I am blown away. I purchased a base model (cheapie) and it has a TON of equipment already on it. The Escape handles well, is well put together (feels solid), has great power out of a 4 banger, and accommodates my 64" tall 350 lbs frame well with enough room to accommodate two car seats in the back seat! If you have not driven a Ford lately... DRIVE ONE!!!
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04 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
By Rob Trez - March 6 - 10:32 pmVery convenient vehicle with great towing capacity. Typical 5.4 liter is noisy and loves gas. Second Expedition I have purchased because of reliability and ease of operation. Family friendly easy to access third row.
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2004 Excursion with 6.0 powerstorke - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Kim W. Baldwin - March 6 - 6:13 pmPurchased this vehicle used with 21,000 miles. Bought it for the room and reliability of the diesel. To date the average fuel economy has been good at 18.7 mpg/average. Plenty of room and power. This vehicle has the dvd option that I would not have picked if the vehicle was not purchased used but found that the grandkids love it. So far no complaints.
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