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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  What a car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By alphahusky - February 17 - 7:41 pm

  Alright, let me preface this by saying I had on 03 PT Cruiser before. Wouldve been a great car if it wasnt a money pit. This car though, what a dream! Though nowhere near a sports car like the PT GT, its INCREDIBLY fun to drive! The shifting on this car is more smooth than I could imagine an MT (Manual Transmission) to be. All the creatures comforts and more with AC and XM Satellite radio! The suspension is SO soft! Even hitting a giant pothole on accident doesnt feel as dramatic as it is! The gas mileage is awesome! I only travel short distances, so mine may not be the same as others, but 35 MPG in the dead of winter is more than incredible for me!

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  economy, Sync lacking - 2013 Ford Escape
  By shortybus - February 17 - 3:07 pm

  2013 Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost I feel like I am a victim of false advertising. Fuel economy is definitely not up to the billing. Im lucky to keep it over 21 average. I got rid of my 05 4-Runner to try to get better mileage, but its barely cutting it. Also, as described in numerous places here, Sync is buggy. I have recurring problems with my ipod and the Sync index. Its unpredictable and dsometimes unreliable. And when somethings not right she wont shut up. Bottom line, nice vehicle for the money as long as you are aware of the problems. Dont expect much for fuel economy, at least with the 2.0, unless you drive like a granny in a warm, dry climate on flat roads.

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  I like it! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By 1sgdavo - February 17 - 12:06 pm

  Ok, I got to the Ford Focus by accident. I originally went to the local dealer to see a Fiesta, but their inventory was nonexistent, then I asked for the Focus and they only had one. Next door was a Honda dealer so we looked at a Civic, Liked it, but they would not do a deal over rims. So I went to Spokane to Wendle Motors after looking at their inventory online. Sent two car that I wanted to look at and they had them all ready for me. Test drove a White focus SE and a Grey Fiesta, loved both chose the Focus. No issues with it, small learning curve with all the controls, handles well and Good gas mileage so far. No issues with trany. I would recommend this car. in is an auto not 5 speed.

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  Great Car so far - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By snow1069 - February 16 - 6:10 pm

  I purchased this with 19k in November 12. So far no issues. Gets decent fuel mileage on hwy avg 24.8 mpg. Like the size of the car and compared to several other models prior to purchase (toyota, lexus, maxima, bmw). Each has theyre advantages, but just didnt feel the bang for the buck was equivilant. Really liked the bmw 5 series. Looks great on the outside, but kind of bland on the interior. Toyota was a little small. Lexus, I really liked, but cant bring myself to spend that type of money. Maxima was a good car, but was comparable to toyota.

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  Love it! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By gijanetexas - February 15 - 7:19 pm

  After having my 2003 Ford F-150 truck for ten years I got this Escape in Nov. 2012. They had the black and steek gray colors $2000.00 cheaper at my dealer so I decided I could live for a dark color to save money (I live in Texas where it is hot). It is the base model but it is FWD, has the basic Sync, remote start (dealer choice to install on all their cars), and door edge coating protection. The first few oil changes were included with special coupons as well as other couponds for discounts on services. Lots of cupholders. It has places for your umbrella and a big glove box. Plenty of storage for small items in the tire storage area. City driving has me getting 21.4 to 21.5 MPG.

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  First stang - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By buldaawg - February 15 - 12:43 pm

  Not sure about the folks bitchin about road noise, hardly any road noise at all. The V6 at 65 MPH on the level Hwy here in the Desert is getting 31 to 32 MPG. 25MPG up in the hills. Bumps in the road not a problem either. This is a sports car, if you wanted more storage, buy an Escape. If you want silence, go by a Caddy. The V6 has 307HP and gets you up to speed in no time I hit 80 first time out and didnÂ’t even know it till I looked at the odometer. With gas over 4 bucks and I donÂ’t want a battery driving POS..this is the best car for the money.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By soulsoprano66 - February 15 - 10:40 am

  I bought my 2003 Windstar from a used car dealership with 88,000 miles on it. When youre a single Mom on a very tight budget, you will accept little flaws in exchange for overall reliability. Lots of annoying electrical problems, rear windows work randomly, interior lights flash, etc. But mechanically, this car takes all the punishment I give it and more. Very solidly built. Great pickup (I have the 6 cyl. model), and acceptable gas mileage. A few moderate repairs, alternator, wheel bearings, etc. (but it did come from coastal NJ so that was understandable). I have 170,000 on it now and it still starts up every morning, and runs great! Best car Ive ever owned. Ill drive it till it dies.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By allies - February 14 - 10:36 pm

  This was my first vehicle purchase. Ive never been fond of Fords, but this vehicle definitely changed my opinion. I love how smoothly it handles, its incredibly comfortable and I find the fuel economy to be quite well (averaging 17+ MPG in the city). Im starting to run into some issues at 87,000 miles, all minor and relatively cheap fixes - but my biggest hassle was with the fuel pump. Finding a replacement was extremely difficult. Overall I think its a great little SUV and definitely fits all my requirements for what I need. Its a comfortable, reliable ride, and has lots of hidey-holes where you can keep tool kits, travel bags and other knick-knacks hidden and out of the way.

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  Automatic Transmisson problems - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By fiestatranny - February 14 - 2:12 pm

  10,000 miles and I cant put it into reverse or drive and had it towed to nearest Ford Dealership and it runs fine so they tell me they cant "verify the problem"like I made it up! So I do an internet search and find that people all over the country had the same problem. I sent the links the reports of Ford replacing transmissions to the head o the service dept. Only after doing that would the dealership even look at my car. And they found a check engine light and ran a report. They redid some computer issues but still arent sure if they fixed the "unverified" report...is keeping the reports "unverified" Fords way of under reporting how many owners have the same intermittent issues?

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  2012 and 2013 Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By tjack129 - February 13 - 12:45 pm

  I have a 2012 limited and just bought the wife a 2013 Titanium. I like the old boxy model.....easy to drive.....easy to see out of.....everything works properly. It has the 2.5 engine and though it is not the smoothest and strongest engine it has been reliable and returns decent mileage. In my every day driving.....going to golf course.....running around to do things and occasional trips up the interstate to see granddaughter.....it is giving me currently 23.8 mpg over a period of several thousand miles. The new Titanium does every thing better except the mileage.....only 20.0 at this point. Hope fully that will improve.....only 500 miles at this point.