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 5101 through 5110 of 30,482.00-
Excellant value - 1998 Ford Explorer
By Rick A. - February 18 - 2:00 amThis suv has been dependable and faithful. Whatever the need, it gets the job done. Pulls boats, loads furniture, toats Christmas trees, carries 5 people. Never a moan or groan. No breakdowns, no extra expenses, just loyal. Very satisfied with this EXPLORER. AWD has been maintenance free. Excellant safety during inclimate weather.
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Best small SUV in its CLASS - 2005 Ford Escape
By Robby D - February 17 - 7:49 pmBought the car to help save on gas and boy it sure did so. I havent had any problems whatsoever. This has been the best bang for the my buck to date. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for to save on gas has enough interior room and has all the gadgets that you will need.
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Porsche Killer - 2002 Ford Focus
By Ben - February 17 - 6:19 pmGreat car, needed reliable transportation, good economy, but no sacrifice to performance, and needed it all on a strict budget. Shopped all the imports, but the SVTF had much more bang for the buck. The SRT4 will spank it in a line, but the SVTF out handles cars that costs 5 times as much. I autocross it often, once entered a Porsche Club of America event, came in 4th out of 75 cars, 55 were Porsches! Im a decent driver, but the SVTF makes me a great driver. Easy to drive and very predictable handling. I can haul a lot gear to work in the hatch, and go racing on the weekend. Well balanced car, Ford needs to make more cars like this!
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Poor Rear end - 2004 Ford F-150
By J. Mazzola - February 17 - 4:40 pmThe original equipment tire that Ford uses for these trucks are passenger rated not LT rated. Although the ride is great for the first 20 to 25k miles, I noticed poor ride quality happening gradually as the tires lost tread. Try to find these sizes (255 70 17) is impossible. The rear end as a whole should be Fords focus on it all. The pinion gears and seals seem to be a low quality. Transmission is rough in down shifting from highway speeds.
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My Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
By Miniracer - February 17 - 12:58 amA previous Chevy owner of over 30 years, I tried a Ford. This one had it all. Moon roof, power sliding rear window, even the windows on the extended doors are power. Stereo system is fantastic. The light color leather interior against the wood grain is striking. Everyone love this truck in and out and the two tone paint. It is reliable, powerful when hauling horse trailers, the ride is incredibly smooth. The construction is all they say it is. All the systems seem to work just fine.
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Over all it is Good - 2006 Ford Expedition
By Michael Pinson - February 14 - 11:38 pmPoor gas mileage ... only 12MPG city not 14. Has minor starting problems. Overall it is better than other SUVs for the money. Great leg and head room for tall people.
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MY FAVORITE SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
By CAROLYN - February 14 - 4:36 pmI love to drive my new (used) Escape. It is sporty, sexy & fast! It fits into tight spots yet plenty of room for my 64" hubby. I went from a Lexus to my Escape and I just think it was the best choice for us since we spend 1/2 our year in the mountain snow and the other in the city. I chose this over a Lexus LX470 after reading many reports online, I chose to buy this and very happy I did.
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Great econo-box - 1996 Ford Escort
By missouri_escort - February 14 - 2:58 pmI purchased the car new on April Fools day of 1996. It has been great with no major problems. I replaced the speedometer at 84,000 miles, a weak point with all Fords of this era miles and timing belt, it will happen to all of them, at 100000+ miles. I replaced the ignition pack at 110,000. It will do 30+MPG on trips and 26 MPH town and country. With 113,000+ miles it still runs like new on original tune and spark plugs.
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Enjoyed it! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
By Saved me from injury - February 14 - 10:13 amI really enjoyed my Explorer. I hit a median at 50 miles per hour (black ice) and I believe my Explorer kept me from getting injured. It took a beating but I didnt get a scratch. Also, it drove fantastic in the rain...Im going to miss it!
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RIDES LIKE A BAD HORSE - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
By JB007 - February 13 - 10:00 amSOON AFTER I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN OCT 2000 I SUSPECTED I HAD MADE A BAD PURCHASE. AFTER ALMOST THREE YEARS OWNING IT I HAVE CONFIRMED WHAT A HUGE MISTAKE I MADE. FOR STARTERS THIS TRUCK LOSES IT WHEN IT HITS A POTHOLE OR A SPEED BUMP. THE TAIL SWAGS TO THE SIDE. IT OFFERS A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND BUMPY RIDE OVER ANYTHING THAT ISNT PERFECT ASPHALT. THE TITANIUM FINISH ON THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE COME OFF AND NOW LOOK AN UGLY DISCOLORED GRAY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DASHBOARD ARE SO BADLY ASSEMBLED THAT IT SQUEAKS AND RATTLES. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES.
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