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 9421 through 9430 of 30,482.00-
Too many problems for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
By julz - August 2 - 12:14 amPassenger window motor went out, cds get jammed in player. One cylinder (think thats what its called) went out at 55,000. Then appeared a long crack in the hatch rear trim (and no its not the liftgage that was recalled). Then at 70,000 miles I had to get my transmission rebuilt. My mechanic showed me the parts and told me they were crap. Trying to cut corners and save money I guess. Like Ford wasnt making enough off of $32,000. Then at 78,000 it happened again-and by the way I baby this SUV and do all maintenance as needed. Transmission again but this time my mechanic couldnt find the exact problem in the transmission- had to put a new catalytic converter in among some other parts. Geez
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Love this car - 2000 Ford Mustang
By bluestang - August 2 - 12:13 amI bought this car a few months back and I am just in love with it. Being a V6 I was expecting very little power but after a cold air intake an exhaust and a short throw shifter this thing is fast! I would recommend this car to anyone!
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Great Car for the money! - 2008 Ford Fusion
By Ginny - August 1 - 10:18 pmTraded an 02 Ford Windstar van with 100,000 miles. Wish we had started with Ford instead of checking Toyota, Honda, and Nissan...there is no comparison for what you get for the money with the Ford Fusion. We had a great saleman who got us a terrific deal. We have had our Fusion for almost 3 months and have about 4000 miles on it.....my husband and I are semi retired and we are loving this car. We get 25 mpg in city /31 on the highway. Fun to drive, with precise steering and great brakes. Love the look of the car and the comfort. How did we live without sync? Moon and Tune package great and so affordable!.. best car decision weve made. Drive it, youll love it too.
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Not Bad, Not Great Either - 2008 Ford Mustang
By GTMan - August 1 - 10:04 pmLifelong owner of sport sedans from Far East or Europe. Living out a childhood vision of owning a sports car with a great American V8. Car is engineered around the powerful engine, not much else. Unlike products from other domestic makers, the understated styling and lack of cheezy exterior add-on is quite appealing. Obviously, this is a recreational vehicle, so it does not dissappoint, great engine sound, accelaration is pretty linear, and suspension is a good compromise. Not meant to make social statement, so no complaints about ~15 to 24 mpg. Overall, not a perfect car, and not for everyone, but just a fun personal toy to have in your garage.
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Exceeded my expectations - 2015 Ford F-150
By Rich - August 1 - 4:16 pmThe truck has the base 3.5L V-6 and the acceleration is quite good and overall fuel economy is 20-21 mpg! It is the XL trim level with manual windows and locks. For vinyl seats they are very comfortable. The power steering gives a good feel of the road and the brakes are awesome. I love the telescoping/tilt steering wheel, great idea. I like the blind spot side view mirrors, they are quite nice! The rear seats are roomy enough but nowhere near the crew cab. Plenty of room for groceries and moderate size items. The gauge cluster is useful and easy to read.
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Decent Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Dave - August 1 - 12:37 pmWe bought this truck used with just over 40k on the odo. Now have over 88k and it hasnt been too bad. Biggest problem is the 4x4 low stopped working. I havent spent the money to get it fixed because I never use low range 4x4. Considering this was a first year redesign, it hasnt been too bad. The power is great. The third row is a nice feature. There is plenty of storage. I bought an 07 SportTrac because I was so happy with this Explorer. That being said, I think we are going to get a Honda Minivan next year because we need more space and the reliability/resale value/gas mileage is so much better. Overall, the 02 Explorer is a great family vehicle, just needs some minor tweaks.
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Why this transmission, Ford? - 2012 Ford Focus
By - August 1 - 11:04 amTheres a lot to like about this car: cool styling, good fuel economy, comfortable, and handles well. My only gripe, and its a biggy, is the "automated transmission." It is very disconcerting driving this car. If test-driving this car, make it a point to do a left or right turn from a dead stop. The car searches for a gear and lurches when it finds one. Not pleasant.
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500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By cmalwas5f - August 1 - 4:50 amI am very happy with my Ford Five Hundred. It has a spacious interior in both the front and rear. The trunk is also enormous. It has a nice window line unlike many cars today (It is easy to see out the windows). My only complaint is that it is not fast or sporty. But for a large family car, it is perfect. I think it is a great car for the money.
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Very Fun to drive! - 2007 Ford Edge
By Chad - August 1 - 2:53 amAfter looking at the Honda CRV, the Mazda CX-7, the Pontac Torrent, and the Mercury Mariner, I decided to go drive an Edge. That was all it took. The Mazda had a bit more zip, due to its turbocharger, but really lacked for room inside, and towing capacity was not there. The Edge is much roomier than the Mazda, not as roomy as the CRV. The CRV was a really nice ride, but only had 166HP, and didnt have the zip I wanted, even on the interstate. This vehicle is by far the most fun to drive of any Ive ever owned. The only thing I do not like is the headrest is at an angle which is somewhat uncomfortable on long rides, and I think they are a smidge overpriced.
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I would buy again - 2010 Ford Focus
By Des - August 1 - 1:50 amI like the space of this small car. It gets great gas mileage and is very easy to drive.
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