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 4731 through 4740 of 30,482.00-
Hums like a butterfly, stangs like a bee - 2003 Ford Mustang
By Debbie - May 30 - 10:58 amI love the ford Mustangs. I have had three different ones ranging from the 5.0 to the 2003. I cant keep from just looking at it and wanting to drive. I love the torque and the smoothness in the way it handles. I have had so may other sports cars want to race and my stang has never let me down. If youre looking for a car to look sweet in this is the one to have. I would recommend if you havent driven a standard you need to learn. They have so much more power and the rumble it makes is too sweet.
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Great everyday car - 2005 Ford Focus
By wizardsv650s - May 30 - 10:00 amAlthough the styling of the Mazda 3 seems more desireable, the slew of standard features for the price puts the Focus over the top. The new redesigned body and interior is much better than previous years. The seats are more comfortable and the exterior is much more sporty. For a four door car with room, fuel economy, power, and all year round driveablilty this is the best dollar for dollar value I can find.
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Never a Ford lover..until now. - 2005 Ford Mustang
By dthuringer - May 29 - 6:33 pmI have never been a Ford guy. I have always liked GM products. But they took away the Camaro and Firebird. I was looking for a sporty car and the new Mustang caught my eye. My wife saw one at a local park and we decided to test drive one. Well, we went home with it that night. I love my new Mustang. Stick is so much fun to drive. In fact, we loved it so much we went back the next day and bought an automatic on for my wife as well. Now we both love our Mustang convertibles. The Shaker 1000 sound system in mine is awesome. The days go by so long at work now because all I want to do is drive.
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Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
By Jon Doe - May 29 - 6:06 pmNo complaints. I think Ford has finally pushed there #1 selling car (taurus) to second spot. The Fusion runs, handles, and looks great. I am a former ford owner of a Mustang. Many head gasket problems. I told myself I would never again go Ford. I did, and happy I did so.
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Great car! - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
By kyle - May 29 - 5:13 pmThe best car we ever owned. Bought with 90,000 now has 147,000 nothing major but basic maintenance. Found one for my daughter, same yr. 90,000. It has a safe crash and safety for younger teens. We live on a 2 lane hwy. Makes me feel safe with her in it. They need to bring it back. Good gas mileage 25 hwy on cruise control.
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Love My Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
By maljoe - May 29 - 2:34 pmI test drove many vehicles before I settled on the Edge. You get a lot for the money.I had three requirements, comfort, quiet and hauling capabilities. It fulfills all three. The gas mileage is better than stated. I absolutely love the ride.
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Love my King Ranch but... - 2003 Ford F-150
By TGP - May 29 - 10:07 amLove my King Ranch F150, no majar issues after 110K miles besides normal wear and tear with mechanical, brakes, etc. Interior leather is the best, will never own another truck besides Ford King Ranch! Only problem I had is rusting on the inside of lower door panels. Rust warranty would not cover that repair, dealer told me it had to be rsuted all the way through for warranty to cover which was upsetting to hear. I tried to repair myself but the rust along the inside edge keeps returning. I plan on buying a new 2009 King Ranch in a year, Ford builds a great truck!
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Z Killa - 2004 Ford F-150
By Yagi - May 29 - 8:26 amFun truck to drive. Good handling and performance when purchased new. It only gets better with a lowering kit and a few performance bolt-ons. This is a performance truck with no equals when comparing cost. This truck is my daily driver that puts over 400 horses to the street. 20 minutes and a few bolts, I can increase boost from the supercharger for the track. Highly recommend traction bars and slicks for the strip. This truck rocks. Im glad I got one of the last ones. You can get this one from me whenever you pry my cold dead hands from the steering wheel.
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Still flying in my FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
By j.m. - May 29 - 7:44 amWell its still going strong for me. Thanks to trailering about 8000lbs worth of horses from Jersey to Ohio, Virginia, etc. I now have close to 70,000 miles on it. I also pull my 66 Mustang to shows with it. What can I say, still in love. So much my other half bought an 08 Super Crew with the long bed. Mine is still squeek and rattle free. That suspension does it all, rides great, handles great, and hauls and tows like a beast. Sure, New Tundra is fast, but it is a tin can. Come on, "triple tech frame? What is that? The Fords fully boxed frame from stem to stern rocks. The 5.4L does not really get bogged down when hauling or towing. Best truck ever!
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1st Ford - 2008 Ford Explorer
By todd bennett - May 28 - 11:08 pmWhile I have been a GMC driver for the last 8 years my wife wanted me to test drive the Explorer. I was pleasantly surprised. The comfort of the ride, features and looks were great.
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