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 7261 through 7270 of 30,482.00-
10 Years of Great Fun - 1993 Ford Taurus
By dcbingaman - November 18 - 2:00 amBought my "Black Bird" in 1993, brand new, and Im still driving it !! 121,000 miles and still rolling. Unlike a lot of other guys, Ive had NO serious problems. Original auto transmission, but Ive replaced the radiator, the AC compressor solenoid and front suspension toe control links on both sides, replaced brakes all the way around (fronts twice) and Im on my third set of Goodyear GT+4s. The car still goes like a scalded dog, and its only quirk is that @#$% "Check Engine" lite, (probably a bad O2 sensor). Im looking at replacing her with a new GTO, though, (if I can sneak it in the garage without my wife noticing...)
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I Love My 91 Mustang - 1991 Ford Mustang
By Mustangman - November 18 - 2:00 ampower windows, power mirrors, inside hatch release, power windows, cruise, and a good sound system, plus its a mustang, what more do you need
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Mileage fix a lie - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By dnoel71 - November 18 - 12:05 amLast weekend I went and got the "update" regarding my Fusion Hybrid SE that was supposedly to help get better gas mileage as I drive almost 80 miles a day for work. Unfortunately it appears that instead of my mileage going up it is now going down!! I used to get anywhere from 37-41 now for the past 4 days of driving to work I have yet to even reach 37?? If someone else has gotten the update could you please let me know if the same thing is happening to you before I call and complain to Ford over this. I purchased this car specifically for the mileage promise that is a solid 10+ miles less mpg than promised.
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FRONTEND PROBLEMS - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By TOM FRANKFURTH - November 17 - 2:00 amAT 45000 MILES MY TRUCK NEEDED BRAKES. AT 60000 MILES BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND AT 71000 WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT.
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Johnnys Review - 1998 Ford Explorer
By 98Explorer4x4 - November 17 - 2:00 amCheck for recalls and make sure not to get one with Firestone tires. Overall its fun to drive on- and off-road.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE my C-Max Energi - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
By rlt7020 - November 15 - 5:02 amStepped out of an 11 Prius lift gate into the C-Max Energi. No comparison. Build quality on the Energi is superb, not the tin can experience I left behind. Dont get me wrong; the Pri was a great car, but this car should have a Lincoln badge on it. C-Max feeds data and info to me I have craved. Ive learned to finesse the pedal to maximize range & you will, too. More mass with this car equals better coasting and a solid solid feel. I catch myself having qualms about being in a mini-SUV b/c of the higher seating position, then remind myself its OK - the seating position and view is awesome. Interior quality is upscale. I thank Ford for giving us in the USA a taste of the European Focus.
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Too much road and air noise - 2002 Ford Taurus
By DHughes - November 15 - 2:00 amI purchashed this vehicle used w/ 15000. While driving on the expressways I get a loud roaring noise coming from the air intake or the fan. This primarily occur between 60- 65mph.The noise goes away after exceeding those speeds. This noise doesnt interfere with the proformance of the vehicle, but it is very annoying.I like the vehicle but dont know what to do about this problem.
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Pleased - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Elzy - November 14 - 11:19 amI have not been a Ford person but this Explorer has changed my opinion.
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Converted Chevy Man - 2003 Ford F-150
By davidroy - November 14 - 2:00 amI traded a 2000 C1500 Silverado in to try my first Ford pickup. For the few weeks Ive had it, I love it. Although the horsepower is much less than my Chevy (231 vs. 270), it still drives great. The interior look and feel are better than the Chevy, and the ride/transmission is much smoother too. Well see if I end up a true convert. My Dad retired from General Motors so I could have bought any GMC at a discount. Thought I would try the Ford.
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Leather Heaven - 2002 Ford F-150
By macaholic - November 13 - 2:00 amFor an exclusive ride in one of the most common pickups, this is it. The leather interior smells, feels, looks great. wouldnt trade it for a different model. My only suggestion would be to up the performance level of the 5.4L to play with the HDs and SVTs.
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