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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  Life with the escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By bbgun1 - April 18 - 8:58 pm

  10,000 miles now. Rides better but still poor. Poor controls and you can not turn on the front wiper with out turning on the rear. Oor fuel economy. It now gets 22 mpg on the highway and 22 around town. various electrical glitches. Radio stays on when car is locked and doors are closed. No passing gear after 60 mph. would not recomend this car to anyone.

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  Hardware is good software pathetic - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By snowfire20 - April 18 - 2:24 pm

  I have only minor issues with the hardware of a vehicle. The cruise control seems to downshift when on hills. The major issue is with sync. Ford lied when they told me no problem buy the 2011 and within 6 months we will have a sync upgrade for pandora. Its been 3 years and not even 1 update to the sync system. I will not buy for again.

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  I cant wait to dump this *&$^%& car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By odawg1981 - April 18 - 11:51 am

  Bought this car brand new in 2007. I currently have 88k miles on it, had problems from the start. Had to get front axle replaced covered under warranty. Replaced tires twice because the suspension wears the tires fast and I have blown two out hitting pot holes. One thing I found is this car does not like the cold. The fan on the heater squeaks, dashboard rattles, steering wheel shakes. Car makes every groan and squeak possible. Had to replace the lug nuts because tires were about to fall off. Antenna fell off, drives door doesnt lock/unlock with remote. Replaced alternator and battery at 80k miles. Screw on the shifter fell off and I could literally pull it off...dont buy this car ...

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  Not what I expected - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By kommentlhogin - April 18 - 12:39 am

  The car is quick, comfortable and smooth, but it lacks that taut, sporty, nimble feel.

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  13 SE/Auto: Great Commuter - 2013 Ford Focus
  By nrudolph - April 17 - 11:41 pm

  I bought my focus back in February ( it is now April) and I have 4,000 miles on it. I commute 60 miles a day, 5 days a week, most of it highway. The Focus is very comfortable on the highway. The ride quality is very smooth and composed, and the ride is quiet. The interior is well put together, no squeaks/rattles. The Engine has very good power and is smooth. the transmission isnt great, but is generally smooth and quick to shift. Fuel economy is very good, averaging 32mpg in mostly highway driving with some city. Exactly matching the EPA combined rating. The backseat is a bit tight, though not intolerable for two adults. Trunk is big. No problems so far.

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  Mileage, SYNC Very disappointing - 2013 Ford Escape
  By pasosteve - April 17 - 6:29 pm

  I thought the turbo 2.0 liter engine and 6 speed automatic would provide OUTSTANDING mileage. Not so much. Best Ive ever done at freeway speeds is 25.6. Been in shop three times for SYNC problems. Finally the shop told me its either my iPhone or my iPod that causing problems. Ive driven for two weeks w/o either plugged in and so far so good. Not up to my expectations

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Escape
  By smashley745 - April 17 - 2:13 pm

  I love this car. If you are looking for a more "roomy" car that gets great gas mileage this is it. I get about 30mpg on average driving mostly on the freeway. The seats are super easy to put down, my sister and I have gone camping and slept in the back of my car rather comfortably. If you have never owned a hybrid car it can be rather eerie because it is so quiet, I cant tell you how many times Ive panicked at stop lights thinking my car had died when I first bought it. Down sides: When your heat is on and the car goes to battery it blows cool air, Not fun in the dead of winter. Does NOT have a outlet to plug in an mp3 player. But overall, I love this car.

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  Take it from a truck lover, this SUV is off the charts for ford - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By thebbc - April 17 - 11:46 am

  I brought a 1998 5.4L Eddie with 102,000 miles in Nov 2004. Its now Jan 2013 with 190,00 and this dam thing runs like its on steriods. Just got back from a 1,000 mile round trip with ease. Only problem in 9 years of ownership was an altenator replaced because I helped try to start someones bmw and it damaged the unit. I look forward to another 75,000 miles (knock on wood) before I even consider sending it to the local car sales lot for retirement.

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  2003 Ford Windstar .. AVOID - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By panhead_mike - April 17 - 8:38 am

  I never thought I was a stupid man, but now Im beginning to wonder. I bought a used 2003 Ford Windstar with about 170,000ks on it. The safety recalls had been done and the transmission had be re-built at a Ford Dealership not long before I bought it. I thought I had it covered! Within 3 months the transmission was dead again. The repairing dealership was not interested in talking to a different owner and Ford doesnt want to talk to me. There are a lot of companies building vans, Do Not Buy a FORD Van...or in my case, a Ford Anything..as long as I live. You have been warned!

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  Brand new impression - 2013 Ford Escape
  By norcalrn - April 17 - 2:26 am

  My car is less than a week old, maybe 240 miles tracked so far. So far no flaws that I can tell, everything performs as Id expect it would.