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:
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Long Lasting - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Matt - July 26 - 9:29 amOur explorer has lasted about 100,000 miles with only minor things break. One of the hydraulic lifts for the glass lift gate falls out of its hole and a wood insert on the door fell out. Everything else is still very good.
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An affordable "luxury car" - 2011 Ford Taurus
By Jin - July 26 - 3:48 amUpgrade from RAV4 to this big sedan, Taurus SEL, very quiet, powerful and roomy. When folding down your rear seat you can get almost the same trunk space as the RAV4,a compact size suv.
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Probes respond to attention - 1996 Ford Probe
By classic probe - July 25 - 10:22 pmHaving owned a probe v6 gt for 12 years, I must say its been really reliable as a day to day driver. The only problem, which caused the car not to start, was a faulty distributor module, which is an integral part of the Mitsubishi distributor used in these vehicles, {a known problem} once replaced at 163,000 km the car is running really well. I made it a habit to flush the oil at 20k intervals, while servicing the car at 5000klm intervals, and I only use Mobil 1 5w- 50 synthetic oil, k and n oil and air filters, and castrol synthetic 75w gear oil. The flush I use for the engine is liquid moly, and is very effective, hence no lifter noise! I replaced the cam belt, idlers, water pump and plugs, re book.
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Fantastic SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
By susy - July 25 - 9:40 pmI love my explorer. So far, no problems. Im better satisfied with this Ford than I have with all of my former purchases. Exactly what I was looking for and couldnt be happier.
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Good American car - 2011 Ford Mustang
By smini - July 25 - 6:37 pmAfter buying Japanese cars for years I wanted to buy a American car. Chose Ford over Cadillac as their coupe was not yet available. Mustang is a good car but had to take it to the dealer twice in two weeks after purchase as the battery died once and the Navigation is not working properly. Still a proud American car owner.
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Luv my Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
By dgalben - July 25 - 4:09 pmThis is my first SUV and I love it. The electric 3rd row seat is fabulous when I have to carry a bunch of children at a moments notice. Also, the whole family can go on a road trip in ONE vehicle. Drives and handles like a dream. Great maneuverability in tight spaces, for an SUV. It does have some electrical quirks. The side view mirrors never keep their "favorite" settings. Also, when going in reverse, they will move so far down that the pavement is reflected. Clicking/thumping noise when the rear A/C is on. No one likes to replace the spark plugs because it takes so much labor (damn Triton engine). But overall, I will continue buying Expeditions as long as I can afford to.
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Flexy ride - 2010 Ford Flex
By Andrew - July 25 - 2:21 pmLove the look, feel and drive of my new Flex Limited. Ford truly hit one out of the ballpark with this car. Great as an every-day commuter, as well as a long-haul cruiser. My only complaints, and theyre odd ones, is a crazy, squeaking dashboard, headrests that push my head in an uncomfortable position forward (and are non-adjustable) and the not-so- great gas mileage. I average 18 mpg and do mostly freeway driving. My A5 convertible mostly sits in the garage these days. I think shes jealous.
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2009 Taurus leaps above 2010/2011 model - 2009 Ford Taurus
By steve - July 25 - 9:33 amPurchased used 2009 Taurus SEL w/only 2700 miles on vehicle. I am 64 and my wife is 61", this car gives us both great room. We are getting 18-20 city, 20-22 combined, and 29-32 hwy! Car rides really well. I had a 2001 sable and loved it, the 2009 Taurus is a big step up! Loved the 2009 Taurus, went back a month later to look at 2010/2011 Taurus, what a let down! 2010/2011 Taurus has MUCH SMALLER interior! Front seats are cramped, and the back seat. They are a joke. In our 2009 Taurus I can sit in the back seat, with the front seats all the way back, and still have 3-4 inches of clearance between my legs and the back of the front seat! Big letdown Ford in the 2010/2011 Taurus!
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Exterior & Handling great - 2010 Ford Mustang
By Roger - July 25 - 8:53 amI was shopping for Lexus & Lincoln. I owned three Lincoln Mark V111. They do not make coups anymore. Lexus Toyota still has stigma of accelerator problems. Mustang is fun to drive. I may have to sacrifice Suspension comfort of Lexus E350. But Lexus looks are not appealing.You may want to improve interior & quality of trunk carpet.
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Corroded rims - 2008 Ford Edge
By caroline - July 25 - 2:09 amMy chrome rims started peeling in 2009. My dealer stated that the rims were dirty. I did not want any lengthy discussion with the dealers resistance so I thought I would bring it to another dealer - knowing that others have had their rims replaced for the same problem I did not think this would work out to be an ordeal. After dealing with job change, divorce and cancer within my immediate family the vehicle was not the most pressing concern. Bringing my car back to the dealer at 38,000 miles - out of warranty- the corroded rims are undeniable but the dealer will not change the rims since it is out of warranty. Ford cos response is that this issue is between me and the dealer.
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