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 9561 through 9570 of 30,482.00-
The Mighty GT Steed still reigns - 2003 Ford Mustang
By bfraz - January 3 - 2:00 amAfter a 2000 LX convert, I recenty got a brand new GT convertible, B-B-B - got a great deal over the web. I still wish there was abit more effort put into the interior design the leather seats are far more comfortable than the cloth ones I had. The difference between the 190 HP 3.8 and the 260 HP 4.6 is very nice. The car handles incredibly well right out of the factory - the feel of the LX and the GT canno be compared; I hate to say it but the LX handles more like the tyoical US car, even with rear- wheeel drive. The GT truly "handles the road." I love my little Pony car, theres nothing else like it available for the money today. It is a legend.
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Disappointing, especially in cold weather - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By akservices - January 2 - 3:24 amIve had the car for almost three years, and am disappointed. The mileage numbers have never come close to the advertised numbers, and when its really cold (i.e., less than 0), the MPG plummets to 14 or 15. This is hardly better than our 1997 Ford Explorer. Friends who own Toyota Priuses have also reported lower MPG in the cold, but theirs go down to 30 MPG, from 40. Even when the temperature is "normal," meaning 60 to 70, and Im doing highway driving the best mileage Ive ever gotten out of the car is 27 MPG. In retrospect, I wish Id bought a non-hybrid and spent a lot less $$.
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Great - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
By rpecoraro - December 29 - 3:46 pmI have had this SUV for over a year now. Took it to Las Vegas in May averaged 26 mph going and 27 on the return trip over 4000 miles. Driving to and from work which is a 27 mile round trip I get 34 mpg, well over the 29 mpg on the sticker. On the downside in the winter I was only getting 25 mpg when it was below 30 degrees. I have not had any problems, just take it for oil changes. The book says every 10000 miles but I do it every 5000. Would buy it again.
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Noisy - 2003 Ford Explorer
By chamb - December 29 - 10:00 amDisappointed:( After owning a 97 Expedition and buying this Explorer, I regret the decision. The vehicle is excessively noisy on the highway...mainly wind noise. Cant even hear the passengers in the back seat !!! I do like everythng else about the vehicle and get great gas mileage (23 MPG Highway / 16 MPG City). I dont find the interior quality poor, just economically made. There certainly arent any over abundance of bells & whistles on the vehicle.
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Great car,Great value! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By nice car! - December 25 - 8:16 pmTraded our Explorer in for the new Five Hundred and so far we are very pleased with our choice. We no longer need the utility vehicle and wanted something that was full size but not oversized and after looking at many makes and models we settled on the Ford 500 because we felt it was more bang for the buck with the AWD and options galore for around $23,000.Very happy owner!
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Transmission Stinks!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
By mod463 - December 25 - 10:46 amBought my Fusion in mid-late August 2009. At 3,000 miles the water pump went out. I heard a lot of squeaking and the more I drove it the worse it got. I took it to the dealership and the they said the water pump went out. Took a week or so to get parts and fix it. On March 8th the transmission just about went out completely. Took it back to the dealership and they said the clutches and valve body need replaced and the parts are on back order for a long time. They got Ford to give me a rental car. Also there is times the starter sticks and the car will not start, will take 4 attempts for the car to start. I think I have a LEMON!
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"Fordecito" Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
By John Lucas - December 24 - 3:53 pmI love this car. Plenty of room and comfort, and the handling is terrific for what it is. Hertz gave me one in Chicago. I drove it 600 miles, city and intersate, came back to Southampton and immediately traded in my Cadillac for my Fordecito.
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A Handsome Hauler - 2012 Ford Explorer
By Kelly - December 24 - 11:33 amLets say you are an outdoors type or a family type, either way you need something to haul your gear or your people or both. This truck, I like calling it a truck - its not a car, and "SUV" sounds silly, carries your stuff in style. I sigh every time I look at my Ex. Its just so good looking! It hauls my husband, two dogs, camping gear, luggage, a bike on the back, and a small kayak on top. I keep the third-row seats lowered for more room in the cargo area. I love knowing I can raise the lift gate and easily load my gear or groceries into the cargo space. The front and back seats are comfortable. People in the back like having access to their own heating and cooling controls. Other than that, my Explorer has basic controls but Im okay with that because it kept the price low when I bought it used. Besides, I do not want nor need navigation, bluetooth, or the MyFord touch. The trucks auxiliary ports are sufficient for playing my music through my phone. I fill up the tank once a week for my daily trips to work and back. I drive 250 miles a week plus local driving on the weekends. My only concerns are the whistling noise around the windshield at high speeds and sometimes the engine refuses to go faster than 80 miles per hour though that might be the result of a safety feature - and really who needs to go faster than 80 mph.
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Great car so far - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
By Dan from Denver - December 23 - 10:00 amIm a Ford fan, and still own a Bronco, Bronco II and just sold my Lincoln. Test drove Toyota and Honda - no comparison. Sport has power, good handling, tight construction, nimble steering, good extras. Dealer gave a great price. Dont need 4 dr anymore. Im having fun with it. A little clunky to look at but so are all the other SUVs. Can tell mine from a mile away and thats a plus.
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Best sedan for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By prmonse - December 19 - 1:56 amI was looking for a affordable and comfortable sedan, this 500 is a great deal, you cant get anything domestic or imported that offers this amount of room and comfort for the money. For $27000 I got a fully loaded sedan with all the new technology, incredible room, more than adequate performance, since every magazine complains of the 203 hp engine, and excellent mileage for such a large car, Ive got 28mpg on my first fill up. Love the high seating position, the comfortable and quiet ride that doesnt preclude sporty driving when you hustle.
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