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 491 through 500 of 30,482.00-
Not happy - 2010 Ford Fusion
By nothappy - September 28 - 2:00 amI purchased my 2010 fusion 3/2010. I really liked the car I never really own anything else other than a Ford. And after having this fusion am not sure if there is another Ford that I would like to own @ this time. I am having the same problems as for so many other 2010 Ford fusion owners. I wish I was for warned about the major transmission problems that is going on with the fusion. I have had to take my car back several times for the same thing. And needless to say my car is in the shop for a new transmission. This is so discouraging especially when a car note becomes due. Since my loan is threw Ford motor is there anyway to stop payments if you dont have the car?
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Dual Clutch Auto Transmission Failure!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
By talismanPHL - September 27 - 2:00 amThe PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission failed at 530 miles. The selling dealership (Camelback Ford in Phoenix) has no idea how to fix it - took it to another Ford dealer who said "the technicians havent been trained on how to troubleshoot the problem, so Ford has authorized a new transmission installation. I do not want this car if the transmission failed at 530 miles - we drive long distances to Salt Lake City two or three times a month. Want my 2007 Nissan Sentra back - had no problems with that car outside of maintenance! Never buy from Camelback Ford - theyre unhelpful and dont care about after-sale service. Sales Mgr tried to rip us off with added extras we didnt want!
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Ford ruined their reputation on this one! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By tommy - September 26 - 2:00 amI had car Certified, 3 mos. b/b warranty, 100,000 engine, tranny warranty. Bought every available warranty. Relative is mechanic at our local dealership. At 51,000 miles throttle body malfunctioned cost $800.00 to replace. Not under warranty. In April 2009 during routine maintenance oil leak in AC Compressor was detected, must be replaced for a cost of 1,200. Ford keeps the throttle body in stock, 2 week backlog on air compressor, should tell you something. Says tranny is a problem for this car too. Disabled, cannot afford these costly repairs. Where is the accountability Ford? Dont buy this car unless you can afford the repairs! If you get a good one count your blessings!
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Reliability issues and more - 2010 Ford Flex
By Robert - September 26 - 2:00 amAfter purchasing what we thought was the perfect family vehicle for us, we have had numerous issues with no support from the dealership. After bringing the vehicle 6 times for font brake issues, we are finally made aware of a"service procedure(which is really a recall), but we are still waiting for the parts to arrive. We are now having transmission issue and are only being told by the dealer that is a "chip issue", but they are not willing to replace the chip. We also have issues with the rear folding seat not raising when activated and were told by the dealer to basically "live with it". Bottom line is that we are sad that Ford is not standing behind the product sold like other competitors
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Do not buy - 2008 Ford Escape
By marvnjenn - September 26 - 2:00 amYou know I am American and always felt the need to buy an American car. Well this is one of the worst cars I have owned. I noticed after my warranty ran out that the paint on the trim in the wheel wells chipped and was rusting. The dealership told me it was from rocks hitting my car. I looked on their lot and there where 4 of the same trucks with the same issue. All of the 2008 are rusting and I will NEVER but American again. I have had other issues but if you are still under warranty check for rusting and they will fix it otherwise you are out of luck. Mariners owners this goes for you as well.
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Garbage - 2001 Ford Focus
By bg - September 25 - 2:00 amHad 13k miles on it and was 5 y/o when purchased. Thought the proverbial little old lady must have owned it. How mistaken I was. A/c out 6 months later. Cooling system problems, electrical problems, bearing problems, fuel pump, door panels rattle (this will drive you slowly insane), brake problems, motor mounts all replaced, transmission mounts. Need I say more?
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If bought a rebuilt in an Emergency. - 2001 Ford Focus
By TheNIGHTCRAWLER - September 25 - 2:00 amI needed a car on the spot. A mechanic rebuilt this wrecked car for his wife. I bought it from him as he was moving into the soccer mom SUB stage of life. He replaced the ignition and suspension and life is good. I would have bought this car whether or not anybody signed off on it. They did. Bare bones and gets me where I have to go dependably. This works for me. Note: Its an automatic. the green button under the shifter turns off the overdrive. The child safety locks on the rear doors still confuse me. No children. Anti-theft key is nice. I like to date. Basic car is a keeper.
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Poor quality - 2011 Ford Mustang
By riches - September 25 - 2:00 amPicked up new 2011 Mustang on 9-21-10. Next day car started skipping, smoking and stalling. Took it back to dealership where it has been ever since. Waiting on a new PCM, maybe next week.
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SYNC a Deal Spoiler - 2011 Ford Edge
By vixvii - September 25 - 2:00 amMy biggest gripe with the new 2011 Ford Edge has to do with the SYNC system. The claim of "Touch. Talk. Drive" is false and misleading. Voice recognition is really bad - it often has a problem with recognizing simple commands such as Yes or No. My SYNC experience has been so frustrating that I am actually trying to return the car. The Navigation system is also bad. Today I had an instruction to "Make a Legal U-Turn" - on a freeway! There is also insufficient warning prior to reaching turn-offs. Lastly, the Hazard Flasher button is super sensitive and poorly positioned. I often turn it on when reaching for the touch screen. This is a hazard!
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Cheap transmission - 2010 Ford Explorer
By Fred - September 21 - 2:00 am2010 explorer 14,000 miles transmission seems to slip, i should have done more research before buying this car. I wanted to buy American but i should have bought foreign unfortunately.
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