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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  Liberty vs Escape-no comparison - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LJAS - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I received an Escape XLT as a company vehicle and was highly disappointed! It is more like a minivan than an SUV! The vehicle has a weak 4WD, boring and cheap looking interior, and does not seem sturdy. My new Jeep Liberty Limited on the other hand, has a nice looking leather and chrome interior, sturdy ride with a strong 4WD and is a pleasure to drive. There is absolutely NO COMPARISON! I dont know why the Escape is getting good reviews? It is a minivan with 4WD!

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  MY ESCAPE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By RODENBAUGH - August 7 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE. HAD A CHEVY TAHOE 1997 WHAT A NIGHTMARE REAR END FAILED 3 TIMES THE LIST GOES ON AND ON WITH THAT TRUCK.ANYWAY THE ESCAPE IS SUCH A GOOD SUV I CANT FIND ANY THING WRONG WITH IT.CANT WAIT TO HOP IN IT TOMORROW AND GO SOMEWERE IN IT RON

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  Last Ford Ill ever buy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By J.L. - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 New Ford Escape in Virginia Beach at Beach Ford.It was a nightmare. Very poor service and very rude service managers. Could not get a call back from the sales manager or general manager (I paid cash for the car). Milage is way below what it is supposed to be. Ford Corp would do nothing, Beach Ford would do Nothing.It got 14 miles per gallon the first year and has improved to a whopping 20 or so the next year. I have been very disappointed in the vehicle, dealership and Ford Corp. The passenger door would not close and the windshield leaked when I bought the car. Both Beach Ford and the national Ford did very little.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cindergriff - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Perfect for small families that need reliable transportation. It is very comfortable and spacious, with lots of cargo room. But its also very fun to drive, and surprisingly powerful.

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  2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Lei - August 7 - 2:00 am

  We previously had a 1994 Ford Explorer and decided to try the smaller version, so we got an Escape this time. The gas mileage is so much better. We really love our Escape!!!!

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  Finally getting out from under this - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Jacki S - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had bad luck with this one. Replaced rear wiper motor, ball joints, tie rod ends, ignition relay, water pump, mass air flow sensor, and am on my fourth trip to the tranny shop at 103K miles. This van ditched our family of five twice driving from NY to SC for vacations. Owe more on it now than I can get in trade in, have to roll extra into new loan. I want to stay in an American made vehicle but am very disappointed with reliablity of this van. Typical problems with overhead lights/door ajar dummy lights, overall rattling, lost a hubcap, bad springs, excessive brake work, on and on.

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  Just a marval - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Stangluber97 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute dream of mine for many years. Its not only been reliable but also just plain old fun to drive. If this car was my wife i would make lot of babies. Wink*

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  I love my ZX3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cornopro - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a new 2004 Ford Focus ZX3, with the 2.0 liter Zetec engine and an automatic. After having driven a minivan for several years, it is so much fun to zip around in traffic in this car. The handling is awesome, especially considering the price. I bought it for nearly 4 grand off the sticker!I really like my Focus, although I wish for a little better gas mileage. Great car!

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  2004 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tom B. - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Great running, fun to drive. Plenty of room for cargo. Mileage is good as I beat it up and down the highway at 80 with the air on and get 23-24 miles per gallon. If stayed of the pedal Im sure I could get better. Great American car! I would highly recommend.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By brooks white - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Pay extra for the Diesel Engine, it is worth for the fuel economy. The new Turbo 6.0 engine is Fabulous and surprisingly quiet.