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:

• 

  Tear da road apart - like lil John Q. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sweetsteve_03 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The car itself exhibits incredible performance and handling. What else would you expect from a V8 pumping out upwards of 400hp. Dodges SRT-10 on the ram will run this one into the ground most certainly.

• 

  Killer Traveler Van - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By suburbank2500 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This van is my daily commuter; Its got the Traveller package, and the kid quiet option (2 screens with a VCP). Ive always been get the bigger motor but the 289 (4.6L) v8 is just fine. I get about 20-21 on highway, 15-17 mixed. the ONLY thing is its a rear wheel driver, so Ill have to retrain myself for winter. Dont waste your money on some tinny, mini-van. They dont have nearly the room and cost about $2-$3K more

• 

  the best - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ice1202 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Every year I make two trips to Texas and its an easy ride.

• 

  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dr jarstad - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Small SUV. Above average gas mileage. Great looking. Like the Yellow color. Safe in side impact studies. Great value.

• 

  happy family drivers - 2003 Ford Escape
  By IRISHFOUR - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We had a mini van as a second car and our 21 year old son would not drive it!!! It is so nice now that we all will drive either car. Although now everyone prefers to drive the NEW ESCAPE.

• 

  perfect for us - 2003 Ford Escape
  By sunflowersteph - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We love this smaller SUV. It handles great, the gas mileage is second to none when it comes to SUVs. For our family of 5, our Ford Escape, is a perfect car and would highly recommend it to anyone who needs a quality made car!

• 

  LOVE MY ESCAPE - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JANET - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I THINK THE ESCAPE IS THE PERFECT SUV. I ENJOY THE RIDE AS IT IS SMOOTH AND COMFORTABLE. IT DOES NOT FEEL LIKE A TRUCK, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A TRUCK CAPACITY. MY PASSENGERS STATE THAT THE BACK SEAT IS ROOMY AND COMFORTABLE FOR THEM.

• 

  Ford Escape, a good buy? - 2003 Ford Escape
  By HeatherC - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Escape after having my daughter. I needed a bigger car & a car that was good in the snow. I liked the look of the Escape so I looked into it & ended up buying one. I am pleased with my purchase. I did however have some problems with it. A couple months after buying it, the gears wouldnt shift properly. I brought it in & the computer needed to be updated. Then my tires needed to be replaced. Overall, the Escape is a nice, reliable car, but if you are looking for a car that is great on gas, this may not be the car for you.

• 

  Good Choice - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Turnerpj - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for a young family. We have enough room for small children, plus all the cargo we have to hall around with them! In addition, since it is a smaller SUV it is great for parking and easy to handle. It is a really sturdy vehicle though. The only aspect I would change is to make the doors a bit more solid. They are safe, but very light and sometimes you have to really slam them to get them to click. Overall though, a great purchase for us!

• 

  Love the car but... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By AileenS - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love how the Ford Escape drives. It is very spaceous and its adjustable seats are very accomodating. The SUV runs smoothly. However..I have had to take it to the dealer twice already under its warranty. The first time due to the check engine light coming on for no apparent reason and the other because it stalled on me while driving on a city street. Even with these experiences I am still satisfied with the vehicle = ).