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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  park bench seats - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Dick Cahill - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had it 11 months and the seats are a little more comfortable then a park bench. The dome light switch should be on the dash. The trans seams like it is going out at 42000 miles shifts out of overdrive everytime you let off the gas at highway speeds.Very small inside for what I do. I am in sales and travel 4 states. I would trade back for my GMC Safari van in a heartbeat. The short wheelbase beats you up after you drive 300-400 miles in a day. The gas millage is okay but the tank is so small you stop for gas 2 or 3 times a day. Overall I would not buy it again!

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  Last of the good cars - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Randall1 - February 21 - 4:43 am

  The crown Victoria has been a solid performer. I bought it last year and put over 12k trouble free miles on it. Contrary to Edmunds editors, the ride far surpasses any unit body car Ive ever ridden in. Handling is perfectly capable and Ive never felt like Ive even come close to losing control - even on icy, snow covered, rutted or choppy road surfaces. I owned a 1991 grand marquis that had the same road manners. Overall, the car is great and gets better fuel economy that my minivan. The strong frame absorbs jolts that rock lesser unit construction cars. Ive owned and driven mostly unibody cars. Ive driven countless numbers of cars due to my work. A large, full frame car is best.

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  Great little hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Cindy - February 19 - 10:30 pm

  Have only owned this vehicle for 4 months and 4,000 miles, but so far we are very satisfied. After reading a lot recently about inflated MPG ratings, I was a little worried, but so far we are getting 30-31 mpg which is exactly what its supposed to get! We love the way it handles and accelerates and the display almost teaches you how to drive for maximum MPG. The nav system is great and the dogs love the room in back. Weve gone on one road trip and have used the AWD a few times already with great results. Ford really should build more of these vehicles and do a lot better job of advertising, many people dont even know they exist and some still think they have to be plugged in at night!

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  Love the Car but...... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By duecer - February 19 - 9:30 am

  I have very near 3,000 miles on the vehicle and have few complaints with the exception of the fuel mileage. Ive read the previous reviews which speak of 20 and more miles per gallon and Im just not getting that. My best so far was 17.5 mpg on the highway. I purchased the Freestyle to replace my beloved SportTrac because I needed the cargo space and the Freestyle comes through. Plenty of space and comfort to boot! No problems getting used to the CVT and although there is some road noise it is acceptable. I have read the reviews of the interior style being plastic, but think it is modern and stylish, I like it!

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Krug - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It has good looks with comfor and and most of all great features such as hid headlamps and a indash six cd changer with subwoofer. I previously had a 20th anniversary gti but actually like the svt focus more in regards of the options it comes with. It even has a nicer closer shift than any other stick I have driven which includes a hist of great cars. Great price for a awesome car!

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  Good car for price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dacomfort - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with the car. The pick-up is pretty good, especially for a 4 cylinder. Its very spacious for the price. The gas mileage is what I expected (based upon Consumer Reports rating) at about 24 mpg overall. The one thing that I dislike is when only the rear window (especially right window) is down 2-4 inches and travelling at 45-50 mph there are strong cavitations pounding the ear drums. This can be alleviated by opening other windows though. ZTW offers a lot more car for little price increase over SE wagon.

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  A good compromise overall ! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Dozing4dollars - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Really FUN to drive! It is peppy and handles great for an SUV. It feels more like a sedan/coupe in performance than an SUV at times. It is a good compromise between a viable SUV and a decent handling sport sedan/coupe. If you are looking for a stylish, entry level, around town, SUV with excellent acceleration and handling performance, 4WD and superior cargo capacity, you have found it! It is very easy to park and manuever. Just remember-it is an entry level, smaller size, SUV in its price point. You can load it up with options but you cannot change its basic build materials and quality a whole lot.

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  Second Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ChristieChris - February 18 - 10:00 am

  For the most part, I am happy w/ my Explorer. The color scheme is great and the NBX package really sets it apart from the standard Explorer. The truck is rugged and the 4x4 auto is properly sensitized.

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  Decent Overall SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By iris49 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a decent overall SUV but does need to improve the seats and the engine to really make it a much better one. I tested a Buick Rainier and its seating and 5.3L V8 are far superior to the Explorer but the Rainier is hard to get in and out of the backseat and doesnt come with a third row seat.

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  Ford Limited Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By plexie28 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV and excellent quality! Well built, attractive, powerful, reliable, rich-looking yet affordable, spacious, comfortable, American made, road and off-road friendly, room for the whole family, many extras, sharp! I highly recommend this vehicle.