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 4321 through 4330 of 30,482.00-
Love New Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
By Toyota Camry Guy - August 26 - 9:45 pmJust purchased new Fusion V6 SEL. The car is great. This car is a lot better than Camry/Accord and Mazda3 for the price and performance. Hope this one will last as long as the Camry I had. Need to drive this vehicle for a while to judge the reliability.
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2 - 2003 Ford Escort
By Jennie Graham - August 26 - 9:09 pmI purchased my ZX2 in 2004 with 39000 miles on it. It now has 53000 miles on it. It has been a very reliable car and I have had not one mechanical problem with it. It does idle rough. I love the sporty style and it is fun to drive and is good on gas. I wish Ford would build these cars again because I would love to purchase a new one.
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2006 SEL 4.2 - 2006 Ford Freestar
By tarichra4 - August 26 - 7:18 pmWe spent 3 months searching for the exact Freestar after having a 99 Explorer Sport. Decided to go with Ford because of styling and our dedication to Ford. Good choice for us. We found the exact van we wanted in Norsea Blue, SEL, bucket 2nd row, DVD, 4.2 engine and 17 inch rims, and just under 36,000 miles. Drove our 93 Escort 4 hours to get it. Very nice van, great exterior styling, better than GM and Chrysler. Ample power for a van, no major problems to date. Only things I notice are rear side defroster doesnt work, rear hatch struts creak in winter, has an exhaust droan right off idle, both side doors rattle over bumps,and a slight speedometer/rpm cluster noise We love it and plan to keep it
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Better Brakes - 2008 Ford Edge
By PM - August 26 - 11:00 amThis is only the second Ford I have owned in 35 years. Never cared for their stylings until now. Am enjoying everything about this car except the braking distance. I live in a deer prone area and have had four accidents due to them over the years. I really need great brakes! The Edge must improve in this category. Cant believe for the level of this automobile that Ford didnt have a higher standard when it came to such an important feature. Mileage isnt too bad, but can still be improved upon.
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Explorer Sport: A Great Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
By scotty M. - August 26 - 2:00 amThe 2001 Eplorer Sport is a great truck, the new design makes it stand out and I really like the look of the flares, it gives it a more bulky look. The interior is really nice, except one flaw, the door handles are easliy scrathed and the paint flakes off the plastic.
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GREAT CAR EVER!! - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By lalalaa - August 26 - 2:00 amTHIS IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER HAD. THE CROWN VIC LX SPORT IS A MUST SEE, MUST DRIVE, MUST OWN CAR..!!!!
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2001 Ford Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
By Mike Howard - August 26 - 2:00 amI purchased this vehicle in Sept of 2002 as a pre-owned vehicle. I drove a 95 Taurus before that which had a lot of time in the shop so I had looked at a lot of other cars first. The overall value, ride and comfort of the 2001 Taurus made the decision easy. After 5,000 miles, I dont regret purchasing it. I have the smaller 3.0 (2v) standard engine and I think its sufficient with the 155hp the 95 Taurus had 140hp). I know a lot of people will disagree with that but I do a lot of driving and I wanted some fuel economy (20/28 is what its rated at). I still have the old Taurus (almost 121K). Im hoping this new one will last as well.
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wow - 2002 Ford F-150
By kuma - August 26 - 2:00 amthis is one fast pickup most cars can even come close. A lighting with four doors. And twice the looks.
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No Possible complaint - 2002 Ford F-150
By Jon Pankow - August 26 - 2:00 amI have had my 02 lightning and I could not be happier. Its fast, tight, and leaves everything else in the mirrors.
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Elevating the sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By ellen - August 25 - 10:43 pmLove this car, lots of class and style, great mileage, interior of the car is huge, handling, stereo and feel is better than any other car I have owned. The price was amazing for all the gadgets. Highly recommmend.
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