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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  Comfortable & solid, but MyFordTouch needs work - 2011 Ford Edge
  By motowng8gt - August 30 - 10:58 pm

  Ive had the Edge Limited for a few weeks now and am averaging almost 20 mpg in mostly city driving. Wanted the Ecoboost but it wasnt out yet. Very comfortable interior, love the huge sunroof, like the keyless entry and pushbutton start. Touchscreen could be more responsive and better designed. The lag in response makes typing addresses in navigation a chore (it didnt have my POI in the database), and voice commands takes getting used to. Some adjustments require navigating too many screens it wouldnt be so bad if touchscreen were more responsive. Once Ford works out the bugs, the Edge will be almost perfect.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By winters87 - August 30 - 10:36 pm

  I was NOT a ford fan, at all! After bad experiences with my mustang & f250, my husband & I swore we would never buy another ford again...we were both Chevy fans & still am. But once I test drove my escape, I had to have it Although I wasnt a fan of the automatic computer controlled 4x4, it does awesome in the snow! Ive had a mustang, camaro, chevy tahoe, multiple chevy trucks, ford f250, multiple saturn cars & multiple honda accords & i would MUCH rather drive my escape than any vehicle Ive ever owned!!

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  Very Thrilled And Pleasently Supprised - 2006 Ford Escape
  By brian182 - August 30 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased my 06 Escape about 8 months ago and couldnt be more pleased. A car salesman friend of mine let me drive an automatic trans. xls and it was OK. When I drove the 5 speed manual though....look out! Very peppy / zippy. I weigh a little over 200 lbs. and this thing will accelerate very nicely in 5th gear from about 40 mph. Zippy to the degree that you dont have to downshift. It seems that 152hp 4cyl is plenty for the Escape. Of course if you have something against shifting then you want the xlt auto 6cyl. Some have complained that the exhaust sounds a bit unrefined- hogwash. Engine compartment well layed out- very easy to get at the oil filter for you do it yoursefers. Very happy.

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  A Very Luxurious Vehicle - 2008 Ford Edge
  By robey_1 - August 30 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Ford Edge in October 2010 about 10 months ago. So far, I am very happy. There was only one issue that I had which was covered under my auto Tran. This vehicle drives very smooth, like a car, and is very comfortable. The leather interior and the beautiful exterior (powder blue) gives this vehicle a very luxurious look. People cannot believe when I tell them that the vehicle was just under $20,000. Overall, I would highly recommend the Edge as it is like a luxury vehicle without the price tag!

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  I dunno about the other guys, but I love my Escape! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By codeglia - August 30 - 3:19 am

  In the few months that Ive had my 2011 Escape XLT, I cannot say enough about how great it is! The short story is that it is comfortable, handles like a dream, is equipped with all that I was looking for (and more), and the power from the 3.0 V6 surprised the heck outta me the other day, while merging onto the freeway going UPHILL! Plus, Ive easily averaged over 30mpg on freeway trips! As far as having to remove the three headrests before being able to lower the rear seatback (to flatten-out the cargo space and make it larger)... I simply removed them when I first got the vehicle and left them out. Ford continues to make the best and highest-quality cars you can get... bar none!

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  If I had only known - 2001 Ford Escape
  By transyamber - August 29 - 1:33 pm

  I wish I had know that when I bought my 2001 Escape used in 2006 that the transmissions were so bad. I had to have the transmission rebuilt last year and am still paying for it. The bad part is it left me sitting beside the road last week. These are horrible transmissions to get worked on. Then they just break again. After $2000 and a complete rebuild the transmission died before there was 4000 miles on it! I do like it when its working right.

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  IF USED DO NOT BUY - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By monaw - August 28 - 7:37 pm

  I purchase my 2008 Ford Taurus Sedan limited 5/28/2011. My car look great but I learn after purchase, within the ninety day of the warranty. That the car in reverse gose forward and both feet has to be on brake/gas to back up. My car was towed because it would not start, then I took it back after they return my car back to me because the dianogstic only concluded a battery was needed however I return with my car to explain what is acrruing while driving and parking the car.Art test drive the car with me returning back to the dealer, telling me that nothing was wrong with my car. He stated he knew it wasnt the transmission and they were not going to check the transmission at all.

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  Ford F-150 Window Regulators - 2004 Ford F-150
  By kraftypam - August 28 - 4:41 pm

  I have enjoyed my Ford since I purchased it new in 08/05 for the most part. However, I am completely frustrated with Fords response to my complaints about what obviously is a flaw in the window regulators that were installed in this year and make. I have replaced all 4 regulators/front and rear and Ford has accepted no responsibility. (replaced 2 in 2008, 1 in 2009, and 1 in 2011) After searching the internet for similar complaints it appears the problem with the 2004 Ford F150 Supercrew is wide spread and Ford will do nothing. $2000 in window repairs later, I will now consider a Chevy as my next truck purchase. Ford has let me down by not standing behind their product and manufacturing.

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  SHO for the long legs, is worth the extra money and beats all foreign comparables hands down. - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By 100kmileman - August 28 - 2:03 pm

  Overall this car is underrated by this site, JD Powers, and consumer reports. What you get for the money is far more than what is advertised. For me Ford finishes ahead of Lexus, BMW, Infinity, and Audi. Honda and Toyota are just not in the same class to me, they cant compete. Sizing: I consider myself a very picky driver that is extra tall. I wear a 38" inseem pant, and I fit. Still want 6 inches more but overall good. Go with the extra seat adjustments if you are tall. Performance: I hate driving behind Toyota, Honda and Ford Fusion drivers-slow and no confidence. I pass them with ease with this American muscle. It fits how I drive. Warning - The SHO is not for the timid.

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  We parted ways on our 10 year anniversary :( - 2000 Ford Focus
  By katemcn - August 27 - 11:58 pm

  I loved this car. I bought it slightly used in 2001 for 8K. Had it paid off in 3 years. I learned to drive standard on it. It took me to Humboldt County in California for college. Later, Sacramento. San Francisco. Nevada. Texas! Other than routine maintenance, expenses were incredibly minimal. Gas mileage was a dream. Just this year things started falling apart @130K mi. (Computer needs total re-calibration dies at idle other problems.) I did hope to get more mileage out of it, but I cant complain-- this car hardly cost me anything for an entire decade! It saw me through my entire 20s, and its near the end of its life. Ill shed a tear in a couple of days when I scrap it for parts.