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 3461 through 3470 of 30,482.00-
My 94 Probe SE - 1994 Ford Probe
By Jamie - October 13 - 2:00 amMy husband bought me this car a couple of weeks ago, and so far I love it. It has 137,000 miles on it but has been maintained very well. I have had no problems at all with rust on the sunroof or anywhere else. All electronics in the car still work including the electric sunroof and windows and keyless entry and also the A/C and heater.. Its fun to drive and fast enough (though it could be a lot faster). It gets decent gas mileage but it drinks a lot if you have to drive mountains. The exterior is beautiful, garage kept (where itll stay). It doesnt look like a 1994 model car and I think if maintained well I can get 100,000+ more miles out of the car.
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Love My Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Love this Car!!!! - October 13 - 2:00 amThis is an outstanding vehicle. The overall quality is excellent and the comfort is superior. We have had our Flex for a year and a half with absolutely no problems. The sync system and Sony stereo are great especially the IPOD USB connection as well as the cell phone interface. We moved about a year ago and I could not believe the amount of room in this car. I kept putting box after box in and it still took more. The heated front and rear seats, the console refrigerator and the head and leg room make this car the best on long trips.
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Follow up review on an excellent ride - 2007 Ford Focus
By lilboyracer - October 13 - 2:00 amAt 37k miles a f/you review: I love this car. In fact I catch myself thinking of upgrading to say a 335i or something and then going. Nah. Im keeping this at least till a 100k miles since it is so good to drive. It has been very reliable with only normal wear items brakes/tires needing replacement. Quite easily one of the most underrated cars out there and tremendous handling/steering and overall fun factor. The gearbox is now well bedded in and butter smooth. Fuel economy is the only negative but is more because this car encourages hooligan driving. I wring it out and it gives me about 21 mpg. However-drive properly and on a long cross-country trip I got a steady 35 mpg.
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Loving my mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
By bedbug - October 13 - 2:00 amonly had this about 2 weeks this is the first ford mustang i have owned, so far everything is great. love letting the top down and cruising around town
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Steering wheel controls - 2007 Ford Edge
By Rick Jas - October 13 - 2:00 amPurchased this vehicle used and tried to take in for a the steering wheel controls not working properly. The Volume control changes channels and increases volume when you try to reduce volume. Also the seat belt recoil is so strong it has created dents in my door panel. All in all its a good car but minor simple issue Ford still has an issue with. They need to spend more time on the minor issues that frustrate consumers constantly. BTW - I was 12 days past my warranty and they refused to work with me. Make sure all take the cars in at the end of warranty to address none advertised warranty issues. My car had a list that will now not be covered.
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As Advertised - 2011 Ford Fiesta
By Thomas McGill - October 13 - 2:00 amI was in the market for C size car but decided to give the Fiesta a go. After test driving I knew I was going to buy one. No longer does "cheap featureless small American car" have to go together. Acceleration is more than adequate. Braking and handling is great, quite a bit better than expected. I have little need for cargo space, but I could see how others may be turned off by the fact the seats dont fold flat. This is a well rounded car that small tweaks will make it even better. I dont recommend this car in city stop and go, fuel mileage will be at the bottom of the range and it is rough if you just try to roll. If you do anything else (I live in a suburban/rural area, its great)
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Fiesta everything I expected - 2011 Ford Fiesta
By JDF - October 13 - 2:00 amIve been watching the development of the North American Ford Fiesta for some time now. Europeans love Fiestas, and they are a tough customer to please. They have many fine sub compacts to choose from and the Fiesta leads the pack. I was afraid the Fiesta might suffer in translation to America, but it didnt. There is nothing about this vehicle that I find fault with. Yes, some accommodation must be made for its small size, but the front-seat passengers will find it as comfortable as almost any other car of any type. The same is true of its super-efficient engine. Its not a Mustang, but it will keep up with traffic just fine. The better than advertised mileage Im getting is a big plus.
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Great truck - 2009 Ford F-150
By TReilly85 - October 13 - 2:00 amI bought a 2009 F150 super crew about a year and a half ago. I really enjoy the truck. It has a 4.6l engine with a 3.73 rear axle. I tow a 30ft travel trailer that weight 9000 lbs and to my surprise i was able to tow with no problems upstate NY. One thing i did add was rear air bags in the suspension so it would sit so much with the weight of the camper. I also tow the camper on the beach and still havent had any problems. There is a lot of room inside the truck also and i cant go anywhere with out someone complementing me on the truck
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Still wowed! - 2009 Ford F-150
By j.m. - October 13 - 2:00 amI love my truck. I reviewed it before, read "wow! written 12/06/08, and still I love it! I still have my 05 FX-4, but now my brother drives it. It has over 100k on it and its been so reliable. My 09 has almost 50k and super super super! I tow horses, cars, quads, and dads boat with incredible ease. The 5.4 v-8 and 6 speed trans are great, quiet, and decent on gas. I drove NJ to Florida and averaged 18.6 mpg doing 80 with a/c on. My friends are always impressed with the quality, interior space, and smooth ride quality. It handles great, stops on a dime, and spoils me with every mile i put on her. Again, the 5.4 is no racer, but the pulling power is great for me.
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My Money Pit is my Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
By Never a Ford Owner A - October 12 - 2:00 amThis car has always been a problem. It squeaks, it groans and it is a money pit. Brake issues, air conditioning failures, different sensors needing to be replaced and now the transmission is shot. It will cost more to replace the transmission than the car is actually worth if I sold it on my own and not traded it in! I would not wish this car on my worst enemy, if I had an enemy that is. It is a miserable car. The only redeeming quality to it is the interior. I love the seats and the hauling capacity but there is absolutely nothing else good about this car. It is no surprise that Ford does not make a mini van anymore. What a lemon.
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