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 4881 through 4890 of 30,482.00-
1990 Plain Jane - 1990 Ford Ranger
By steve - February 2 - 9:51 amBought in 2009 with 25,000 original mi. certified on Carfax. This is as basic of a truck as you can get. No power steering or radio. But a great small work truck. Added a CD player myself. Other than oil changes no maintenance has been needed.
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I Love it! - 2008 Ford Fusion
By CH - February 1 - 11:16 pmI LOVE my 2008 Fusion which I purchased with 38k miles. I love the performance, ride, SYNC is fantastic, the styling of the car and especially the solid feel. Never had a problem with the Ford and theyre still much in demand today. I expect to have years of pleasurable driving in my Fusion.
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Good Solid Vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
By Delta - February 1 - 5:02 pmPurchased car new in Nov 1999. Now have 207k miles on it and has been very reliable. Still driving it to work everyday. Only issues on vehicle - rear wiper inop, replaced one thermostat, radio display blanked out, needed ball joints at 205k miles.
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Wont Start Sometimes - Why??? - 2007 Ford Taurus
By MichiganDriver - February 1 - 4:11 pmI really liked my 07 Taurus for the first 9 months I owned it. I purchased it in Feb. 09 with 35,000 miles on it. I purchased an extended warranty also. During November 09 through now (Feb. 10) I have had issues with the car just not wanting to start! You can clearly hear it trying to start, but it just wont catch. In fear of it "flooding", I remove the key and wait a couple minutes before trying again. It seems to take 2-3 tries before starting properly. The dealership cannot figure out the problem since it does eventually start. This started to happen about once every other week but now about once a week. Hate the idea of possibly being stranded one day.
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Quiet, Quiet, Quiet!! - 2010 Ford F-150
By USMC Colonel - February 1 - 2:10 pmTraded up from an 05 FX4 over the weekend. Not sure if I would like the Lariat interior as well as the FX4 but I do. It is a gentlemans truck. I hate road noise and this thing is without a doubt the quietest vehicle I have ever owned. Six speed transmission worked seemlessly on a 300 mile road trip which included the Cajon Pass. Also love the 6 way power leather seats. If you have trouble getting comfortable in a truck, this rig is for you. The seats are infinitely adjustable. Like the Sync and satellite radio but find the controls to be not very intuitive and complex. Same with the dual zone climate controls. May just take some getting used to. Thanks Henry Ford!
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The best car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Taurus
By rjkid - February 1 - 1:20 pmThis is the best handling car Ive ever owned.Its fun to drive and has a very smooth ride. Both the interior and exterior of the 2010 Ford Taurus rival much more expensive "luxury" models. Great work Ford!
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would buy again - 2008 Ford Edge
By nice ride - February 1 - 7:29 ami think one best suv on the market .smooth ride and lots room
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great car - 2008 Ford Focus
By mj - February 1 - 6:08 amBought my Focus with 11 miles on it in may of 08 it now is approaching 60,000 miles all commuter driving. Have had very little problems heater motor replaced under warranty the dealer has been great SYNC is great it is not the best handling car but the price and fuel mileage make up for that. I am trading her in when the new Focus comes out
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front seat head rest - 2009 Ford Flex
By john kaa - January 31 - 11:56 pmI enjoy my Flex, except for the front seat head rests. I have been back to Ford, they choose to do nothing! If you are looking at a Flex make sure these headrests are not a problem with you. I would not have purchased the vehicle knowing this.
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This car made me Ford enthusiast - 2007 Ford Fusion
By dentate gyrus - January 31 - 8:45 pmI bought the Fusion almost by chance - was looking for medium size sedan, stick shift, 4 cyl., and had Nissan or Honda on mind. Got Fusion at Airport as a rental and instantly loved it. Interior quality is superior to others in the same class. In fact, I like its dash more than 2010, which I find garish. Good ergonomics, supportive, firm seats. 25.6 mpg in stop and go! The engine feels little underpowered, but I guess this is the price for superb fuel economy. Handling is superb. Road noise considerably less than in Accord. Drove from Pittsburgh to NYC and back and did not feel tired. Manual tranny makes it much more fun to drive. So far zero problems.
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