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 22011 through 22020 of 30,482.00-
FUN FUN FUN - 2005 Ford Escape
By Rod Barajas - December 1 - 2:00 amI love my new 2005 Ford Escape...The front is cool looking and the interior is so fresh with the new floor shifter...I could not resist...I in the past thought the Escape was ugly...But for did a good job in redesigning this vehicle...I love the smart 4x4...It was a very good car to buy!
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Pretty good - 2003 Ford Escape
By Monifa Johnson - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car could be improved by Ford. I dont think they gave it their all.
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BigDs Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
By bigd1276 - December 1 - 2:00 amI love my Escape. Compared to my Mustang and my wifes Explorer it rides like a cadillac. Its well built and handled well in the snow. Love the power moonroof and 6 disc CD player. Only drawback is gas mileage. Averages 18 mpg and has a small gas tank(16 gallon)
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2000 contour - 2000 Ford Contour
By Tony1 - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car hasnt left me stranded have almost 53K miles. The 4cy w/ auto is good but the MPG could be better. The A/C sucks, I live in Phoenix, and during the summer the A/C has a hard time cooling the inside of the car down.
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Awesome performance - 2004 Ford Mustang
By dave4596 - December 1 - 2:00 amThe Mach1 has the performance of the days when cars were measured by horsepower and handling. Qwning a 73 Mustang I truly believed that Ford would never build a truly affordable muscle car again, but the 2004 Mustang Mach1 has restored my believe in Ford.
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What you dont see under that pony body - 2004 Ford Mustang
By Ryan Sparks - December 1 - 2:00 amWhen I bought this car I was in love with it and any other mustang fan would agree its absoutley beautiful yellow mach 1 but after the so called "new" wore off it started to rattle and every since about 10000 miles its gotten worse and worse by the day! as far as performance and reliability its a GREAT car!!! so if you are a true mustang fan like my self you wont mind it that much just turn up the radio or punch the gas and drown it out b/c even know it rattles its still a HOT A8SS car!!!!!!!!
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its a mini van! - 1995 Ford Windstar
By henry1971 - December 1 - 2:00 amits been good to me other than the tell tail head gasket going around the usual 100,000 mile mark, i did it myself and saved a bunch of money, i would not buy another older one though, it took me to freekin days to change the head gaskets, i would probably buy a newer one. gas hawg!
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Litter - 2004 Ford Focus
By Patricia Goforth - December 1 - 2:00 amI would like to see something put into the vehicle to accommodate a litter bag. I have hung one on the door handle on the front passenger side of the vehicle. This is not easy to use when driving. We have purchase a new Ford F250 which has a small hook in the center of the dash. Very nice and convenience. I also find it VERY hard to read the clock.
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great little car - 2004 Ford Focus
By kali - December 1 - 2:00 amlove it!!!!!!!! enough said
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Nice car to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
By Andy Tam - December 1 - 2:00 amHigh stability and spacious interior make Focus considerably better than competition. Fuel economy is not its better side but American market doesnt care about that much.
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