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:

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  Runs Great - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By BrianJS - January 22 - 10:31 pm

  I love this truck. Bought it used in 2005 with 30,000 miles. After 2 1/2 years and adding 33,000 miles, had to replace the alternator...thats it. Fully loaded with passangers and luggage, and pulling a 20 foot ski boat it still gets almost 17 mpg (4.6L engine). Love the 4 wheel disc brakes. Has a very tight turning radius, very easy to park.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Bud - January 22 - 9:48 pm

  The fun factor of driving this car is off the charts! The engine, with the cold air intake, is the sweetest sounding engine that you have ever heard with a low, high pitched whistle. Get the seat warmer option and you can drive it with the top down over 40 degrees. I picked it up in Tampa and the 8 hours I spent driving it home was as much fun as a man can have with his clothes on! Handling is superb and the front seats are extremely comfortable with the ability to actually lean your head back on the head rest to prevent fatigue. Very pleased and happy with the purchase a month into the ride.

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner? - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Blue Beauty - January 22 - 9:42 pm

  I have been driving a Chevy Silverado 4x4 wit 6 inch lift and 36 inch mud tires that averaged 9-11 mpg on the highway. after years of that I decided to buy an Escape XLS and have been 100% satisfied with it. The 4 cylinder with the five speed manual tranny actually as decent acceleration and its fuel mileage is amazing. Everything about the macine is easy to use and functions very well.

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  Still a great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Paul Bernard - January 22 - 1:50 pm

  I gave my 06 Escape a rating back in Aug 06. I was very pleased with it after owning it for only 2 months. Now I confirm that pleasure with 2 years of ownership and just love it. Nothing has gone wrong with it! I do have to say though, the Continental tires had to get replaced at 31,000 miles. They actually looked like new but got so loud, it was like having 4 snow tires on it. I never realized how quiet the Escape was, for those tires were on it when I bought it. They made noise from the beginning but I never realized it. Now its sooo quiet with the new tires. I really like this SUV. Hope to drive it for several more years. No complaints at all.

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  Awesome little truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By timri - January 22 - 1:49 pm

  My Ranger has been one of, if not the most, reliable vehicles I have ever owned. In the 6 years of ownership, have done nothing but oil changes to date. Handles heavy loads easily. Tows my boat with ease. I have been a Ford fan for many years and between this and my 2002 Lincoln Continental I dont foresee needing to buy anoother new vehicle for many years to come.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort Owner - January 22 - 8:50 am

  Have had no major problems other than blowing a head gasket at 130K miles. Fixed that for less than $300 with a box of wrenches and a Haynes manual. Drove crosscountry twice, and was main travel vehicle for years. Have hauled 1000 lbs of concrete in the back. Busted the shocks! 4x8 plywood fits nicely on the luggage rack. This car has carried the mail for me and my family for a long time. We used to joke about it being my sons first car. He was 1 when we got it. In a few years he will be old enough to drive it so it just may be. Its not fancy by any means but peppy for a small car. All in all its been worth every penny.

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  Great car - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Walter - January 22 - 8:28 am

  I bought this car a month ago--Escape Titanium with 2.0 liter engine. (Not sure why Edmunds doesnt list that as a choice yet.) When I bought it, I wasnt expecting to put 2500 miles on it the first month I owned it, but a couple of trips home made that happen. I couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle, both in the city and especially on the highway. Having just returned from my first 800-mile round trip with my spouse, I asked her for her impressions of the Escape. (I did all of the driving.) Her response, and this is a direct quote: "Ive never had an easier trip. Any time I felt like I had to move, I adjusted the lumbar support, or the heat, or the position of the seat. Oh my gosh, it was so comfortable. It was great." (My spouse has had lower back surgery, and this if the first car shes ever been in where she wasnt experiencing back pain at the end of a 6 hour drive.) The electric adjustable passenger seat is a huge plus for us, and hard to find in vehicles at this price point. She also noted that the ride is very quiet. As for me as the driver, the controls are intuitive, the Sync3 is great and responds very quickly to commands, and this car MOVES when you want it to. Acceleration at highway speed is effortless. I also found the leather seats very comfortable, and the drivers seat moves back a couple of inches when you shut off the car, which helps with entry/exit (you dial-in your driving position, then save it with one touch, and the seat returns to that position when you turn on the ignition). When not on the highway, my daily commute into work is in heavy traffic, and I love the auto start/stop feature--you wont notice it, but you will benefit from it. On the recent road trips, I averaged a little over 27 mpg on moderately hilly roads, and with holiday traffic. In city averages are lower; I drive in some of the worst traffic in the country (Washington, DC) and Im averaging about 17.8 in the city, but this is horrific traffic (not unusual to take 40 minutes to go the 11 miles of my daily commute) and unless youre in LA or similar traffic, your average will likely be higher.

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  Killer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Hazybeer - January 22 - 7:42 am

  I looked at everything out there, I mean everything including the much touted Tahoe. Nothing stacked up overall against the Explorer. Pilot was spartan and uncomfortable, 4Runner is behind on everything, Pathfinder LE was closest competitor but they are not discounted, Tahoe is just not there yet. Acadia/Outlook are close but do not offer the tow capacity I needed. So there you have it. It came down to the Explorer and I have no regrets.

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  Very good - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By eg - January 21 - 6:34 pm

  This car has a 3.8. 158k on it runs like new. Shifts great. I paid $1500 for it and drive about 150 miles a week. In two years only put on brake pads and tires .

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  Formal rental purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By formal rental - January 21 - 8:33 am

  Bought car for only 11k and worth every penny. I am sure this car was abused before I bought it and it still holds up very well as my commuter. Its big and brawny like a st bernard but without the teeth. If power and performance is what you are after your a fool to be looking at this car. But if you have a commute and you dont want lower back pain with very respectable freeway mileage this car is a winner. A trunk for the gotti family and a back seat for the prom date of your dreams this big beast is a regular unleaded running winner. Fyi my weekend toy is an 04 E55 thats a big reason I dont look to this car for any performance satisfaction.