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 1941 through 1950 of 30,482.00-
F-150 beats them all - 2010 Ford F-150
By Darnell J - February 12 - 7:08 pmI just purchased a 2010 XLT Supercrew, I must say it is a very smooth and quiet running truck, even at highway speeds. The seats are very comfortable my wife and I are both tall so we enjoy all the room in this truck. The XM radio is the greatest. Thanks Ford, you made a winner this time.
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HAPPY FORD OWNER - 2009 Ford Fusion
By CALLEN - February 12 - 2:50 pmI have owned my Fusion exactly one year. I love the car and have not found one thing that I dont like about it. I t has the available Sport package, with 18" wheels and a unique spoiler which really adds class to it. Makes it look somewhat like a Lincoln. Has only been to the shop for oil changes.Am very happy that i purchased the car.
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Am awesome suprise - 2010 Ford Flex
By shawna - February 11 - 7:27 pmI had been test driving Tahoes and Youkons and accidentally found the Flex. I had test drove a used car and happened to look over and saw an all white flex. I asked my husband, if for kicks, he wanted to look at it and when we did we were in for a suprise at how much room it had. It had more room than any vehicle we had looked at. As soon as I test drove it and felt how smooth it was I was hooked. I LOVE driving it and I love the gas mileage. It fits our family of 6 very well!
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AWESOME! miss it greatly. - 1999 Ford Explorer
By Jay - February 11 - 4:41 pmVery comfortable, most reliable vehicle my family has ever owned. Around 20 mpg which is good. I rolled it on a gravel and completly destroyed it. Me and 4 friends walked out of the ditch with just bruises and a couple cuts. INCREDIBLE build quality. Definatly one of Fords best vehicles. Would buy another in a heartbeat.
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Not a Bad Stang - 2000 Ford Mustang
By Rainier - February 11 - 2:42 amSo i have 149,500 on my 5speed hunter green stallion. Everthing has been good up till 120,00, but come on with that high miles something is bound to go wrong!!! It still runs but it need a new clutch, Motor mounts, and a tune up. Over all ill keep this car forever!!!
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Best car I have ever owned - 2008 Ford Fusion
By crocky66 - February 10 - 9:49 pmThis car is amazing. It makes driving enjoyable. The handling is smooth and easy. The ride is quiet and comfortable. The extra features like synch and heated outside mirrors are very handy. This car shows that Ford is committed to improving their quality and public perception. I am getting better fuel economy than the epa ratings say you will. On the highway I am getting 32 mpg and overall its around 26 mpg. Adequate horsepower and torque for a family sedan along with style that I consider to be second to none in its class made this a no brainer for me. Very highly rated by consumer reporting agencies for excellent quality and reliability. Love my Fusion! Everyone compliments me on my ride.
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small comfortable smooth riding car - 1992 Ford Tempo
By shawn - February 10 - 9:07 pmThis car seems to a Nice small but comfortable car it rides smooth I just bought it last week from a individual person for $300 I think I got a great! Deal the body is in great condition and the interior is also in great condition I just dont like the fact there is no cup holders in this car and it has only 3 out of 4 cylinders working which makes it stall sometimes gas mileage is just ok! It goes like 20 to 25 mpg city type driving but I think it should go like at least 30 miles a gallon for a 4 cylinder the engine only has 82,000 plus miles on it and its quiet no engine or transmission problems so far and the heater is great!
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I loved my ford focus - 2007 Ford Focus
By FordGirlNY - February 10 - 6:43 pmI purchased a 2007 Ford Focus se in the summer of 2008 as my first car, and up until February 4th of 2010 it was the best car I had ever driven. Never gave me a problem, always started right up, and never left me stranded. I also drove it from Alabama to New York and back 3 times, and was planning on driving it back to NY again until it was totaled. I did have to replace my front rotors after the first trip to NY. I plan to buy another Focus with the insurance money. I paid 10 grand for it when I purchased it.
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Lovin it - 2006 Ford Escape
By GEB - February 10 - 5:48 pmAt 88k miles I love my Sonic Blu Escape. It has been everything I had hoped. Whether going confidently through snowy Pennsylvania winters, or carrying a canoe to a lake, or toting our college students stuff, or hauling yard/tree trimmings, it has done it all comfortably.
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Still loving that Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
By tom brinkley - February 10 - 5:27 pmI wrote a review after about 10000 miles on my 2006 Fusion SEL. I now have 55000 on this black beauty and my admiration for the quality of this Ford continues. The Michelins are rotated @ 10000 miles, the oil is changed @ 5000 (synthetiic blend). Thats it. Nothing else is required but to enjoy this fantastic machine. I want a 2010 Fusion Hybrid, but cannot part with this car. I know that lemons come in all brands, but Ive got a great ride, and still get that little surge of pride for going with the Fusion and not the Camry (which is having lots of press at this time for the recall.) Thanks, Ford.
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