How Did Ford Get Started?
Ford is one of the most trusted and long-lasting car businesses in the world. Whenever you visit a Ford dealer, you’re working with a company that’s been in operation for about 120 years! While there are a handful of international businesses with a longer lifespan, few American companies have been around that long. Here’s a brief history lesson on how Ford got started.
The Early Days of Ford
According to our team, the Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford and 11 investors in 1903. However, the history of Ford started way before that day, including Ford building his very first auto in 1896. A Detroit native, Ford built what he called a quadricycle and formed the Detroit Automobile Company in 1899 to begin producing vehicles.
Failure and Phoenix-Like Success
Ford’s success was far from assured, and by 1902, he’d been forced out of his auto company and received just $900 for his trouble. While that’s a lot of money for the time, it’s clearly not the millions he made later. Instead, Ford reorganized and created the Ford Motor Company the next year. It was at this time that Ford’s visionary ideas finally started to see success.
The Assembly Line Changes Everything
The first autos were built by hand and could only be produced at a rate of a few cars per day, even with multiple skilled technicians working at the same time. However, Ford innovated the idea of the assembly line, which featured multiple people adding just a few parts to a car at a time. This greatly sped up production and helped many a Ford dealer pop up across Michigan.
Production for War
While Henry Ford was a pacifist at first during World War I, he was also a businessman first. As a result, when the nation finally did go to war, he produced multiple vehicles for the military in his factories. These inexpensive but high-quality designs helped the United States in its war efforts and fueled an even higher range of success for Ford Motor Company.
Next time you visit a Ford dealer in your area, know that you’re walking into a historic firm that has helped change the world in many ways. For example, Ford’s assembly line concept has been used in just about every manufacturing business around the nation. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in learning more about Ford’s history or even taking one for a test drive.
Although Ford has always offered high-quality cars, in other ways they have evolved. For example, according to Ulmer’s Auto Car Center, Ford’s well-known blue, oval logo was not introduced until four years after the company had already been in production. When most people are shopping for a used car, they simply want something reliable and attractive. The Ford Fusion has proven over the years to check these boxes consistently in the used vehicle market. If you are in the market for a used Ford Fusion, keep reading to learn about two exciting features this vehicle has to offer.
1. Great Gas Mileage
This particular detail has moved up the priority list for many vehicle shoppers. Although new vehicles are offering a lot of improvement in gas mileage, it can still feel challenging within the used car market to find older cars that are performing well in this area. The Ford Fusion, however, has always featured great gas mileage. For example, the 2019 1.5 liter provides an estimated 23 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. The 2019 hybrid model offers even better mileage at 42 MPG. If your fuel expenses have become a budgeting issue, you can see right away what a big difference this could make.
2. Fantastic Tech Features
Even if you are shopping for a used Ford Fusion, you’re probably still expecting at least a few great tech features. If safety features are important to you, the Ford Fusion has you covered. Even if you are looking at used models, you can still get great tech features such as lane keep assist, rearview camera, collision warning, and even pedestrian detection with all 2019 models. You also won’t be disappointed with options such as voice-activated SYNC systems. This feature uses Bluetooth technology to sync your vehicle with your phone for a more enhanced driving experience. With this feature, you can stay productive and connected while driving. Listen to voicemails, send and receive text messages safely, and listen to your favorite music from streaming services on your phone, while still maintaining safe, hands-free driving practices.
Buying a used vehicle doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the great features you want in a vehicle. A used Ford Fusion brings you the best of both worlds by providing a great affordable ride with exciting and practical features. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, check out our inventory today.
What Differentiates Ford From Other Car Brands?
Different companies have different strengths and weaknesses. When shopping for products and services, it’s smart to step back and take a look at the company as a whole. By finding a company that has a similar ethos and worldview as your own, you may have a better experience in the long run. Ford Motor Company and Ford dealers are known for their innovations in production and sales, the pursuit of sustainable technologies, and an emphasis on customer service.
According to Statista, in 2020, Ford Motor Company enjoyed revenues of $127 billion, making it one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. Ford dealers have also found a lot of success by providing excellent customer service and fair prices. Let’s take a look at some traits that make the Ford Motor Company unique.
Ford Has a Unique Place in Auto History
Ford didn’t invent the automobile. However, Henry Ford’s efforts to drive down production costs led to many breakthroughs and helped set the stage for the modern assembly line. By decreasing production costs, Ford Motor Company was able to deliver automobiles to the masses. Ford was also an early champion of equitable wages and safe working conditions.
Ford Was Quick to Embrace Turbocharged Engines
For a long time, bigger engines meant more power. When looking to increase performance, some automobile manufacturers would simply put a bigger engine in the vehicle. This could increase speeds but also made vehicles heavier and typically resulted in worse fuel economy.
Ford has been among the leaders in embracing new technologies to improve performance, fuel economy, and other metrics. Smaller turbocharged engines, for example, can offer performance comparable to or even exceeding larger engines while keeping the weight low and fuel economy high. Head to your local Ford dealers and you’ll surely find a range of vehicles with engines big and small. More options make it easier to satisfy varying tastes and needs.
Ford Is All in on Sustainable Vehicles
Some auto companies have dragged their feet when it comes to pursuing electric vehicles and other technologies that could potentially improve sustainability. Ford Motor Company, however, has been quick to embrace electric vehicles and other cutting-edge platforms.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has become one of Ford’s most popular and sought out vehicles. While the original Mustang was renowned for its powerful combustion engines, the Mach-E features a blazing fast but environmentally friendly all-electric platform. Many Ford dealers have struggled to keep the Mach-E in stock because demand for these vehicles is so high.
Ready to find the Ford vehicle you’ve always wanted? Turn to our team here at Hagen Ford to learn more about your options today! We look forward to working with you.
Top 4 Tips for Buying a Used Car
Buying a used vehicle should be a careful process that you make with complete confidence in your purchase. When cars are properly taken care of, they can last well beyond their estimated lifetime. There’s a chance you could score a great deal, but keep these tips in mind to ensure you don’t wind up with a lemon.
1. Take it on the Highway
Taking a car for a test drive is something most people know to do, but taking it out on the highway is a must. Vehicles with suspension problems or bad tires will more than like shake at higher speeds. You won’t notice those problems if you drive around the block at a low speed.
2. Check the Transmission Fluid
Check the transmission fluid, and rub your fingers down the stick to get a tiny bit of fluid on your fingers. Then, rub your fingers together. Transmission fluid that feels gritty is an indicator that there is corrosion because the transmission is so old. Milky transmission fluid indicates that there is coolant in the transmission, which means the radiator is in poor condition.
3. Test the Vehicle’s Functions
When test-driving a pre-owned vehicle, such as a used Ford Escape, ensuring everything works is essential. Turn on the heat, the air conditioning, turn signals, etc. Some people will pick up a used car and sell it for a higher price to make extra money. However, that means they don’t know much about the car.
4. Ask About the History
A car with one previous owner is likely to be better taken care of, and the vehicle’s history of accidents and repairs will be well-documented compared to an automobile with multiple previous owners. You’ll also want to know the last time the car was serviced and of course, its mileage. Finally, ask if it’s ever been smoked in. According to The Zebra, Americans own their longest-kept cars for an average of about 8 years. Knowing what the car has been through in its lifetime is vital to an assured purchase.
Ensuring you ask the right questions, such as when the car was last serviced, and test driving can help you wind up with an amazing automobile instead of one that leaves you stranded in a few days. For more information about purchasing a used Ford Escape, contact Hagen Ford today! Each used car in our lineup goes through a rigorous check to ensure they’re safe to drive. We’re happy to answer any questions you have along the way!
5 Ford Escape Features You Didn’t Know About
The Ford Motor Company has a long and fascinating history. According to Ford.com, Henry Ford built his first vehicle, a gas-powered four-wheeler called the quadricycle, in 1896. Today, the brand is known for quality vehicles like the Ford Escape. Below, you’ll discover some of the most exciting features found in used Ford Escapes!
1. Driver Assistance Features
Newer Ford vehicles come standard with driver assistance features. Common features include lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features improve the safety of vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents when you’re on the road. Driving a vehicle with these features will give you peace of mind!
2. Intelligent Cruise Control
Using cruise control while driving can improve fuel efficiency and keep you alert when driving long distances. While it’s common for vehicles to offer cruise control, the Ford Escape takes this feature to the next level! Many Ford vehicles have a smart system that automatically detects and adapts to speed limit changes.
3. Voice Activated Navigation
If you ever find yourself lost on the road, you won’t necessarily have to pull over. Many used Ford Escapes have voice-activated navigation features, allowing you to ask for directions while behind the wheel. Not only can you ask for directions to specific locations, but you can request to be guided toward gas stations or restaurants near you!
4. Automatic High Beam Headlights
Driving in low light conditions is dangerous, but many Ford Escapes have features that make it easy to see in the dark. Many newer vehicles offer high-beam headlights that automatically switch on in low-light conditions. If you drive onto a dark road, the vehicle’s headlamps will switch on, allowing you to see your surroundings.
5. Second Row Sliding Seats
The Ford Escape is a roomy vehicle with plenty of trunk space. You can fold down the third row of seats when you need extra room; in many vehicles, you can fold down the second row of seats. If you want to transport furniture or make space for large items, you’ll have more than enough room in your vehicle.
Ford updates the Escape every year, so available features will vary based on the vehicle’s year. No matter what vehicle you opt for, you’ll be impressed when you look at used Ford Escapes. These vehicles are safe, comfortable, and convenient to drive. Contact us if you’re looking for your next vehicle.
3 Benefits of Buying a Used Ford Escape
If you look at vehicle reviews for the Ford Escape, you will find that there are plenty of positive ones. Generally, the Ford Escape is one of the best compact crossover SUVs, and it’s generally regarded as an excellent SUV. As such, you might find yourself wondering if the Ford Escape is a great option when buying a used car. Let’s look at three benefits of buying a used Ford Escape.
1. Unmatched Quality
One of the most common concerns associated with buying a used car is whether the car is still in good condition and if you can get the same quality from it that you would expect from a newer car. The good news is that Ford vehicles have a reputation for being high-quality, and the manufacturer is known to build according to the highest precision. So, you can expect great performance from your used Ford Escape if you do your due diligence to find a reputable Ford dealer.
2. Value for Your Money
One of the biggest advantages of buying a used vehicle is that you can get a reliable car that’s still in decent shape for a fraction of the cost of buying a brand new vehicle. This is one of the reasons why buying a used Ford Dealer could work out for you. If you have always wished to get behind the wheel of this car at a more cost-effective price, then you can make your dream come true by visiting the best Ford dealer in your area.
3. Great Resale Value
All in all, Ford is a solid brand with a good reputation and high popularity. There are many interesting facts that prove this. According to Ford’s historical records, Ford debuted the Mustang in 1964, and right on the following Christmas season, over 90,000 pedal-powered toy Mustangs were purchased for children. This demonstrates just how popular this brand is! Plus, the lower depreciation rate of Ford brand vehicles means that the used car you purchase will likely retain its value for longer. This will come in handy should you need to sell your car later and upgrade.
These are some of the top reasons why buying a used Ford Escape is such a good idea. If you’re ready to buy your next set of wheels and you feel that a used Ford Escape will suit your needs, then get in touch with us today!
What Makes Ford Cars Special?
Whether you’re looking for a new or used car, it pays to shop around and compare your options. During the process, you’re bound to come across certain car brands that stand out. One such brand is Ford, which stands out for so many reasons. Let’s consider the top reasons why Ford cars are so special.
Superior Performance
The Ford company has made many technological improvements to its cars over the years. You’ll be pleased to know that none of the upgrades compromised the superior performance that the brand is legendary for. So, when you visit a Ford dealer, be sure to take the car you want for a test drive to see for yourself. Special mention goes to the Mustang variants, which come with V8 engines as well as V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
EcoBoost
One thing about Ford cars is that the company has managed to keep up with modern and technological advances. One such advancement is the EcoBoost, a suite of technologies that refers to the combination of small, turbocharged engines on lightweight vehicles. This is a welcome development, as more and more people are looking for vehicles with less fuel consumption and fewer emissions without compromising on power.
Turbocharging means that Ford cars come with several benefits. For starters, it keeps the engine costs down, meaning that the company can afford to splurge on other features that make for a great driving experience, such as infotainment. Turbocharging also boosts performance, which explains why Ford cars have high-performance scores. Be sure to ask your local Ford dealer about this feature when you browse their selection.
Electric Vehicles
Today, the auto industry is being revolutionized with the introduction of hybrids and electric vehicles, and Ford is working hard to keep up with demand. According to U.S. News, Ford is the second-best seller of affordable electric vehicles in the United States. This is good news if you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient hybrid or electric vehicle to help reduce your carbon footprint!
Ford cars have certainly come a long way. According to the Society of Automotive Historians, Dr. Pfennig was the very first owner of a Ford, which he bought in 1903 for $850. The Model “A” was in possession of a 2-cylinder engine with a max speed of 30mph. Today you can get so much more from your Ford car, and you can enjoy so many options when you visit your Ford dealer. Ready to get behind the wheel of a special Ford car? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
Looking for a used Ford F150 for sale? This is a great idea because the Ford F-150 has proved to be popular for many years, and the great used pickup value means you can expect to enjoy many years of service from your used Ford. That said, before you drive your truck off the lot, be sure to ask your Ford dealer the following questions to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
What Are the Top Features That Come With Each Year’s Model?
Ford has manufactured many reliable models of the F-150 truck over the years. There are some differences when comparing various year models, so it helps to know the details about the various models before making your decision. The good news is, no matter what year you’re looking for, you can find a great used Ford F150 for sale that will provide great value for your money.
How Many Years of Use Can You Get From a Used Ford 150?
Even when you’re buying a used car, you would still prefer a truck that gives you better mileage. If you ask your Ford dealer, they should be able to give you an accurate answer so that you know how much mileage you can get out of your truck before it requires a major overhaul. Your dealer can even provide you with tips to extend the life of your used truck.
What’s the History of the Ford 150?
The Ford F-150 has enjoyed a good reputation over the years. It’s known as a durable truck that doesn’t demand much in the way of maintenance. Your Ford dealer should be able to provide you with the highlights of this rugged and powerful vehicular icon. If you listen long enough, you might even get to know more fun facts about Ford. For instance, according to Ulmer’s, did you know that in 1965, a Ford Mustang was reassembled on the observation deck of the Empire State Building and photographed by helicopter after being transported in four separate pieces via resident elevators? After being assembled in the building, the car was eventually taken apart five months later and removed from the building.
If you’re looking for a used Ford F150 for sale, these are some of the critical questions to ask to make sure you’re making a worthy investment. Now that you know the right questions to ask, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discover many options for a used F150 for sale.
Why You Should Purchase a Used Ford F150
According to Henry Ford’s, My Life and Work, the Model T was introduced in 1908, and demand was so high that Ford had to develop new mass-production methods to satisfy the market’s desire for an affordable vehicle. The Model T was an all-time bestseller at the time with it selling 15 million units until 1927 when production ended. Today, Ford still has the bestselling car in America since 1979 with the Ford F-Series, according to Zebra magazine’s 2019 report. The F150 has been their best-selling model in that lineup, helping them hold the best-selling car model title for 34 years straight. Let’s look into why you should invest in a used Ford F150.
It’s Reliable
Since the Ford Motor Company first opened its doors in 1903, it has made reliable American cars. The stability and the popularity of the F150 means you will never be at a loss for spare parts if you were to purchase a used Ford F150.
Its Depreciation Fluctuates
The second reason why buying a used Ford F150 makes sense is depreciation. A study by iseecars.com reveals that an F150 will depreciate by 31.7% over a five-year period which is about the average for full-size pickup trucks (31.8%).
Most of that depreciation comes within the first year of purchase, a trend consistent with most cars. Edmunds.com cites the first-year depreciation is usually 28.6%, followed by a less steep depreciation of 6.1% in the second year and a 5.1% drop in the third year. However, the fourth year brings another steep decline of 15%. Therefore, if you pick the sweet spot after the first year and before the fourth year, you can save money by not bearing the brunt of the depreciation cost. In this case, a one-year model from the current model year is recommended.
It’s a Great Truck
The third reason is that an F-150 is a great truck. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 version had class-leading power, towing, and payload capacity, as well as the lowest cost to own among full-size pickup trucks. For the 2019 version, CNBC reported it had the top towing capacity and engine lineup amongst its competitors. The truck was also cited as having a comfortable and composed ride, luxurious interior, and an excellent safety rating.
To sum it up, a used ford F150 is a good choice because it is a well-built vehicle that offers tremendous value for your money. Feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in picking out a used Ford F150.
Why You Should Choose Ford For Your Next Vehicle
Ford manufacturers keep implementing new trends and changes in Ford cars. For this reason, Ford is becoming a suitable option for your next purchase. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the Ford signature blue oval logo was introduced after four years of the firm being in existence, which is why it’s so recognizable! Ford dealers provide a vehicle model with everything you could want in a car. Below are several reasons why you should choose Ford as your next car.
Your Vehicle Will Last Longer
One of the many reasons a Ford vehicle is better for you than another brand is that it lasts longer. Ford dealers sell cars with fewer repairs and efficient service intervals than the competitor brands’ vehicles. Because of this, you will not need to service your vehicle as often. As a result, Ford vehicles save you money in the long run.
Ford Vehicles Offer the Best Maintenance Cost
Ford vehicles have an average lifetime cost of ownership lower than other vehicle brands. These vehicles have a lower maintenance cost-both upfront and in the long run. Even if you buy an expensive Ford vehicle, it will still be cheaper than purchasing a more affordable car from another brand.
Ford Vehicles Are Environmentally Friendly
Ford focuses on developing a greener fleet. The company is taking full advantage of government tax credits for electric vehicles. It is also working towards improving the fuel efficiency of its existing cars. Fords are known worldwide for their power and reliability. It is easy to get all the features and benefits you need at an affordable price with Ford.
You Will Save Money on Gas
Gas prices are constantly rising. It can be a huge hassle trying to find ways to save money on gas while still getting where you need to go. While saving money on gas is one of the main benefits of buying a Ford vehicle, it is not the only one. Many other benefits come with choosing a Ford vehicle. If you do have to drive, Ford vehicles can help you save money on gas since they are more fuel-efficient than others.
When shopping for a vehicle, plenty of factors come into play. Factors like the fuel efficiency of your new car, how easy it will be for you to get in and out, the safety features available, and much more. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, there is no better option than Ford dealers. For more details on ford vehicle sales in Michigan, contact us today. We will be happy to help you find your next new or used Ford car.
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