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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  GREAT value - GREAT mpg - GREAT utility - 2009 Ford Escape
  By RAINKIR - June 30 - 4:10 pm

  This is our 3rd Ford Escape and this is by far the best one yet. The 2009 has a great 4 cylinder engine that has almost the equivalent power of the 2008 V6, with much better fuel consumption (or should I say conservation). We average 24 mpg with mostly city driving, and almost 30 mpg on our last all-highway road trip! It does great in the snow and handles the bumpy roads and potholes with ease. The 4 cyl. doesnt have the fastest acceleration but the mpg more than makes up for that shortcoming (and is to be expected). Nice amount of storage space and cup holders, plenty of room for all your stuff. SYNC is awesome - just plug in your iPod/mp3 player and use your voice to control it!

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  I was duped - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Michael Torbett - June 30 - 2:56 am

  This car is a fair car fell very short on mileage 15-17 on the V-6 in town. I am using good gas also, and driving habits. I was told by the dealer the mileage is figured out on a flat surface at 35-45 mph it says 20-29mpg on the sticker, not so on my vehicle. The good things; 6 speed auto very good. Sound system is good, AC is great. Noisy brakes on parking lot maneuvers - again I was told thats normal. I drive other cars and do not hear the brakes groan. I regret ever buying it. Oh I have to admit the dealer was great when I complained about the mileage; checking alignment, tire pressure and engine codes and they gave me a car to drive. Not a happy camper here.

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  worth the money! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By jeffc - June 29 - 5:43 am

  Just bought my Escape and my wife and love it! Its replacing a truck; and with fuel prices highly recommend so far! Decent gas mileage, plenty of pick-up.

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  Transmission Cooler - 2008 Ford Escape
  By CT - June 28 - 9:38 pm

  Ford knows that the transmission coolers on this particular SUV are failing prematurely. If you are lucky, it fails before 36k miles. If not, you are stuck with the bill. They will not recall. They will not stand behind the product. No more Fords for me.

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  Not what I expected from Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By em_libra62 - June 28 - 7:36 pm

  Bought my truck new in 03 when the new body style was announced. Loved it then. Now have apx. 75000 miles on it. AC not working correctly, does not cool well. Have had trouble with drivers window, back passengers window and the sliding rear window. Had to have the sunroof replaced due to the frame "cracking". Its a nice truck, but expensive to keep running. It has been reduced to my weekend car.

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  In Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Diva - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I had some problems with the original tires, but replaced them @15,000 miles and so far Ive had no more problems. I am concerned with the quality of the vehicle, but it is comfortable and reasonably fun to drive. There is a LOT of road noise/wind.

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  I love my Focus!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Tammers35 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Sentra, Civic, Rio, Echo, and Accent before the Focus. The Civic and Sentra were a slightly highter quality, but MUCH higher in price for the same options that ZX5 had standard. The others didnt even offer all the options I wanted (automatic power everything & cruise)at any price. I would have bought this car even without the year end clearance price. Its fun to drive, handles great, has just enough power, and is EASY to park!

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  Didnt want a van again - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ron - June 26 - 9:16 am

  My first new car in many years. Ford has raised the bar. This big safe car does many things well. It is smooth and quiet, with good acceleration. I wish it had a telescoping wheel, because at 6 4", I can move the seat back so far that the steering wheel is almost out of reach. I like the ease of folding the back seats down. It has a ton of room with them folded (not a minivan though) I added a back-up camera/gps system to my SE and it really helps backing up. Tall seats hold you in, make turning around to see difficult for me comfortable though. Solid highway drive. Dont drive with windows openoverpressure will drive you nuts. Mileage c. 20 in town, 25 hwy. Not great, but pretty good.

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  a few more adjustments... - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jeff - June 26 - 12:16 am

  Ive had three Vics (85,89,03). I like the room (Im 6-3). You can fit two child seats in back and still squeeze someone in between. And the safety of a larger car-it can take a decent thump. The car "sits" nicely on the road (not a "boat"). Aerodynamically quiet-I can have the windows down at 55 and the air flows quietly around the car. Unfortunately, the noise I do hear comes from the tranny (my 89 was the same way!) a sort of low pitched whine - like blowing across the top of a nearly full soda bottle.Another peeve is the way the trunk lid holds water until you open it, then it drips into the trunk and on your head. Gets about 20mpg on 300 mi./wk. mostly rural, varied. Not too bad!

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  2001 ford focus se wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By edward jensen - June 25 - 2:07 pm

  I purchased my focus used with 21000 miles on it.The wagon was very useful for utility purposes.The car had many accessories that were very useful.I loved the car the first couple years.But then it started to cost me to much to maintain. I traded it in to a local ford dealer at about 67,500 miles on it.I had given up on it and told them why.