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 8821 through 8830 of 30,482.00-
Skipping Rear End - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
By Mike - June 12 - 8:13 amEverything is good with the handling except the solid rear axle causes the rear end to "skip" all over the place if there is the slightest imperfection in the road surface. With maximum acceleration in 1st gear it is always evident and gives the certain sense of loss of control. Rear suspenion certainly needs to be independent.
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not to shabby - 1996 Ford Probe
By scoot - June 12 - 2:00 amthe car for me was a little under powered with its 2.5ltr 164 hp mazda engine. The car however now has 150,000 miles on it and is still running from its original 5 speed tranny and motor. The sunroof rusts like carzy but isnt leaking yet. The car is fun to drive, handles great in the snow, it can take a sharp 90 degree corner at 50 mph. The car is worth it. Unfortunately at 150,000 miles though it is beginning to show signs of age. The parts are very expensive for this car and if you are a do it yourselfer like me u had better have alot of time to work on this car, nothing is easy on this car.
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What A Nice Surprise! The Escort! - 1996 Ford Escort
By Lauren in Vegas - June 12 - 2:00 amAfter ending up with the last car I thought Id ever want (a 96 Ford Escort), I have been more than surprised at the reliability of this car! When I first bought it (with 73K miles), I took two long road trips half way across the country and back without incident! The gas mileage was great and the ride wasnt bad!
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Almost 1 Year Old - 2002 Ford Explorer
By bh_okedoke - June 11 - 2:00 amGetting on to the first year mark. Have the 4X4, 4.6 V8. The truck runs great, looks great, sounds great ( no interior squeaks - still as tight as the day we bought it ). The ride is stable, sure footed, very nice at highway speeds, seats are comfortable on long trips ( did the New England to Florida Le Mans this past year ).
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Tradiner in - 1998 Ford F-150
By fordcountry - June 11 - 2:00 amIve had rear brake problems since it was new. Since then Ive had the rear- end torn apart 3 times. Also the door cracks ~3inches above mirror. Finally I had a tie-rod break without any prior notice. (sealed socket)
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Big Truck - Fun Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
By trace clawson - June 10 - 2:00 amIts a great truck to drive. Very comfortable. Ive got the 4.6 L engine- adequate power but excellent highway mileage 16-20 mpg depending on speed. This baby sits up high. Can be difficult for short people to climb in. The rear bench seat is fine for Children- Adults.. you dont want to be back there for more than an hour at a time. The rear bench seat sits in a very upright position. My only problem: one of the catalytic converters failed at 40000 miles... covered by warranty.
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Roomy and Fun to Drive - 1999 Ford Expedition
By Nard - June 10 - 2:00 amI have had my vehicle for going on three years and I have loved every minute of it. I have 60,000 miles on it now and I have had no major repairs. There was something wrong with my starter coil but that only cost me 60 bucks. I love it on the highway and in the city. I want to check out the 2003 model....
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The Rock Biter - 2005 Ford Escape
By Kim Taylor - June 9 - 5:13 pmMy wife and I have been driving our computer controlled 4WD 4 cylinder Escape since May of this year. We fine it really comfortable in all kinds of road situations, and especially on trips in excess of 150 miles. The interior is great, with supportive seats, and plenty of leg room, even in the rear seat. We frequently drive in the Arizona mountains with our 4 banger, and it hauls us up the hills at speed limit. We have also done some pretty rough off road rock path climbing with it. It is well mannered, and never slips a tire. The vehicle saved our lives north of Flagstaff when we were taken off the road by a 5th wheeler. Into the gravel and out - no problems. We love our little Escape.
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Great car for value - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Ray - June 9 - 9:27 amBought this car as a demonstrator with 8000 miles. It now has 160,000. It has been a great car for the value. Very reliable. Only major repair was the a/c compressor leak. Have no engine or transmissions issues. Average gas mileage is 24-26. Have owned Chevy, VW, Porsche Mercedes and Mazda. This might be the most reliable of all. Think it has thousands of miles left in it.
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Test Drove Today - 2015 Ford Explorer
By Bobbie - June 9 - 5:42 amIm looking for a newer car. I have a 2007 Buick Rendezvous and looking to upgrade. I originally did not come to the dealership to test this particular car, it caught my eye and my husband and I decided to go for it. I had pros and cons for our family. Pros: This baby defiantly had power. I barely pulled out of the lotand it was doing 60mph. The ride was very smooth and quiet, like my Buick in its earlier days. The front had lots of leg room. Im 5ft 10in and my husband is 6ft abd both us were very comfortable. I didnt even have my seat all the way back abd still had plenty of leg abd head room. Cons: The car is not very good on turns. It does not turn smoothly. I also found the cargo space lacking. I work in direct sales and haul a lot of stuff to customers, anddo a lot of vendor shows as well as drive my kids around. Cargo space is a must have for my family. I dont think there is much leg room for my kids as they get older. The car sits a lot lower than Im used to. Overall its a pretty good SUV, but if you need a family car or cargo space you might want to check other options.
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