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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  love my escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Charlize - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape..and there isnt much Id change about it! If I could though, I guess Id get heated seats, if offered, and more towing ability. But I truely love driving it..being a woman, its the perfect size, I dont feel like a burly man driving it!

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  Most for money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By windy124 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Have tried other suvs, but this one better. Its smart looking, handles great. The only complaint would be the console. I would love to be able to lift it into a backrest for the front seat. Feels solid when driving, and takes curves very well. Husband has trouble getting into and out of vehicles due to his hip replacement, but this one is very easy for him. We will continue to buy this product as long as it continues to perform as it is now.

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  My Review - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Sunzhine99 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford Escape. She rides like a charm. Comfortable too. My only downfall about this vehicle is the gas mileage on her. 250 miles to a tank.

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  Fun Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jack - May 21 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car 6 1/2 years ago with 132,000 miles on it. Now has 172K. Very reliable and fun to drive, stands out in a crowd. It gets decent gas mileage, 25 mpg in the city stop and go traffic. (Auto 3 spd) I will keep this car for a while and I have been pleased with it

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  Nice Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Michael - May 21 - 4:06 pm

  I work for a delivery service. Since purchaseing this car in April 2007 I have placed 9000 miles on it with no problems. I really enjoy every minute in this car. The ride is great and the car coast on the Highway at 85 with little noise but reponsive speed. I average around 31 mpg during city and highway drive. At the same time this fuel efficeny is reached with my focus running no stop for 4-6 hours at a time. The interior is spacious and refined. On long trips at speed of 80- 85 mph I usually average 34-35 mpg on the highway. This car is a great buy with the ford deals and I would buy another in four years with out a question.

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  Not bad - could be better - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Howard - May 21 - 1:46 pm

  Bought this car used in 2001. Have had only minor repair issues. Engine is powerful even when fully loaded and has been flawless. Great for hauling people, not stuff. Back seats dont fold down for additional storage room. They just sit there like lumps on a log. Not the nimblest at handling either.

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  4 Years and still going strong - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tony - May 21 - 12:47 pm

  Bought my ZX5 with 5000 miles on it in Dec 03. As of today it has 82,000 on it and other than routine PMs, it has never been in the shop for repair. Gas mileage averages about 27 combined city/country driving. It is an awesome little car. I see another Focus in my future

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  Better than Expected - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By flin1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van mainly because it had been sitting on the dealers lot for around a year and we got a great price on it. Id driven a rental Windstar and liked it and my wife thought we needed a van for our 5 person family. Weve had good luck with Fords and this was no different. It is surprisingly quiet, and smooth riding. The base engine gives pretty good power and also pretty good mileage. The dealer service has been excellent on a few minor problems, radio and a minor paint problem.

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  ford escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By gerald shepard - May 21 - 10:00 am

  love the car- only fauly is -no outside temp. reading

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  A few problems, overall satisfied - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Hound - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Like the cool looking 2001 body (hate the 2002) Fun to drive, but seat back is uncomfortable on long rides, needs to be more ergonomic (SP?). One year into ownership, it overheated on very short trips. Mechanic said he is seeing a lot of bad thermostats on the v6s. At 32,000 miles now, noticed a very slight delay in upshifting and a small loss of power. Dealer said everything OK. (Will be, Im sure until warrenty runs out). Large cargo area ideal to have have a lunchtime quickie with girlfriend at work. Hey, you have to think of these things.