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 TRUCK! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Tanya - September 1 - 2:00 am

  For my 18th birthday my father bought me a Ford ranger extended cab-- xlt - in gold -- it is a beautiful truck inside and out i go to college everyday in it -- it is about a 1 hour drive to come viit my family on the weekends so we wouldnt settle for something that "might work" we searched for 2 years for the perfect truck could have bought a car-- but "NO WAY" i would wait for my truck -- i have 2 younger brothers - we all drive Fords -- less problems all together than my moms Van - - not a ford!

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  Price to sell - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Daryl rupnow - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. Economical to run. Easy to repair. Brakes repairs needed most often

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  lizzys review - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Elizabeth Shilling - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Mustangs are the most comfortable cars and as long as you take good care of them they will last

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  Review - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Charles Kane - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I take very good care of this truck as it my only transportation. I have replaced: 4 fan belts and tensioners, power steering unit, master cylinder twice, brakes twice, radiator, front gas tank,emergency brake cables twice, tires 4 times, tie rods, wind shield, wiper blades twice, tail pipe clamp twice, radio, front end alinement twice, various lamps, bolts, hoses, etc. I change oil and filter every 2 months, air filter every 6 months, and check tire pressure frequently.

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  NEVER BUY THIS THING - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By M DAWG - September 1 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE WORST VAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD, IT HAS GIVEN ME SO MANY PROBLEMS AND I CANT EVEN NAME THEM ALL.AT 50,000 I HAVE HAD A NEW ENGINE REPLACED ALREADY. THATS JUST ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS. PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE AND DONT GET THS SO CALLED WINDSTAR. YOU WILL SPEND SO MUCH MONEY MANTIANING THIS THING THAT YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF ANOTHER VAN.

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  New Version of Ford Escape 2017 model - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Dan Paris - August 31 - 1:57 pm

  My review is based on the Titanium 2.0 liter version which was absent from the drop down box of this survey. First, the 2017 Escape has a newer design on the front end, the rear end and the gear shift. I purposely waited for this version even though they had huge discounts on the 2016s especially because I hated the location of the gear shift in the outgoing model. Second, the price, especially at the upper end of this model is steep but the vehicle offers great room, great handling, good fuel economy and great comfort. Weve only owned the 2017 Escape for about a month and 1,600 miles and so far it has performed great. Mainly use it around the city and the gas mileage is consistently between 20 and 21 MPG. On the highway it gets about 25 MPG. Im hoping when we travel on longer trips it will get a little better MPG. It handles very nicely and the steering wheel feels good in the hands and has the option of being heated, which I really like on cold mornings. If you have arthritis or any other hand, finger, wrist issues then you will like this heated steering wheel option. The SYNC 3 is much improved over the previous versions which I personally used when we owned a 2012 Ford Escape and a 2013 Ford Edge. It is fast and responsive and easier to use. The BlueTooth works very well and the ability to use a cord and use your smart phone as the navigation device (Android Auto) but showing on the Escapes big display is great. As a matter of fact, thats why I opted for the Titanium version with the 301 package and not the moon roof/ navigation options. Saved me $795 on the navigation aspect alone. We really like this Escape because it gives us lots of room for cargo and the ability to take other passengers but handles like a much smaller vehicle. *** This is an update to my initial review of the 2017 Ford Escape - Titanium version w/ 2.0 liter engine. We still dont have a lot of miles on it, about 8,500, and Weve only taken one extended trip that was about 2,100 miles round trip. It handles very well, has a nice comfortable interior and is very quiet inside. Im a little disappointed in the gas mileage as it is consistently around 20 in the city and only about 24 on the highway even with cruise control set. However, the acceleration is still a high point and is very welcome in situations where Ive needed to accelerate quickly. One disturbing thing Ive found after owning it for over half a year now is that the power lift gate button is located next to the fog light button and can be accidentally pushed while in motion and opening the rear lift gate. I carry my dogs frequently and that is a concern for me. Hopefully Ford will re-position this button for safety reasons on the upcoming models. Overall, we are satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Impression - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By foman - August 31 - 2:26 am

  Recently took trip in new 500; very pleased with ride economy and handling. So far more than pleased with our purchase.

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  simple says it all - 1994 Ford Escort
  By daman - August 31 - 2:00 am

  if youre looking for a great little second car this is the one. space for groceries and a kid or two. good a/c,good gas mi and ok ride.for the price you couldnt ask for more.

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  hey good lookin - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By hillbilly joe - August 31 - 2:00 am

  all in all it has been an awesome car. the car looks sweet and still can make everyone turn their head. it feels nice to speed up with the 5 speed manual. no serious mechanical problems, except the intake manifold cracking at 58K but taken care of under recall. some of the interior "plastics" squeak on bumpy rides. also on quick acceleration the transmission grinds when shifting to second. a slight lack in HP but exceptable being the first of the 4.6L.

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  whoops, did I buy that? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By not so lucky - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought the van with about 70000 miles. It was clean and looked pretty well taken care of. We were looking forward to Fords big step at making a solid, well build, and safe van. It might be safe in crash tests, but not so safe if you are stranded. Our head gasket went out. Our entire transmission has been replaced twice by reputable companies. The cd player doesnt engage correctly half of the time, replaced many sensors, and brakes and tie rods by 115,000. Other than reliability, it is very comfortable and a likeable vehicle. I wont be buying another one soon.