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 expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By dinna - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second expedition. Had previously leased an XLT, but the Eddie Bauer is far superior. Less roll, better handling and you gotta love those heated seats during our cold winters. I have 48000 miles and have only had to replace the brakes. The car has great get up and go getting up to highway speeds. Gas mileage is not great, but Id rather be spending money at the pumps than in a small car. Well drive this car into the ground.

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  Great budget CUV! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Chad Hargis - August 25 - 1:37 am

  My wife and I purchased a base model Escape S with no options except alloy wheels. Even in base trim, the 2016 Escape has some nice features. A backup camera, bluetooth connectivity, Ford Sync, Applink, power windows & locks, keyless entry, and full color screens on the dash and instrument cluster....all standard. In order to get some of these items, you have to step up from the base trim (the 2016 Kia Sportage is a good example...you cant get a backup camera in base trim). I was so impressed with the vehicle that we replaced my Ford Fusion with one. We now have two Escapes in the garage! For a performance standpoint, the 2.5L naturally aspirated four cylinder is just adequate. Meaning its not dangerously under powered, but its no powerhouse either. It is quiet, smooth, and proving to be fuel efficient. Its also NOT direct injected, which should help avoid the carbon build up on the intake valves so may GDI engines suffer from. My wife never notices the engine being an issue. She just happily drives along oblivious to the fact that she has the "base model" engine. Myself, on the other hand, am a bit of a speed freak and the 2.5L is not winning any races. Just appreciate it for what it is...an old school, tried and true design thats been around in some form for many years. Its a workhorse and has proven reliable. It also has chain driven cams, so no worry about timing belts. The Escape has a playful character. It rides a bit firm for a vehicle in this class, but having driven the Honda CR-V, which like all Hondas, is the equivalent of riding a dead horse. Very boring and isolated. If you like a little fun feel in your cars, the Escape wont disappoint. The handling is not sport car sharp, but it acquits itself nicely. When driven is the manner in which it is designed, it is above average. Steering is nicely weighted, especially for electronic steering, and feedback is good as well. The ride and handling of the Escape give it a fun to drive factor that is missing in most other CUVs. Inside things are very nice for a base model. Soft touch surfaces abound, including on the tops of the door panels where tall folks like me rest their left arm. The center armrest is nicely padded and well located. Underneath it is a smallish bin that is deep and narrow. If the Escape falls short anywhere, its in the center console. Two cup holders and a hand brake consume much of the space, with a 12v outlet and change pocket for those who have a toll to pay on their route (in which case a pass would be a better option). The new 2017 Escape is going to an electronic brake and moving the transmission selector to the side a bit to offer more storage space in the console. A welcome change! Seats are nicely padded and even for my long legs (36" inseam) offer decent support. Legroom is also very good. I have no problem finding a comfortable driving position as the seats have plenty of adjustment and the tilt and telescoping steering wheel all conspire to fit even the most oddly shaped driver. Ingress and egress are nice. Not pickup truck high or sedan low....really the "goldilocks" of heights...just right. Doors open wide and offer plenty of room for even a big guy such as myself. On many cars my backside hits the steering wheel or the B pillar when getting in, but not on the Escape. Plenty of room for those large of stature. The Sync entertainment system on the base model is not the touch screen driven system which has received so much negative press. In fact, if you get a 2016 Escape with the touch screen infotainment system, it is the new Sync3 system which is no longer made by Microsoft. Initial reviews have been very positive, but I have no first hand experience. Sound quality from the base system is, well....pretty poor. This is the case with most base level audio systems, so Im not picking on Ford here. Its a price point audio system for sure. There are kits available to allow you to step up to an aftermarket system if you like, so if you are an audiophile, you have options. If you listen to mostly talk radio like I do...its not a big deal and it works fine. There is bluetooth audio and hands free functions as well as USB connectivity. If you hold down the Sync button for a couple of seconds, it envokes Siri on your iPhone and even displays "Siri" on the center mounted dash display. The system works fine with no glitches, but I think Ford got a little button and menu happy. The standard AppLink integration works great and allows you to voice command many apps on your smartphone. I particularly like the AccuWeather app which will reach me the weather over the cars speakers. So far, Im really impressed. My wife and I drove almost every CUV offering, and while some were much nicer, they had a much higher price too. A competitor worth looking at is the base model Hyundai Tucson. Its very comparable to the Escape in features and comes with a longer warranty. You can buy an Escape for less thanks to discounts.

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  My FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jcart - August 24 - 12:03 pm

  Handles extremely well. 4x4 is responsive and pulling great.

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  good to look at good for the environment - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lynn Godshall - August 24 - 10:46 am

  It really works in Colorado - I have taken it off off road and I love it! Super great mileage in the city. Hybrids rule!

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  clean - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Aaron Grassel - August 24 - 10:00 am

  vechicle is in good shape and is mechanically in great shape

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  Highly Enjoyable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ravenugc - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that I love this vehicle. Drives great, feels great, and gets me where I need to go. Has a bad wrap for some reason, but for me, it does what I need it to.

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  The best selling SUV for a reason - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By defiant254 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderful. The V8 has a lot of power for a vehicle the size of an Explorer.. Could get better gas mileage.. The interior trim is much nicer than previous EB models. The ride is spectacular.. The new suspension is all that I read about and more.. Havnt taken it offroad yet, but Im looking forward to it..

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  ZX3 Rocks - 2001 Ford Focus
  By akbossman - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great from the get go. I have found it to be as much fun as a Mustang! Many companies already make items for you to make your custom wild or mild. Dont bother buying the power windows etc you can reach them with no problem. I spend 2 1/2 hours a day in this fun little car and I m 63"

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By NPLM - August 24 - 10:00 am

  My F150 is a 97 Ext. cab SB Lariat (exactly like the one in the photo section of this site) with 76,000 miles. It is a great riding truck with plenty of power from the 5.4L V8. It is smooth as glass on the highway. Ive noticed that the ride actually improves when adding load or towing. Interior design is elegant as well as user friendly, and the build quality is top notch, with little wind noise or rattles. Has had no problems since new. My only complaint is the 5.4L engine is thirsty, getting an average of around 15-16 MPG,(city driving). I would recommend the 4.6L unless you really need the extra power. Overall great truck.

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  1996 Ford Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By anthony727 - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Low replacement of parts during maintence except common stuff like brakes oil filter, air filter, ect.