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 6461 through 6470 of 30,482.00-
Good, Reliable Transportation - 1999 Ford Explorer
By Critical_level - July 25 - 2:00 amI had originally traded a mustang gt for this because I needed more space and the ability to get through the snow. It ahs been a very reliable vehicle and has never let me down or stranded me. It has alot more room than the grand cherokee and blazer. It has decent power and has a decent ride (remember its a truck not a car). I would recomend this to anyone looking for a reliable and trouble free four wheel drive vehicle.
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First truck Ive owned...and still own. - 1998 Ford Ranger
By Jim N. - July 23 - 2:00 amGreat truck. Mines only a 2WD/4cyl/5speed, but its taken me thru 4 Colorado winters. Great for light hauling around town and helping friends move. I use 85octane gas and get an average of 25mpg. If I put 87octane, I can usually squeeze out 1-2 more mpg. Im at about 98k miles now. No major work has been needed. Regular LOF changes, brakes every 30k, tires at 45k and 90k (prolly my fault for the tires). I replaced shocks, fuel filter and had tune-up at 92k miles. Only annoying thing was the cab light would stay on during the summer after the drivers door was shut. Ended up unplugging the cable in the door.
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Good car for low price - 2004 Ford Focus
By Mikeyman - July 23 - 2:00 amI like the car and would recommend it to anyone who wants a decent car for a good price.
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Design Flaw? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By spar07 - July 22 - 7:49 pmMy wife bought her truck about 4 years ago. A little less than 4 months later, the front passenger wheel literally broke off at a speed of approximately 60 mph. The reason for the problem was due to the wheel bearing freezing up. The dealer where she bought the truck was surprised that the vehicle did not roll and do some serious damage to life and property. This winter, just short of 4 years later, the bearing froze up again and was on the brink of breaking once again. The only conclusion is that there has to be some kind of design or material flaw in the materials used for this model. The truck has been inspected in attempt to find the problem. Owners beware!!
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Pretty Good After 5 Years - 1999 Ford Escort
By ZX2 Girl - July 22 - 2:00 amThe car is in pretty good condition for being 5 years old. Of course, it doesnt run as smoothly as it use to. The air conditioning and tape deck both have gone out twice. My breaks make odd noises when Im stopping (Ive had them checked out). Even when new, the car idles really rough. Besides that, Ive had no major mechanical problems. Its a good car for a first time buyer.
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Good car, Bad Transmission - 1999 Ford Taurus
By AmyLewis22 - July 22 - 2:00 amEvery Taurus Ive ever owned, the transmission drops before 100,000 miles. I had a 91 and the trans dropped at 98,000. Now my 99 trnas dropped at 70,000. Ive heard rumors that the Taurus is known for having bad trans by mechanics. But I love evrything eles about. No other problems.
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2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
By jarheadfor4 - July 21 - 2:00 amYou cant beat this truck for hauling a boat and the fam at the same time. I love it. The 3rd row seat keeps my 12 and 8 year-old kids apart. The A/C is cold and their is very little road noise.
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2004 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
By Linda M - July 21 - 2:00 amHad a 2002 Escape. My daughter was broadsided, and the vehicle was totaled, but she had no injuries thanks to the side air bags. Loved the styling, dependability and price of the Escape, so we bought a 2004.
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My F150 - 2001 Ford F-150
By Dan Bat - July 20 - 2:00 amSo far So good. I enjoy driving it. Very capable truck. Quiet ride.
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Warning - 2010 Ford Fusion
By Nebraska - July 20 - 1:30 amGot the car in April...2700 miles later the transmission is already broke. A sensor is also shot...While covered by warranty--be careful buying one of these.
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