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 20281 through 20290 of 30,482.00-
I would buy another one today! - 2003 Ford Escape
By Sarah - June 1 - 11:16 amI have owned my 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 for the last 5 years. We bought it used with about 90,000 miles on it. Now I have only put 30, 000 on it myself, but it has been a great little truck for my family. It fit two carseats comfortably in the back, with easy access to them through the side doors. The drivers seat is comfortable and adjustable. My only issue was the placement of the ignition keyhole. My husband replaced the battery with a great cold-start one early on, and it has started every single time in cold Ohio winters. He did the brakes regularly, and the only other issue we had was with the coil packs. Once we replaced those, the car ran perfectly. It handles easily and feels very small compared the the mini-van we just had to invest in. I am looking forward to owning one again someday!
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I like my Escape... - 2004 Ford Escape
By Cindy Sykes - June 1 - 2:00 amso far, so good, just 6 months together.
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My second car - 1999 Ford Contour
By Jamie725 - June 1 - 2:00 amI bought this car in August of 2003 with 41k miles on it. Overall, I am very satisfied with it. ery good handling car, couldnt ask for any better. It meets all my needs as a student and doesnt break my bank account.
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I LOVE this car! - 2003 Ford Taurus
By delsinger - June 1 - 2:00 amIve only had this car for about 1/2-year but it has totally exceeded my expectations. I never expected to get a family car that was so comfortable, dependable and still visually appealing with a lot of features for such a small price. ($10,995 for an SES with 14,000 miles) We recently started looking at other cars in the same class for my husband but nothing has come even close to the value of the Taurus. A dealer offered us a 2003 Sebring which was a tight squeeze, not as visually nice and with less features with 14,000 miles on it for $17,000. We bust out laughing. Wed buy another Taurus instead and use the money we saved to pay off the first one!
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I like this car - 2002 Ford Focus
By triangle - June 1 - 2:00 amAfter 22,000 miles I finally admit to myself: I am in love with this car. At first I was I was a little disappointed with the gas mileage. 25 miles / gallon on highway is not that much. But this is getting better as the car gets more experienced. In average over 22,000 miles the car is at 27,5 miles / gallon now tendency rising. The reliability was not an issue. All I had to do was to change the oil every 5000 miles. But the best about this car is the ride. Smooth. The best car I ever had. Excellent cornering speed, quiet ride, and macho acceleration if needed. It is a small car, but for me: long commute, usually alone, this is the car.
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the best car ever - 2004 Ford Mustang
By dns - June 1 - 2:00 amawwome car..vvveerry powerful!!!! sweet looks, relaibale, ok milage the best car iv ever bought!!!
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bring it - 2004 Ford Mustang
By SHAKR - June 1 - 2:00 amGreat car, lots of power, awesome looks, and a growl from the pipes that will make other drivers think before they mess with ya.
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AWSOME TRUCK - 2004 Ford F-150
By logger - June 1 - 2:00 amI have owened several new trucks but none of them compare to this one so far. It handels great & rides exalent. It also looks great.My last four trucks have been dodges because of interior desing & qaulity.Ford fially got it right!
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best for the money - 2004 Ford Explorer
By david massucci - June 1 - 2:00 amnice ride and handling for a sport utility that can double as a pleasure vehicle and tow vehicle.
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quality is not job one - 2004 Ford Explorer
By RoyAllen - June 1 - 2:00 amThings started trim items started falling off after a month,the car squeeks all the time from the springs,door cjecks keep loostening up.Cant wait for the doors to fall off,whats next.Oh and by the way the linkage got so loose,that I cant go from drive into park,without stopping at reverse.
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