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 9091 through 9100 of 30,482.00-
General - 2006 Ford Escape
By Arthur Burford - March 19 - 7:00 pmAn adequate vehicle which serves my needs. I wouldnt consider it exceptional, but I think it compares favorably with other vehicles in its class.This vehicle came equipped with running boards, a feature I would have insisted upon. However, I find the running boards to be a detriment to entering and exiting the vehicle ... for children maybe? Also, the cup holders are behind the console shift lever -- between the lever and the front storage compartment, making them extremely difficult to use. Speedometer markings are difficult to read. Vehicle has on a couple of occasions gone into passing gear arbitrarily.
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Not Idiot Proof But a Ton of Fun - 1995 Ford Contour
By dlf - March 19 - 2:00 amIve got about 60,000 miles on the car and have only had one problem--inlet manifold runner control had to be replaced for about $250. One replacement of tires and brake pads. Bought a dealer demo car (5000 miles) for cheap. I love the performance of the V6 engine and the handling--it feels like a European car. I think people who hate the Contour either havent gotten the SE model or are in need of an idiot-proof car.
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Good for an SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
By jillschmill - March 19 - 2:00 amVery comfortable - lots of space inside. Great for road trips. Of course, not great fuel-economy, but no SUV does well in that category.
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Cant wait for the 2003 model! - 1997 Ford Expedition
By cobbed,man - March 19 - 2:00 amThis has been a good family vehicle.
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A superior wagon for an economy car. - 1995 Ford Escort
By pj - March 18 - 3:01 pmA smart choice.Plenty of room in the back for transporting furniture(we easily fit a 5x40"x20" wardrobe in the back with the seats folded down).Thats alot of space for a small car.Visibility is excellent, easy to park in small spaces,and in five years,have only had it in the shop 3 times for minor repairs.The a/c cranks and still gives great gas mileage.It is very comfortable to drive and the front driver seat has great lower back support,a comfort for long rides.Weve transported rugs,mattresses,plywood and many other items you would normally need a pickup for.No regrets with this car.
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Wind96 - 1996 Ford Windstar
By woodfyr - March 18 - 12:02 pmThis has been an excellent road car. Long trips are a norm (+300 miles). A pleasure to drive, excellent handling with plenty of power on hills and for passing. Great tow vehicle for 1000 lb. camper trailer. Stable under all conditions. 22 mpg (16 mpg with trailer).
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Great car....great price - 2001 Ford Escort
By clinton - March 17 - 2:49 pmI bought this car because my old 94 Escort was a great car. It has 134,000 on it and still runs like a champ. So I got this new Escort (excuse me *ZX2*) and I like it even more. It handles better and is a wee-bit quicker. I have the manual. I wish the engine was a bit smoother. It vibrates a bit, but what do you want for a car in the this price range. If it lasts anywhere near as long as my old Escort, I can tolerate the vibrations of the engine....no problem.
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King Ranch is worth the money - 2002 Ford F-150
By jameszr1 - March 17 - 11:16 amGreat interior, super ride, quiet, and with the 5.4 great power.
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My Car - 1998 Ford Contour
By None - March 17 - 5:53 amI recently purchased a 98 contour with 80,000 miles. It was running great until recently when it just randomly shut off when I was driving, when I went to restart it the check engine light turned on in stead. The result was I needed to put a new engine in it. Besides that I have had only one other complaint about the car, the cup holders. they are completely useless, everything just falls out of them.
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pretty good car - 1993 Ford Taurus
By mattnealtaylor - March 17 - 4:09 amIts a pretty nice car. Semi-sporty... plenty of power and fun to drive. This car takes to Interstate roads like it enjoys them. Very comfortable. Very safe. Unfortunately, they also tend to have a variety of mechanical problems. You can expect to be in and out of the garage every few months with a $100-200 repair bill. But if you dont mind having to get them fixed up a few times a year, they are nice cars.
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