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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  Rate this Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By martina - August 10 - 7:06 pm

  I travel 50 plus miles a day in my Ford Escape. I find that it handles very well in very wet roads and in the winter I feel very secure in the manner in which it "hugs" the road, especially on curves. My V6 engine has great pick-up speed and right now I am averaging 28mpg. Since I am the main driver of this vehicle I have had very few opportunities to be a passenger, but I do remember driving to North Dakota from Iowa. I had the back seat. I found that being a passenger in the back seat was not the most joyful experience. There wasnt enough room for ones "tush." I had the feeling that I was always sliding down. I would definitely buy another ford Escape.

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  Love it but room for a few improvements! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary B. - August 10 - 1:57 pm

  Fun to drive! My first SUV purchase after doing a lot of searching. Ive not had a chance to try it out in snow yet, but like the AWD feature, one of the selling points. I prefer the exterior lines of the Limited as opposed to the XLT or XLS. I dont care for that black/grey molding around those models. I think it detracts from the overall look of the Escape.

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  My favorite car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By S. Mailman - August 10 - 8:20 am

  I studied this car for 8 months. The style caught my eye, its sleek and much larger inside than it appears to be outside. I had an Explorer and was tired of the low gas mileage and slowing down through curves on the expressway. Yes, I know it was a truck and thats how I drove it. I love the CVT transmission,so smooth! I am getting about 4-5 more mpg than with my other car. The seating is extremely comfortable, there are almost no blind spots, the windshield is big. Touring in this car is wonderful. The ride is smooth and as you increase the speed its amazing to me that all of a sudden youre cruising at 70mph. I have received many compliments. Folks need to know about this!

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  Upgrade from a Prius C to a Ford Focus Hatchback - 2016 Ford Focus
  By SHERRY SMITH - August 10 - 7:15 am

  I traded in a 2013 Prius C for a 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback. I am very happy with the Focus. The Focus is slightly longer and wider than the Prius C. The materials used in the Focus interior are a higher quality than the materials used in the Prius C. The Focus is more comfortable, quieter and has more pep than the Prius C. The Prius C had quite a bit of road noise while driving, making it hard, at times, to listen to music or be on the phone. There are two things I miss about the Prius C: 1) the wonderful gas mileage (52 mpg) and 2) the hands-free entry (I never had to pull my key out, the door unlocked automatically when I approached the car). I am still getting used to having to unlock the Focus with the key fob. (Such a minor inconvenience, however I REALLY liked the push-button start in the Prius and the auto-unlock, making getting in and out of the car hands-free.) Another Focus plus: the seat warmer in the Focus has 3 temperatures where the Prius C only had 1 (and the heat seemed to toggle on and off). Also, the Focus has a heated steering wheel, which comes with the All-Weather package. Again, something I never thought I wanted! Now that I have it, I love it. Perfect for Michigan winters. All in all, the Focus is a superior car to the Prius C, with high quality materials and a solid, stable, peppy feel behind the wheel. It is excellent quality for the price. I highly recommend the 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback.

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  Needs a little improvement - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Doreen - August 10 - 3:36 am

  1st new car in 20 years. Good gas mileage without having to get a hybrid. Like the stadium seatting for the back seat. Roomy trunk for a small car.

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  Broken after only 3800 miles - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ginger - August 9 - 1:14 pm

  I have enjoyed driving my car and it gets really good fuel mileage, but I went to get the windows tinted and the auto man showed me where there were screws missing from the doors. Then after owning the car for 3.5 months the starter goes bad, which dealer did fix.

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  Brakes - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Bruce - August 9 - 11:14 am

  I am satisfied with my new Ford Explorer, but every time I step on and off the brake pedal, I get a clunking noise. The mechanic at the dealership said this was normal for this model. I dont like the clunking, but apparently there is nothing I can do about it. Anyone else having this problem?

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  05 Ford Focus ZX4 SE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Charles Smith - August 9 - 10:49 am

  Low rear view obstructed by high tail end. A kid could not be seen immediately behind the car.

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  2004 Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cagirl - August 9 - 10:20 am

  Its fun to drive, and gets great mileage. Only problem is squeaky breaks. I Love it.

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  Too Many Repairs - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Toni E - August 9 - 9:55 am

  Here I have a 2003 Ford Focus wagon with 52K miles. Decided to go on road trip had to be towed twice. Started smoking, Ford dealer said it was battery. Then it died again this time alternator replaced. Made it home and was told the a/c compressor is going. Real nice at this low mileage. In repair shop at least 7 times since I bought it. All about the brakes and rotors. No one could fix them right, still squeaked loudly. Final answer from mechanic that all Ford Focuss do this. Give me a break. I went to brake specialist and they fixed it. Doors sound like tin. Cant open left side passenger door. Just a piece of junk. The money Ive spent on this car I could have had a wonderful vacation.