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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  Gas mileage - 2013 Ford Escape
  By paigemc - September 15 - 9:39 am

  I purchased this car in March 2013. The gas mileage I have gotten is 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. This has been verified with the dealership. They can find nothing wrong with the car and Ford advises this is within the normal range. If you are looking for a car that is economical, this is not the car for you.

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  Ford EcoBoost Jive is so Sad.... - 2014 Ford Escape
  By bruzr - September 14 - 2:52 pm

  I must say I agree with all the "Fun & Marvel of Ingenuity" platform, that has been touted as the takeover vehicle of the the Crossover SUV Market that Ford has presumably taken (some have said). But the beauty is all on the surface, as sorry as must say, the basis of small engines is Fuel Economy over performance, and they have got things a bit backwards. Love the performance, but missing my promised MPG by a longshot.

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  YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - 2013 Ford Focus
  By zjgarcia - September 11 - 5:47 pm

  This car is very cheap to purchase and lots of fun to drive. But since I have had it I have had to replace one of the front drive axles and the parking brake. The front end sounds loose. The paint on the hood is already chipping off. I drive very conservatively and do not follow cars close for this reason. I know it is not my fault. The S model comes with automatic lights but only on the dash, so when it gets dark enough your dash lights come on, but not your headlights. I have been pulled over by the police already because I did not have my headlights on. On the other hand it is fun to drive and with the price being so cheap you can afford to make the modifications you want to make it yours

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  2012 FOCUS HATCHBACK TITANIUM - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ron273 - September 9 - 8:03 pm

  Poor ride quality. Steering is heavy. Excessive Road Noise. Finicky electronics. Confusing controls. Difficult to enter/exit without hitting head. Chrome from dash vents reflects in windows and distracts vision in sideview mirrors. Transmission fine on highway. Too jerky for stop and go traffic.

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  2014 SE 2.0 Turbo w/sport pkg - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By 2014se20turbo - September 9 - 4:34 pm

  Owned the car for almost 2 weeks now, nothing but good to say about it. Has the 2.0 with the Sport Appearance Pkg. While test driving the car, was surprised at the power this engine has. Quiet inside & very comfortable. Excellent visibility all around & controls placed good. Has over 800 miles on it already, mpg via the dashboard around town has been from 26.5 to 28.0, highway from 31 mpg to 33 mpg with a/c on driving easy. I know the dashboard reads higher from what I have read on the Forums, will write an update at a later time as times goes on regarding gas mileage. BTW, using premium fuel. Have owned 2 Fords before this one, have put well over 100K on each one, sure this one will also.

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  Throttle Body - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By okiedolphin - September 9 - 11:09 am

  so after owning my 2010 fusion for 3 years the throttle body goes out. I call ford and they dont seem to care. I had my 15 month old in the back seat during rush hour traffic (going uphill) and it goes from 60 to nothing without a warning. luckily I had a slow driver behind me. So as of 9/7/13 I am no longer a ford owner and never will be again. I have owned 3 different fords in 12 years and this one was the worst. Could have hurt or killed my son badly..

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  Second car overall, First car bought. - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By choridrex - September 9 - 1:45 am

  Im a 19 year old kid, this is my second car, first one I bought tho, off an 03 Sunfire. Paid 25k for a 2010 SHO with 48000 miles on it. First off, I must say that this car was my hearthrob when I started looking to by myself something. I went to try it and totally fell in love. The word for this car is VALUE. It is LOADED for cheap when you get it used, great american ballsy look and comfy ride, comfy luxurious interior, yet is quick and agile, with that awesome engine sound.. Its truly the best of both worlds.. Ford is coming back. This is better than any similar priced car and even pricier cars. Get german luxury and performance for cheap and bonus reliability.

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  Love/hate relationship - 2013 Ford Focus
  By monkeymademe - September 8 - 10:10 pm

  I got this car mainly because I have always owned Fords and they have always been reliable. As far as getting me where I need to go, this car is reliable. I have a love/hate relationship with my car mainly because some days it will run exceptionally smooth and some days it sounds like the wheels are going to fall off and it shakes like the transmission is going to fall out. I have heard the whole "give it a few hundred miles" speech, and well, I have given it 8,000 with no change. Its mostly when I pull out, slow down and pick up speed again, or go up a steep hill that the transmission feels like its going to kick the bucket. But when it runs smooth, it runs smooth.

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  2014 ford escape SE - 2014 Ford Escape
  By ervdawg1986 - September 8 - 7:13 pm

  Bought 2014 SE model two months ago after testing 2014 Mazda CX 5 and 2013 Toyota Rav 4 as contenders. Although it was a difficult decision we decided with the escape after receiving several thousand off and more options then the other two. I have the 1.6 liter engine and has been great accelerating then expected from expert reviews. Although common by many other consumers reviews from the 2013 it has not yet unfortunately lived up to EPA estimates of 22/30 MPG. Highest has been 25.2 on highway after only 900 miles though. We shall see if break in period makes a difference soon enough. As for the talked about My Ford Touch, well I couldnt be any happier! Escape is quiet and handles great.

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  Great small SUV - 2014 Ford Escape
  By tzipple - September 8 - 4:03 pm

  I have a 2014 FWD titanium.i like it a lot. Best car I have had. The tech works well. The performance and ride are very good. Lots of fun! I wish that it got better milage but for 240 HP it is pretty good.