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:
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Owning the Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
By Tim Howard - September 5 - 3:17 amI have been restoring and collecting classic cars for over 25 years, and I have never driven anything as exciting and enjoyable as the new Ford GT. Even my Best of Show Winning 1967 Shelby GT350 does not compare to the feel and presence of this Ford Supercar. It is, without question, the most capable and enjoyable car on the market today. Even my Corvette friends are envious of the GTs capabilities and ease of handling. It is simply one of the fastest cars in the world at any price.
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Wow! This is one nice truck! - 2007 Ford F-150
By Alan - September 5 - 12:23 amAfter much research, I finally bought my Lariet. Granted Ive only had it for two days, but Ive got to tell you it is an impressive truck. Ive read many reviews and some reviewers complain about a lack of power this certainly is not evident to me and Im used to a 2001 Mustang GT. Its power is consistant and smooth throughout the RPM range. Inside it is amazingly quiet the style and comfort of this truck is down right awesome! So far, I love it! If it holds up like my 1984 Bronco II did, itll prove to be one hell of a truck. Check back in 10 years for an update!
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Great - 1997 Ford Expedition
By Family - September 4 - 2:00 pmPurchased my suv in 2003. Love it! I have only had one major problem with it when I blew the spark plug out of the head (kind of costly) but well worth it. Having a big family I will stick with my Expedition for as long as I can.. even with high gas prices it is still a very safe suv for my children.
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Grannies ride - 2016 Ford Explorer
By Diann Eve - September 4 - 9:46 amIf shopping on line verify color and price before going to test drive. Also, availablity.
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Solid Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
By Billy - September 4 - 9:14 amGood all around truck for regular folks. The small V8 is sluggish at first but will move down the road very well. Works fine for what most people do. Rides like a truck, not a car. I like that. Get the bigger motor for more serious work. I can get 21mpg highway if I drive reasonably <70. Pulls a small boat well and has plenty of room and comfort. Sides of the truck are high and makes getting stuff in and out a bit tougher than with previous models.
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Extremely Reliable - 2000 Ford Explorer
By Walt - September 4 - 4:56 amPurchased used from leasing company. Rolled over 183K problem free with regular, normal maintenance (oil changes every 4K, transmission flush every 35K). Replace brake rotors / pads about every 60K, but only because I feel safer doing so. Engine, transmission very quiet, smooth. Changed spark plugs at 90K and 175K, spark plug wires at 175K. Not sure how much more anyone could ask for.
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Like it a lot - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By tominva - September 4 - 3:23 amThis is a solid car. Comfortable, quiet, smooth ride. Handles well. Plenty of passing power (for my needs, anyway)
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Great Transmission - 2008 Ford Taurus
By GPalmer - September 3 - 9:00 pmFrom the outside, this car doesnt look much bigger than my 2005 Taurus, but specs say its 20" longer. The trunk is massive -able to fit two bikes in there with extra room. Havent tried to fit it into the garage yet! Kudos for the 6spd transmission. It shift just where it ought to shift and still provides an avg 24mpg on the big 6-cyl motor (Highway Im showing 28mpg!). Radio sounds nice and is easy to operate. Sunroof is well-designed with pop-up to reduce wind noise. Im two weeks into this car and am very impressed. Just wish theyd made the "ink blue" color a tish lighter it seems, from a distance, to be black. Will follow-up at six months.
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Love my Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
By Mama - September 3 - 4:00 amI love my truck, the leg room is awesome, the storage is wonderful. The look of the truck is rich. The handling is unbelievable, the gas mileage is really good compared to others. If you want a truck that youll be proud of, buy one of these beautiful trucks.
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Smart Whatever You Wanna Call It - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Freestyle Gal - September 3 - 3:10 amJust bought it today to replace my Expedition. Long commute, gas prices killing me, but really needed the cargo space and occasional 3-row seating for holidays with the family. A little noisy inside at freeway speeds. Firm ride, handles great, easy to park. Lots of cool extras in the SEL for a car that costs $28K. Expected the transmission to feel different, but it is much smoother and no slipping like my 2003 Expedition. Feels zippy enough for me--my cargo is large but not heavy. Loved my humongous UTE, but was feeling guilty about it (and tired of $60 fill-ups). Sitting lower down takes some getting used to. Happy camper so far.
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