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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  My wife drove it instead of her Maxima - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Well Pleased - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our Escape. It is versatile, peppy, fun to drive, and comfortable to ride. My wife liked it so well that she traded her 2000 Maxima for a 2003 Tribute, which of course is a cousin built in the same St. Louis plant and uses the same chassis and drive train as the Escape. I like the looks of the Tribute better, but the seats are more comfortable in my Escape.

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  Dont call my crossover a wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freeloader - August 11 - 8:50 pm

  This the best vehicle weve ever owned. It has it all. Its functionality is unequaled. Gas mileage is wonderful for an AWD and its fun to drive. The simple fact that its a Volvo dress up like a Ford, only make me happier about buying one. We love ours!

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  Excellent, fuel saving vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BKmonkey - August 11 - 9:23 am

  What an excellent vehicle - great response when driving and nice fuel savings. For folks wanting the space and feel of a SUV - with superb fuel economy - this is your car.

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  Too Many Issues - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jlcomstock - August 11 - 3:49 am

  Ive had too many issues: 1. Steering locking up while driving, had entire column replaced under warranty 2. Rear window leak 3. Missing wiring for heated mirror 4. Busted A/C blend actuator within a year 5. Brakes and rotors needed at 30k, even though the car uses regenerative braking that doesnt even use the pads and rotors above 5mph. 6. Jerky transition to mechanical brakes in rainy weather. Too loose a transition to mechanical brakes in hot/dry weather. 7. Grinding / Rubbing noise when turning sharp left that no one has been able to fix. Just too many issues.

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  FormerMotorolanfromHarvard - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Devo - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Got the 4 door XLT, 2WD, 4.0 L engine. Very quick off the line, good gas mileage on highway, have gotten up to 24 mpg, city not so great, 15 mpg. Love extended cab but could use more room or true 4 doors. No major problems, routine oil/filter changes and tire rotations. Only grip is that low gas lite comes on and there are still 4+ gallons of gas in tank, dealer said its normal.

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  All around value! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By D Miller - August 11 - 2:00 am

  No other car that I have seen on the market truely offers the level of quality and value than Ford Taurus. I work in the auto sales business and I see a lot of cars! Taurus delivers convenience and safety as well as any in the segment. Little things like available adjustable accelerator and brake pedals and five passenger seating make the drive enjoyable. Value is the name of the car game ant Taurus is a major player!

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  Buy one! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RO - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Ford purchase. I purchased the vehicle with 60,000 miles. The only major problem I head is both heads cracked at 90,000 miles. Ford was great about the problem and replaced both heads under warranty even though the warranty had expired. I pull a boat with my explorer and has plenty of power.

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  Regrettful - 1998 Ford Contour
  By sucker - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a couple years and have had nothing but problems. Now the Check Engine light stays on, despite a few dealerships checking it inside and out. It occasionally smells like gas, dies from time to time, and feels like its jumping when you are stopped. The worst part about all these problems is that nobody can find anything wrong! They tell me there is nothing to fix!

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  Ford Fiesta 2016 - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Ali - August 10 - 11:42 pm

  Its a great vehicle with a best price from Huntington Beach Ford.

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  dream car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By socalfitz - August 10 - 11:13 pm

  I cant think of a better combination of style and performance for a daily commuter. The auto transmission is fantastic, it was something I was leery of coming from a stick shift for the last 13 years. If you are thinking about a Mustang dont think twice, jump on in.