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 2511 through 2520 of 30,482.00-
Beware Ford Tauruses--Transmission issues! - 2005 Ford Taurus
By meh123 - January 17 - 8:47 pmI have a 2005 Ford Taurus, currently in the shop with transmission out. I have also owned a 1996 Ford Taurus which had to have the transmission replaced twice. The 2005 also had a transmission issue that cost 1,000 to replace. I will have to buy a new car because this transmission will cost 4,400. I will never buy another automatic Ford again. Only plus is that it has a VERY sturdy build and is comfortable to drive.
-
Not just another F150 - 2008 Ford F-150
By jbeloff - January 17 - 5:10 pmI have owned a 2003 4x4 f150 extended cab since new. It was really difficult to justify what I perceived as the perfect reliable pick up truck. I did know that I always wished I had purchased a crew cab but for my construction purposes and need for the 6.5 bed. the extended cab would be fine. 8 years later it was time for a change. The newer crew cabs with the 6.5 bed were to long and therefore searched successfully for a well maintained 08 F150 Lariat (loaded enough) w/ 6.5 bed and 60k miles. I figured most reviews I read were from satified drivers with 100-200K on their trucks. Wow, if it performs anything like my 03 then I am one fortunate owner.....IT WILL!
-
Transmission Cooler - Again! - 2008 Ford Escape
By lacynic - January 17 - 9:23 amI purchased my 2008 Ford Escape in Jan 2009 used. I never had a problem with it until Nov 2011 when I had to pay $900 for a new transmission cooler. Come to find out Ford had a recall on this until Aug 2010 and I was never notified! After calling Ford repeatedly they were no help at all! Today is Jan 17, 2012 - my car is back in the shop for the same problem! Way to go Ford for backing up their customers! Last Ford I will own. Getting it fixed and selling it for a different brand!
-
I cant believe I bought a Ford! - 2012 Ford Explorer
By molvaro - January 15 - 3:13 pmIve always had an import vehicle... high end SUVs.. IE Lexux RX 350.. Audis... etc... My wife was looking to upgrade her 08 RX 350.. as we have 2 kids and were looking to get something with more space.. but the luxury of the lexus... Someone suggested the Ford Explorer.. and Ive driven the old ones and thought they were terrible... then came the new redesign.. WHAT AN AMAZING VEHICLE... Quiet, Comfortable, Luxurious.. just an amazing longterm vehicle.. The test drive and features will sell you in a heart beat if your apprehensive and buying a domestic, WELL DONE FORD, WELL DONE.
-
Towing vehicle only... - 2004 Ford Excursion
By skierrick - January 14 - 7:59 pmBought this vehicle to tow a 32 ft trailer 8500 lbs over the east coast. Was getting 7mpg with a 2005 expedition, went to 17mpg on the excursion. Did have to replace the turbo, the injector 8 and a starter. But its the only 4x4 diesel suv on the market. If the truck survives a year, without more problems, Ill probably have it until the frame dies.
-
Exactly what I expected - 2011 Ford Escape
By ml500owner - January 14 - 11:27 amI have the base model 2WD, 5 spd. manual. So far no problems. It has been excellent for going back and forth to work and some highway driving. It is comfortable to drive and has good power. I get 24.5 MPG in town according to the car computer and 23.5 when I calculate myself. Either way better than a lot of SUVs.
-
Still lookin good - 2011 Ford Fiesta
By baron_bodissey - January 13 - 8:04 pmAfter 16 months and 15,000 miles, Im still happy with my 2011 Fiesta SE with 6 speed auto tran. This was after an 18-year love affair with 1992 Mustang LX 5.0, so you can imagine the culture shock of a 1.6L, 120hp engine. In almost a year and a half I have had exactly one problem with the Fiesta -- a rear window weatherstripping came loose. The Fiesta is a slug off the line -- 35mpg in town makes up for that -- but once revs build it becomes downright zippy, it holds Interstate speeds just fine, and really likes corners. The auto transmission is quirky but most of the time is fairly smooth. The interior and exterior are in good shape so far. Oh, the clock is 2 minutes slow -- always.
-
Take My Ford, Please - 2011 Ford Explorer
By takemyexplorer - January 13 - 6:36 amBuyer Beware!!!! Ive never written a car review, but I felt compelled after purchasing my 2011 Ford Explorer. Let me start off by stating that I had leased 5 Explorers through my old job prior to purchasing my supposed new and improved 2011 Explorer. What a waste of time and money. Ive owned the car for less than 7 months and its already been in the shop 8 times. Lemon Laws do not apply because Ive had 5 different problems and did not have the same problem more than 4 times until I had already driven over 12,000 miles. Do not buy this car until they work out all of the "kinks."
-
2010 F150 XLT 5.4 4X4 Red - 2010 Ford F-150
By rdevs - January 12 - 9:47 pmJust bought the truck a few weeks ago with 16,000 miles on it. Was a rental and was a little nervous but paid trade value, warranty is still good for another 4 years, and not a dent on it or interior wear. Love the truck so far and have not a single problem with. Around town I get about 14.5 mpg and on the highway 16.5-17 mpg. More then enough power but down shifting can be very touchy and violent and up shifting is sometimes slow and not crisp but its not really a big deal. The interior is unreal with the amount of space. Seats are very comfortable and the sync system is great. I cant stop driving this thing and I cant wait to put some money in some performance mods to open her up.
-
Great First Car - 1999 Ford Escort
By tkhan86 - January 12 - 9:15 pmThis was my first car, bought it at 40K miles for about $3K. Best purchase Ive ever made to date. My father regularly changed the oil and we took it for regular check-ups. Had to replace the alternator once, and had to replace the breaks & heater at about 100K miles (this was probably more due to the fact that when I was younger, I was a bit excessive with my acceleration and subsequent breaking). Aside from those two things (and the occasional windshield blade needing to be replaced), this car has been incredible. I ran it pretty hard (to and from Virginia for four years) and I think it has lived a VERY full life. Ill miss my ford.
-
Ford Aerostar 141 Reviews
-
Ford Aspire 71 Reviews
-
Ford Bronco 139 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Energi 36 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Hybrid 124 Reviews
-
Ford Contour 410 Reviews
-
Ford Crown Victoria 334 Reviews
-
Ford E-Series Van 1 Reviews
-
Ford Econoline Wagon 63 Reviews
-
Ford Ecosport 1 Reviews
-
Ford Edge 657 Reviews
-
Ford Escape 2,320 Reviews
-
Ford Escape Hybrid 335 Reviews
-
Ford Escort 835 Reviews
-
Ford Excursion 500 Reviews
-
Ford Expedition 1,452 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer 2,880 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport 207 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 560 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 3,032 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 Heritage 28 Reviews
-
Ford F-250 79 Reviews
-
Ford F-350 37 Reviews
-
Ford F-Series 1 Reviews
-
Ford Festiva 76 Reviews
-
Ford Fiesta 297 Reviews
-
Ford Five Hundred 569 Reviews
-
Ford Flex 299 Reviews
-
Ford Focus 3,280 Reviews
-
Ford Freestar 265 Reviews
-
Ford Freestyle 640 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion 1,419 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Energi 20 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Hybrid 266 Reviews
-
Ford GT 43 Reviews
-
Ford Mustang 3,414 Reviews
-
Ford Probe 258 Reviews
-
Ford Ranger 1,516 Reviews
-
Ford Shelby GT500 102 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus 1,954 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus X 88 Reviews
-
Ford Tempo 99 Reviews
-
Ford Thunderbird 667 Reviews
-
Ford Transit Connect 52 Reviews
-
Ford Windstar 915 Reviews