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 531 through 540 of 30,482.00-
Dont drive in mud - 2010 Ford Escape
By Vicki Cowie - July 10 - 12:18 pmThe Ford Escape is not meant for driving in mud. The design of this vehicle causes the mud to build up in the wheel wells and when the mud dries it rubs on the inside of the tire. This caused the inside of the rear tires to wear to the point of a blowout. One Ford dealer said Ford does not recommend driving the Escape of gravel or mud. What good is a 4x4 vehicle if you cant drive in mud. I have only owned this vehicle for 4 months and have 9000 KM. I am so disappointed in FORD.
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Paint chiping from winter driving - 2010 Ford Focus
By lastfocus4me - July 9 - 10:19 pmPurchased last Jan and drove it about 100 miles on salt covered roads after a snowy day. When I got home, I noticed that the paint in front of the rear wheel wells was chipping off. It continued to get worst every time I drove it in the snow. The dealer repainted this area and placed 8 pieces of clear plastic on the doors and fenders to try and prolong it from happening again per the Ford TSB. If you live in a area where they sand or salt the roads in the winter and expect the paint to be durable and long lasting, you should avoid this vehicle.
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Dont buy it - 2006 Ford Fusion
By JLL - July 6 - 3:20 pmI have had my fusion since March of 2006. The 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty is gone and so is my transmission. I have had crappy gas mileage on this car pretty much since I bought it. Ford says I need to replace the transmission because of a bad solenoid and they will contribute $1000.00 to the cause. Ghee thanks Ford! If it wasnt for the crappy transmission I wouldnt need your help at all. Will not buy another Ford!
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Hopeful - 2010 Ford Edge
By hopeful - July 6 - 11:18 amHoped that Ford had surpassed its competitors in this market. Not so with the edge. Comfortable ride plenty of room. Interior somewhat cheap plastic feel as a cost cutting measure. Braking is a big weakness. Brakes are somewhat spongy and stopping distance too long. Dont feel confident that I can stop quickly in an emergency situation.
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Heavy Duty Clutch! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By ranger Ed - June 30 - 6:43 pmThe heavy duty clutch is a loser! The first one went out at approx. 60k. Then it went out in Feb 10 and I still cant get a replacement because Ford stopped making that clutch. I guess even they knew how bad it was. Im currently working with a clutch specialty shop in California to try and build a clutch from scratch.
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Satellite radio and Tranny problems - 2010 Ford Explorer
By LazyMazy - June 30 - 2:00 pmThis is my 3rd brand new "Explorer" and I have to say I am very disappointed with the 2010. I have had it in the shop twice already for Satellite radio and 911 assist problems. I have also had it in for Transmission problems. I traded in my 2003 Explorer which had transmission problems for a 2010 that has transmission problems.
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Tough to drive - 2010 Ford Edge
By Tim - June 30 - 9:08 amI have only rented this car for a week in Maui, but I wanted to note that it was a tough drive. The steering, turning radius, and visibility made it very difficult to negotiate the tight parking spots that you find in Maui. Honestly, my full sized SUV, a Yukon Denali, would have been far easier to manage. Once I got back to the mainland and into my 2006 Denali I was far happier. For a midsized SUV, the edge is a very difficult drive with hard seats and hard steering. It had a beeping warning system that lets you know how close you are to obstacles when you are backing up. Annoying, but needed because of poor visibility. I had to rely on it to park. Otherwise the SUV was adequate.
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Mixed - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Bill - June 27 - 9:58 amBefore 36K ran out Ford fixed trans three times and put in a new one, finally. Replaced total rear end after Differential gears went NG twice. Ford than replaced bearings in their new rear end. Brakes are typical Ford truck and dont last. I have had Fords for 40 years. Mileage is terrible, 15 mpg. Electric sensors are typical made in China junk and have failures galore. This is my last Ford. Too bad, Ford just buys crappy parts from the lowest bidder and the consumer pays the price. I hear their new small cars are decent. Stick with Toyota or if you like Ford explorer stick with the V8 Eddie Bauer It is a better all around quality version of the other explorers but you pay or that.
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Drives on its own - 2006 Ford Taurus
By kay - June 21 - 3:10 pmI use to love my 2006 Ford Taurus until on may 18th 2010 it was feeding gas to the motor without my foot being on the pedal. i took it the dealer and they didnt know what was wrong with said that it was a first for them. my car been in the shop for almost a week and the dealer still dont know whats causing it to do it and wants me to keep paying for parts that they dont know will fix the problem NOT
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Some to like, Some to Not - 2005 Ford F-150
By flyer - June 20 - 11:56 pmBought this superbly maintained low mileage 4X4 with plow, gently used. Good power and interior comfort, but I was disturbed to find both front 4 wheel drive actuators went out at 26,800 miles. It would have been past warranty (because of age, not miles). However, the original owner bought extended warranty, which does transfer, although there is a fee and some effort to get it transferred. It was fixed under warranty. The parts were in stock, which suggests to me this is a common problem. I dont think its a good sales point that major things break on a vehicle with under 30,000 miles. Otherwise, the truck looks and runs well.
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