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 5411 through 5420 of 30,482.00-
Wow Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
By newfordguy - September 26 - 10:00 amI looked at everything in the mid-sized range and came to a quick conclusion that Ford did it right with this SUV. It was close between this and the 4- Runner and I opted to save the 10K. Lots of space, great handling, good quality to driver controls, and a nice interior. This truck rides great and has plenty of power with the V6. Hopefully the reliability is good, Ive been driving imports for the last 5 years and they werent perfect either. Good job Ford- Drive it. Its durable, not wimpy like those crosssovers.
-
2004 T Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
By annrealtor - September 26 - 10:00 amlove this car
-
Great Deal - 2003 Ford Mustang
By Da Gimp - September 26 - 10:00 amI went into the dealership with a fixed price on my mind. (the invoice) I was able to get the actual invoice price from the internet. With that and the offer of $3000 I was able to get this beauty for 20,000 total financed. (360/month) The car was actually for my Wofe who just got a new job and I had promised her a new car, especially the Mustang since that is what she always wanted. She loves it, I love it, its fun to drive and has enough power to show off (sparingly) on the highway. I would recommend this honey to anyone, especially for those car enthusiasts.
-
mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
By mustang kid - September 26 - 10:00 amCar is great fast good looking what else is there
-
great handling - 2007 Ford Fusion
By tbone - September 26 - 9:00 amThis AWD model has the great handling I love in our Subaru. The engine is responsive enough for everyday driving. Some people complain its underpowered but for the price and package its a great value. If you want Mustang or Corvette speeds, go get one of them. This car handles a turn like a wide receiver - sure-footed and quick. Some people complain about road noise but I havent found it objectionable. My son said the engine, when revved hard, sounds "like Lightning McQueen" (from the movie Cars). Thats fine with me. The other feature I enjoy is spacious front and rear seating. Im 64" and theres still room for a real person to sit behind me with no discomfort.
-
going to buy another Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
By fordblue - September 26 - 12:53 amWe drive to several ski vacations every year and pulled a 21 foot boat for the first two years. Love the 4wd in the snow and getting the boat out of the water. Mechanical - two sets of brakes, a loose antenna wire and a stuck thermostat are it for maintenance.
-
Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
By tx - September 25 - 4:37 amThe car itself runs pretty ok. I have some brake issues, nothing that a good brake job or stopping a good 5 yards away from the car in front of me cant fix. But tis expected when the car has over 100,000 miles on it.
-
Automatic versus Manual - 1993 Ford Escort
By Canadian Driver - September 24 - 11:31 pmBefore I owned this car, a manual transmission 4 door wagon, I owned the same thing, except for in an automatic form. My opinion, the manual is the better of the both. Even my wife loves driving it, which is odd, because shed always prefer automatics. It can get a little dicey in the winter, especially where I used to live in B.C., but its the funnest car Ive ever driven. I could have a little more leg room, but Im only 5 foot 8, so it doesnt matter. My Escort is the plainest Escort you could ever get, but for some weird reason, it has power mirrors. The seats are manual, the locks and the windows. But thats what I love about this car.
-
Solid Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
By Ford Guy - September 24 - 1:42 amSecond owner, bought the truck used with about 40,000 miles. Just what I wanted: V6, floor mats, ground clearance (for a 4x2). The V6 has lots of torque. Wish that first was the old "bull low" that the pickups used to have. Four wheel disks, chrome wheels are a nice dress up on an otherwise plain Jane truck.
-
Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
By Hauler - September 23 - 2:04 pmEnjoy the car. Plenty of storage room and a feeling of confidence when driving. Felt good this winter driving through the snow. Car handles well and am impressed with the engine and transmission.
-
Ford Aerostar 141 Reviews
-
Ford Aspire 71 Reviews
-
Ford Bronco 139 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Energi 36 Reviews
-
Ford C-Max Hybrid 124 Reviews
-
Ford Contour 410 Reviews
-
Ford Crown Victoria 334 Reviews
-
Ford E-Series Van 1 Reviews
-
Ford Econoline Wagon 63 Reviews
-
Ford Ecosport 1 Reviews
-
Ford Edge 657 Reviews
-
Ford Escape 2,320 Reviews
-
Ford Escape Hybrid 335 Reviews
-
Ford Escort 835 Reviews
-
Ford Excursion 500 Reviews
-
Ford Expedition 1,452 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer 2,880 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport 207 Reviews
-
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 560 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 3,032 Reviews
-
Ford F-150 Heritage 28 Reviews
-
Ford F-250 79 Reviews
-
Ford F-350 37 Reviews
-
Ford F-Series 1 Reviews
-
Ford Festiva 76 Reviews
-
Ford Fiesta 297 Reviews
-
Ford Five Hundred 569 Reviews
-
Ford Flex 299 Reviews
-
Ford Focus 3,280 Reviews
-
Ford Freestar 265 Reviews
-
Ford Freestyle 640 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion 1,419 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Energi 20 Reviews
-
Ford Fusion Hybrid 266 Reviews
-
Ford GT 43 Reviews
-
Ford Mustang 3,414 Reviews
-
Ford Probe 258 Reviews
-
Ford Ranger 1,516 Reviews
-
Ford Shelby GT500 102 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus 1,954 Reviews
-
Ford Taurus X 88 Reviews
-
Ford Tempo 99 Reviews
-
Ford Thunderbird 667 Reviews
-
Ford Transit Connect 52 Reviews
-
Ford Windstar 915 Reviews