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 6131 through 6140 of 30,482.00-
Engine Misfire - 2002 Ford F-150
By hawker - December 10 - 12:01 pmAt stop lights it misses but at high speed it runs fine. And the dealer keeps telling me thats its fine.
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Fusion Meets the Challenge - 2007 Ford Fusion
By Ken Deken - December 9 - 2:43 amSurprise! Ford really means it when they say this car can beat the Camry and Accord. Dont take their word for it, give it a try. Eerily quiet, smooth, elegant interior with the leather package, smooth-shifting six- speed automatic, and decent fuel economy at 25 MPG in mixed driving with the V-6.
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Great van - very practical - 2001 Ford Windstar
By franz182 - December 8 - 10:41 pmGreat utility and a little luxury go a long way - we have had no issues mechanically with the van. Only minor electrical problems (all under warranty) with the onboard VCR. We have 3 young kids - the remote sliding doors are a godsend. Easy to get in and out of - easy to load up and reasonable comfort and mileage. Great sound system and climate controls. Has stood up quite well for the abuse it has been given. Traction control works great on snowy days - very safe feeling dependable car. We leased it and elected to buy.
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2003 Ford Escape XLT No Boundries Pkg - 2003 Ford Escape
By Pinkey - December 8 - 9:12 pmHad issues with the sending unit, gas pedal, radio broke (CD option to mix play) and rack on the No Boundries package started to pit. All covered under warranty.
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Expedition Expeditions - 1998 Ford Expedition
By Steve Abeyta - December 7 - 11:12 amGas mileage is terrible but roominess and cargo carrying/towing capability make up for sucking down the petrol! Im the 2nd owner, having purchased it preowned and having 35,000 miles on it. I have performed all of my maintenance and repair work for the last 15 years and My Expy has been very good to me. I am at about 160,000 miles and have been cross country about 8 times with it and it has never left me stranded with the exception of right after purchasing it, I ran it out of gas! My fault but always keep the tank half full and youll do ok! Change oil every 3,000 miles and do the maintenance schedule and it will last a long time.
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Not that bad, but......... - 2000 Ford Focus
By johnMC - December 7 - 10:00 amMinor and annoying repairs - lights on radio keyboard died in 1st year...doors squeek...needed a complete brake job at 24,500 miles...ashtray must be closed to use the lighter [warning for smokers who are also trying to charge their cell phone.
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Happy Aloha with FORD! - 2000 Ford Windstar
By stevehawaii - December 7 - 3:29 amIve had this van for over 4 years now (42K miles). Just a few problems, but nothing I would consider major. During third year sliding doors would open on their own or would not stay closed - found out that was due to needing a new battery. After replacing, no more problems with doors. At 36K, power windows went out (about 3 months between them, both front). Just after the warranty! Mechanically, has been sound. Love it. Love the entertainment center and the reverse sensing, both are must haves. Dual A/C is fabulous and still ice cold after being run every day for over 4 years in the hot Hawaiian sun. Split sound system is a godsend as well kids have video in back, we have music up front.
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Head Gasket Problem - 1995 Ford Taurus
By Head Gaskets! - December 6 - 6:51 pmMy very first car. Power everything and I thought it was great. Until I found out I had the 3.8 engine with the head gasket problem! Was a great car until that started acting up. Had to put rear brakes and tires into it and now it looks like it needs shocks or struts because it is terrible going over pot holes and speed bumps. If you buy a Taurus make sure it is not a 3.8 engine between 1994-1999 in Taurus, Windstar, Thunderbird, and some other cars Ford has made.
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Ill buy another one - 1992 Ford Aerostar
By Dave - December 6 - 2:19 pmBought this great van with 170,000 miles on it. Didnt believe it would last, but drove it another 33,000 miles since then and its still going fast and easy.
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Happy Expedition Owner - 2002 Ford Expedition
By CRExpedition - December 6 - 4:22 amFirst SUV that I have owed and it has been a great experience. Basically the only problem that I have encountered was the rear windows squeeking when opening they replaced the mechanisms (both windows) and the same thing happened. This occurs mainly during the winter months. Drivers window has a tendency to go up very fast during cold days. Also noticed a hummng noise in tranny when overdrive is turned off dealer says that this is not a problem and I have not had any tranny issue. I do not have the load leveling and my SUV runs pretty smooth, great on long trips, and comfortable. Get about 18-19 on highway, powerful motor (5.4), sometimes dont realize the speed Im going, good pickup for a big SUV. Love her!
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