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 7061 through 7070 of 30,482.00-
good for the money - 1998 Ford Escort
By triniman - January 14 - 2:00 amThis is a fun little car that is good on gas and cheaper to maintain. problem free if you ask me
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Not a bad Car! - 1990 Ford Escort
By holland1115 - January 14 - 2:00 amGot the car at 12 years old with 76000 miles. Put 34000 on it and it still starts every time. Only needed regular maintenance, parts wore out, oil, filters and a tuneup. I also put in a fuel pump. It has 100000 mile and is still going strong. Hope my next cars is as reliable.
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Ford Explorer XLT 2002 - 2002 Ford Explorer
By mynamesmegan - January 13 - 10:00 amI love my ford explorer, dont get my wrong but the gas mileage is terrible, especially with the prices shooting up!
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Owner of both Escape and Tribute - 2004 Ford Escape
By berwanger1 - January 13 - 10:00 amLike the title says, I own both the Escape and Tribute, and must admit, both are terrific vehicles. I dont normally like SUVs at all, but these twins ride like cars, have very comfortable interiors (though there is too much reliance on hard plastic pieces), and plenty of power from the V6. The engines quiet, wind and road noise low, and the cars are great on trips. I can drive them for hours without tiring. Other than the bargain basement interior, I dont have any complaints.
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Few more extras - 2006 Ford F-150
By Larry Murchison - January 13 - 3:40 amThe 2006 Harley Davidson is a very good vehicle and wonderful to drive. However after driving it for two weeks I find that Ford left out a few items. No light in hood or locking glovebox. And it could use a few more horsepower.
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Good Car - 1993 Ford Escort
By Mpboyd49 - January 13 - 2:00 amI brought this car to have my first car. I have used it to go back and forth to school everyday. I have not had many problems. I brought the car with 119,000 miles on it, it now has 135,115 miles. Normal oil changes and etc.
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WONDERFUL CAR - 1995 Ford Contour
By royal99 - January 13 - 2:00 amThis is the first car I have kept over 6 yrs. It is the most reliable car I have ever had. Only a few minor repairs over the last 8 yrs. It is a great car to take on a trip, great fuel economy. Easy and fun to drive. I love Ford products since they are built to last.
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OKAY - 1995 Ford Contour
By Ursie - January 13 - 2:00 amI think that it is an alright car, but definetily not the best I have ever been in before.
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Unparalleled reliability - 1996 Ford Explorer
By molllibbburg - January 13 - 2:00 amTraded SUV with in-laws in 7/03, so I know the history. After 130,000 miles, it just had its first repair (excluding maintenance) - a water pump. V8 runs great and starts every time. Drove from Miami to Chicago in July and then to S. Carolina in December. Would buy another (with V8 only). Mileage is acceptable and some interior components are cheap and deteriorate from sun rays.
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I love my Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
By teatime - January 13 - 2:00 amThis is my 2nd excursion,the first was a v-8 gas, 8-9 mpg around town. We traded it for a Honda van. We got better gas mileage but lost alot of interior room and security of size. We purchased a 2002 excursion ultimate diesel and we Love it. We will not trade it unless we get another excursion diesel. It is a little better on the gas but love the security and inside room. We also had 2 Suburbans, they had brake problems and did not feel as solid in the ride. The whole family loves the excursion over any of the other vehicles weve owned.
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