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 5011 through 5020 of 30,482.00-
2008 Mustang Bullitt - Loads of Fun - 2008 Ford Mustang
By Art - March 31 - 6:24 pmI purchased my Dark Highland Green 2008 Mustang Bullitt in Feb 08 at the urging of my 18 year old son. I already have 3,000 miles on it. It has a lot of power, a great muffler sound, excellent handling, and it is getting 22-23 MPG using regular gas in mixed freeway (rush hour) / city driving, even while "testing" the power a few times each trip. I have had a lot of fun cars over the years (69 Charger RT, MINI Cooper S, etc.), and this is the most fun car I have owned, by far.
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Sold My Audi for this. - 2007 Ford Edge
By 2007 SEL+ (Limitied) - March 31 - 3:21 pmMy wife needed something with four wheel drive. We live on a mountain and get a lot of snow. I needed something to pull my 4 wheelers, that was as fun to drive as my Mustang, and my Audi turbo, and would be comfortable for road trips. My Audi was a fortune to maintiain. The Edge ride is so smooth. I like smoking BMW X5s off the line and the ride is very quiet. We love the look of it and I never get tired of driving it. Nice work Ford!!
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Great Ford product - 1995 Ford Ranger
By John - March 31 - 10:43 amI purchased with 8 miles on it and have loved it ever since. I wish it had a larger cab for a family. Ive preformed regular maintaince on it and it keeps running. My wife owns a 4 year newer Chevy and we put more repair into it with a lot less miles. Ive been able to repair any issue myself.
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Great Truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
By BBHGUY - March 30 - 11:49 pmThis truck is fantastic. It was used mostly for everyday driving and never had a complaint. When we finally asked it to tow (7000 lbs trailer), it was incredible. We towed through the mountains of West Virgina in July (95F) with the AC on and were able to set the cruise control at 65mph. This is one of the most versatile vehicles ever made.
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Crown Vic - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By marjorie holder - March 30 - 2:13 amWe have driven this vehicle and had only one problem on the road. It was taken care of by the tow truck driver. It involved the starter and once it was started we simply did not turn it off until we got back to our dealer and it was fixed under warranty. We chose it for its comfort and handling. We consider it next to the Town Car.
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Love it so far - 2005 Ford Explorer
By Anonymous - March 29 - 2:48 pmWeve only had this a few weeks but I am completely in love with this vehicle. I had a Toyota Corolla before, and I hated being so low and vulnerable, and putting my daughter in the backseat was always a chore due to its low ground clearance. The Explorer handles amazingly well, and I really like that its equipped with stability control and has independent rear suspension. The running boards are a great feature, and I really like the leather. Some people had issues with it being poor quality, but our particular vehicle is already 3 years old, and the leather looks to be in great shape still with no cracking or tears. I love the third row seat, and I love how much space there is.
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Versatile Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
By palms911 - March 29 - 12:33 pmI bought my Escape last September and have been pleased with it. It really does handle like a car, but offers the beef of a true SUV when you need it. I like the looks as well, inside and out. I have the leather seats and they are comfortable, especially on the lower back.
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I love this SUV! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
By Lynsi G - March 29 - 10:00 amI am SO disappointed that Ford has discontinued the 2 door Ford Explorer Sport! I live in NH where 4WD is an absolute must just to get up my driveway in the winter. I do not need or want a four-door vehicle and find the full-size Explorer to be "family" looking since I have neither kids or a dog. The Ford Escape just looks too chintzy to be an option. I wish car makers would realize that there are thirty-something consumers who want a sporty SUV that is not the size of a Matchbox or the size of a house...
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What a car - 2003 Ford Mustang
By Paul B - March 29 - 10:00 amTest drove about 8 performance cars and this car just fit me. Performance per dollar can not be beat. Mach 1s seats are some of the most comfortable I have set in. Ride is actually pretty good for the type of car. Rated at 305 hp, though most are getting much more when dynoing them. The car blew mw away.
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Cute, fun car - 2003 Ford Focus
By Dugan - March 29 - 10:00 amI bought this as a 2nd vehicle to save gas. Shopped around, bought base model no extras, not even A/C. Ford had best deal and rebate at the time. Fun, sparky little car and gets me back and forth to work, thats why I bought it. Enjoy so much have used on occasion for other uses, have a Jeep Cherokee also. Dont know if I would drive Focus in the winter, not completely satisfied with performance in rain.
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