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 28431 through 28440 of 30,482.00-
Good Performance, Fun to drive SUV - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Dani B - August 24 - 6:03 amI love my Ford Escape hybrid, it looks great, is fun to drive, and gets pretty good gas mileage. I usually get around 28-30 mpg, and I am usually in the 28 range. I wish the gas mileage was a little bit better. The inside is nice and it is a solid car.
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Better than expected - 2003 Ford Focus
By 2focused - August 24 - 12:46 amLots of fun to drive, good mileage and great handling with the SVT suspension I Installed for $325 and 6 hours labor.
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I love this SUV! - 2005 Ford Escape
By Auggie Wood - August 23 - 5:33 pmThis is my first SUV and my first American made car and I just love it. I agree with the other reviews that there is a lot of brake dust on the front wheels, but that means the brakes are working well, so I am fine with cleaning them often. I averaged 260 miles with in town miles on my first tank of gas. It is practical, affordable, and stylish and surprisingly comfortable. . .I was expecting more of a bumpy ride since I have always driven a car, but the crossover for me was great!
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Focus Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
By GaryL88 - August 23 - 10:00 amBought a used Focus Wagon with 11K miles on it. Previous owner had put on 4 new Goodyear Eagle Aquatred3 tires on it at 7K miles. Now I have 29K on it and have chewed this set of tires - uneven wear. Anyone else have this problem? Yes, I had the alignment checked and rotations done.
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Good Review - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By stationaryengineer - August 23 - 10:00 amThe only complaint I have is the idler pulley keeps squeaking, even after replacement. Other than that Iam very happy with the vehicle.
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my car - 2002 Ford F-150
By corey18 - August 23 - 10:00 amit is fun to drive because it is fast.
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What a blast!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
By william - August 23 - 10:00 amMy first car in 1979 was a 65 Mustang coupe my dad sold to the little old lady that I purchased it from new. I debated on whether or not to spend my money on vintage or new but not for long once I drove the new. This car is pure joy to drive around town and on the open road. Go 5 speed (I live in city and its no big deal.) Only use 1st occassionally, normally starting in second (try it).
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Great design by Ford - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Meatwaggon - August 23 - 5:16 amI ordered this vehicle back in June of 08, and picked it up in October. I have to say this vehicle is a blast to drive once you learn how to coax the electric drive into action. I really like how this car can sneak up on people in electric mode and make them turn heads as you drive past them at 30-40 mph with only the sound of the wind and the tires on the ground to cue them in to the fact that theres a car nearby. So far I havent had any reliability issues, the car delivers the promised mileage, and the features that I got on this vehicle have all been very satisfactory and helpful (Nav system, step bars, cargo rack bars). The interior design is however a bit clunky.
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Average SUV Should have more bang for the buck - 2017 Ford Escape
By Andy Sizemore - August 23 - 4:32 amCouple of things. You should test drive one very extensively. Discovered on a rainy day after getting the 2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with the 1.5 EcoBoost , the 4WD system makes a horrible noise from the rear when in tight turns, thought the car had broken an axle on my third day of driving. Then on a dry day it basically went away. Ford said this was normal. Should have gotten the 2.0 engine. The 1.5 is extremely under powered. The SE is basically a "Enterprise Rent a Car" version with very little features compared to the Titanium Trim Level. Has the 200A package, which isnt much for the money spent on this SUV. Controls are easy to reach, and the instrumentation is about normal for SUVs these days. Gas mileage is awful for such a small engine even leaving the Auto Start and Stop engine control on. I guess the 1.5 Turbo has to work so hard to move the car it eats gas. Can barely get 13 gallons in the tank from empty, and as I do a lot of interstate travel in a multi state job position, I am constantly having to keep track of where a gas station is between towns. Hope this thing gets better over time, but I am not thinking that will be the case. Not impressed with this vehicle after all of the hype. Will most likely look at some other vehicle when it is time to turn this one in. Not being mean about the car, just being honest. This is an average car, The best thing Ford could do with this car is two things: 1) Put a real 4WD system in this car and get rid of the Intelligent 4WD System, then you may have a hit on your hands, 2) I dont see the 1.5 Turbo staying around long. The fuel economy hype is just not there to support downgrading to such a smaller engine in hopes of saving fuel and producing better fuel economy numbers when it just doesnt happen by giving up "sooooooooo" much performance compared to the 2.0 Turbo. Actual fuel economy is so close on these 2 engines, yet the 1.5 is so under powered its almost a joke. Ford expects you to buy into the hype that the 1.5 is going to save you a ton of fuel operating costs. Sorry folks, it doesnt.
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New GT... WOW! - 2006 Ford Mustang
By PM Escala - August 22 - 4:36 pmMy first car was a 1967 Mustang and ever since then Ive been waiting for one to exceed it -- I found it! This 06 is the best car Ive ever owned. Ive had two Lincolns and a Cougar, but this GT just blows them out of the water. The design is great, features are basic and appropriate, and being a tall person (65") I have enough head room and leg room. Now, theres very little if no room in the back seat, but who cares? This car is all guts and glory; everything a Mustang should be. If youre looking for a touchy feely type of car, keep looking. If you care about gas mileage, this isnt the car for you. If you like speed and performance, BUY THIS CAR!
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