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 25961 through 25970 of 30,482.00-
I give it a 10!!! - 1995 Ford Aspire
By Annie Buchmiller - September 9 - 2:00 amI am the second owner of my 95 Ford Aspire, and I LOVE it! I have only had routine maintance on my car, oil changes and such. I have 133k miles on this bad boy and it is still going strong. I will drive this until it dies. I have just been looking around at vehicles so I will know what I want when the time comes and I do belive it will be a KIA, Aspires are made by KIA. I just cant say it enough I LOVE MY KIA!
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Dependability - 1994 Ford Tempo
By annie - September 9 - 2:00 amI have owned 2 tempos and I have thought both were very good. I never had to worry if it was going to start in the winter. A little cramped, but what small car isnt.
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Spoiled me - 1990 Ford Ranger
By alsome4u - September 9 - 2:00 amI purchased it from my father in 93 and since then its had some body blows but continued to run smooth and and quite. It now has 193,000 miles on it. The only continueing issue is its valve cover seals keep breaking.
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First Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Joe Beale - September 9 - 2:00 amPlenty of pulling power for towing 35 travel trailer. Milage for a vech. of this weight is execellent. 16 to 18 mpg hwy. Very few problems have been encountered.
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Good Utility - 2001 Ford Focus
By berne1 - September 8 - 5:36 pmI was specifically looking for a wagon. Would have gotten a Civic if they had offered one. This car has a surprising amount of cargo room!
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Beware- Ford drastically changed their front seats - 2016 Ford F-150
By RSW - September 8 - 7:19 amSo it was time for a new Ford. This would have been my 4th F150 in so many years. What is the #1 reason I stick with ford trucks? The big comfortable captains chairs that everyone likes. Plenty of long range comfort, etc. So I test drove the new 2016 F150 (Lariat), fully loaded. First impression, the seats were considerably firmer than my 2014. Very stiff. Almost like Ford decided to be more "sporty" instead of comfy. Within 5 minutes my lower back was uncomfortable. Why? because the seat design has built in lumber. Oh its "adjustable" but even at its lowest setting, it has massive lumbar built in. I cant begin to describe my disappointment. Ford took the best thing about their trucks and decided to go sporty. The seats are smaller, and plainly less roomy and well.......big. Way to go Ford. Just lost my business.
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2006 Explorer XLT - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Bruce - September 8 - 3:46 amMy wife and I have been looking for an SUV for the past several months. We found that the Explorer had the best bang for the buck for a midsize and the 3rd row seat option is very nice. For the price we couldnt beat it and weve been a GM family for years. We were most impressed with how comfortable and quiet the ride actually is. Im not sure why people who complain about the interior still bought one anyway? Why spend the money on something you dont like? We love the new interior styling. It was a selling point for us.
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ok - 1993 Ford Explorer
By Carl Pluchino - September 8 - 2:00 amVehicle is quiet quick and responsive interior comfort with leather seats and easily read instrument panels makes it a pleasure to drive
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explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
By tripp - September 8 - 2:00 amgood, fun to drive, good for mudridin, but older the car, the more things that happen bad to it
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Good All-Around Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
By lashaw1002 - September 8 - 2:00 amPurchased used for family vehicle. Towed small fishing boat with no problems. Decent gas mileage for large truck. Very comfortable ride, interior fit and finish very good. Absolutely no mechanical problems, no repairs done in 2 1/2 years other than routine maintenance.
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