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 2261 through 2270 of 30,482.00-
Will not idle, along with other problems - 2002 Ford Focus
By paleblueeeyes - June 27 - 12:43 pmI bought in 2001. I didnt drive it for the first year. So I got 2 good year of driving before it just went down hill. just a few months after the warranty went out. The front springs started making horrible noises. CD player ate CDs. Replaced 4 years alternator needed changing. Engine has to come out to do it. $$$ 5 years it started doing this thing where it will not idle if you get out for five minutes after driving it for a short time. You have to wait 20 minutes to work or keep it idling at 1000rpm and drive it like a stander. I had everything under the hood changed and nothing helped. Still doing it 6 1/2 years later 10 1/2 years the alternator needs changing again DONE. Getting new car
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Loved it - 2000 Ford Focus
By travis25 - June 27 - 11:22 amI just want to start by saying i love my Ford Focus. Ive had the car for about a week, bought it used. I only have replaced very minor things such as the sway bar links, needs tires. But really the car is great, fun and easy to drive. I have heard all the "ohh its Ford" comments but really its a great little car, and great gas mileage!
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Computer not functional - 2012 Ford Explorer
By deb93 - June 26 - 8:04 pmThe computer system on the new explorer lacks the tactile functions necessary to safely drive the vehicle. I also drive a 2012 Infiniti. The Infiniti computer system permits BOTH touch screen functionality AND touch and click key strokes allowing the driver to feel that the commands have been accepted by the computer. Other car makes have figured this out. Also, the trip computer also freezes occasionally (2 times for me in 2 months), forcing me to pull over, turn off the car, and reset it. Ford needs to change these things asap.
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Good ride, Bad seat design - 2013 Ford Explorer
By ford_man2 - June 26 - 12:13 pmGreat driving SUV. Handles nice. BUT be Aware that in the "base" model that the passenger seat height is very low and non adjustible. Too low for anyone under 5-6" to see out of easily. Also too low for anyone over 5-8" as your legs are way up at chest level due to the badly designed "low rider" seat. Not supposed to happen in a $30,000 vehicle. Dealer suggest we get a "booster seat", what kind of answer is that?
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Car has issues and ford has too - 2013 Ford Explorer
By bpk - June 25 - 10:34 pmI bought a 2013 for explorer LTD. was very happy to buy my first new car. But, when I drove through wet weather, all the dirt and mud is getting inside lower portion my all doors. I guess the gaskets are missing or not properly aligned. I went to the dealer ship and was surprised to hear that "This is a common problem and that is how the ford has designed. You have to live with this." Who would like to see dirty doors every day when they open their new car. Atleast I am one of those. I called the Ford customer relations and all they had to say is they honor they dealers judgement. Wow...... They 1 of my tires blew and dealer didnt agree to honor the warranty & ford said the same as before.
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Good looking car, A/C and entertainment system not good - 2011 Ford Edge
By togden - June 23 - 8:22 pmGreat design, nice leather, great panaramic sunroof. Negatives: entertainment system lacking, radio volume either very low or too loud, no setting for in between. A/C lacking, either at full blast or too low, and blowing right on your or off. A/C resets to Low 60 degrees every time we start a new trip. What happened to resuming my desired settings?
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GOTCHA TRANSMISSION. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
By artii - June 23 - 7:15 amI loved this car till it had 6500 miles. Car started to act lke the choke was coming on when slowing: car would almost stall out at stops. Took it in for service. they said that was normalfor this yr model. They actually gave me printed "tech notice" saying this was normal!!! I went on a 300 mile trip gas mileage went from 41 to 35 mpg AND it now over revs to shift. 1st and 2nd fair but reves to 5500 rpm from 3k to down shift. also over revs to down shift when passing and you can feel 3,4,5, gears as a mush bal and takes about 2 seconds to shift. Dangerous on the interstate!!!!!
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This is a fun car! - 2009 Ford Focus
By thebrickyard - June 22 - 8:43 amI recently purchased a 2009 Ford Focus SES. It has 28k miles and is decked out - Sun roof, Sync system w/ bass speaker in the trunk, etc. Most of all, this car is FUN to drive! My previous used car was a 06 Mazda 3 Sport (not the turbo charged Speed, but the one just below it). That car had everything, I loved that car, but I can honestly say that my focus, even though its an automatic (my 3 was a manual b/c I like that), is more fun to drive. The transmission is quick to react, the engine is more powerful (even though its a 2.0, and my 3 was a 2.3 liter), and it takes turns better. I wasnt in the market for a Focus, but I am SOLD!
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Love this car!! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
By jessiccamiller - June 21 - 10:56 amI bought my 2007 Freestyle about a week ago with 79,000 miles. So far it is an amazing vehicle. It runs great, I have had no issues with surging and it has really good pick up. I know it has only been a week, but I am completely satisfied. It has tons of room for my kids and two large dogs. I absolutely love it!!
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Doh! - 2004 Ford Explorer
By honkalu - June 21 - 9:40 amPurchased @ 83,000 miles. Replaced the crank shaft pulley, now the radiator is leaking. After reading about other problems and shelling out over a grand in my first year of ownership, I am considering selling. Have an 2002 civic I have done nothing to with 130,000 miles
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