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 6651 through 6660 of 30,482.00-
Taurus SEL Wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
By neilwoida - May 15 - 2:00 am24 Valve V6 has plenty of power. SEL has upgraded interior - qulity and comfort are very good. Is affected by crosswinds more than even my minivan. Does not handle as well - tuned for soft highway ride. Overall, a solid value - but the time has come for an updated chassis.
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reliable! - 2004 Ford Ranger
By luvmyrngr - May 14 - 2:00 amI really am pleased with my Ranger. The gas mileage is nonexistant, but the truck is solid with few problems. Great offroad!
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2004 Ranger XL 2.3 /4 w/5 spd manual - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Don Arthur - May 14 - 2:00 amGas mileage not up to expectations, so far about 22 (EPA rated at 24 city) for mixed city/highway. When first started engine revs way too high (2400-2500 RPM). This is annoying & cannot be good for engine. As usual no satisfaction from dealer service (they claim its all computer regulated and NORMAL). It may be computer regulated, but I doubt its NORMAL. Otherwise I like the Ranger, easy to drive, handles nicely, but 4 cylinder is anemic in top gear(s)..have to downshift too frequently. Probably should have gone for 3.0 liter V-6 and automatic (wouldnt have to manually downshift). Have only 600 miles on it, so too soon to make any lasting judgments.
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Reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
By Lindsay_Kis13 - May 14 - 2:00 amI bought my car from a private owner in September of 2003 and I can honestly say I did not want the car. I wanted more of a sports car. But I have been completely satisfied with my car. It is not the best looking car out there but I have had absolutely no problems with it. My car has high mileage and is still very reliable. I drive it alot and I definately dont drive it easy. My 1993 Ford Escort is a strong and very reliable car. I am pleased.
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So far so good! - 2013 Ford Focus
By Jeff - May 14 - 1:08 amI think you need to drive this car! You need to decide if its right for you. I recently bought a 2013 SE with 49k. I bought the 5 speed manual transmission, because of the horror stories Ive been hearing about the Focus automatic transmission. I also honestly prefer a manual transmission. The only negative comment I will make is the clutch pedal needs to be further to the left. Im averaging about 31 mpg and love my Focus!
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Zippy - 1998 Ford Escort
By cb - May 13 - 2:00 amGreat car, fun to drive and great on gas. There is a small rattle in the engine that is from a cap that cannot be removed so it hits the hood of the car causing the rattle.I also had to change the front left tie rod on only 33000 miles. Those were the only problems that have arised Otherwise I have had no other problems with it.
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A very nimble SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
By Pat ORiley - May 13 - 2:00 amI put the seats down and was able to fit 20 - 3cubic ft. bags of mulch in it. It has a perfect blend of power, from acceleration to passing. The steering is very nimble. Highway mileage is around 26mpg while the city rating is not what I expected at 17mpg. I am a 6ft. male at 170lbs. The drivers seat makes me feel like I am on top of the vehicle instead of inside it. The ride is smooth but leans while cornering. It seems to hold the road very well and is not affected much by wind. The engine hesitates during the first few minutes of operation and the transmission shifts up an down between 30 - 40 mph. The dealer changed the throttle body due to sticking.
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My third Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
By salty - May 13 - 2:00 amThis is a great truck. I wish the 3.0L had the power of some other 3.0Ls have, 158hp is low. Mileage is a steady 19 - 21 Average with Automatic. Great sound system, CD with Radio. Tranmission does shift poorly under a light load, OK under a heavy load. Thin gauge step bumper, much thinner than my 92 was.
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2001 Ford Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
By ben mcdonald - May 12 - 2:50 amVery reliable and fun to drive. I have only had to add new brakes and emissions valve. I have owned it for 4 1/2 years. However it is a bumpy ride.
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My Blue Pony - 2002 Ford Mustang
By Jenstang - May 12 - 2:00 amI am 23 and within reason, this is definitely my DREAM car!! I love the fact that I see all kinds of different people driving around in a Mustang-- frat boys, hot college chicks, moms, dads, even the occasional "Senior." This car is fun, fast and definitely an attention getter. I considered the GT, but decided the V6 was plenty of power and was told by a few other people that the little extra power you get is not worth the BIG insurance increase and frequent stops at the gas station. If you like to live life with the top down, this car will make you happy every day.
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