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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  great suv - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cag - July 14 - 10:00 am

  great suv also own 2001 escape with 40000 miles on it never had a problem with it drives great

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  Luxury & economy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Kathy - July 13 - 10:00 pm

  An incredibly fun economy car. Good styling inside & out. Economy with a luxury feel. I love my car!

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  My First SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By PauletteSpears - July 13 - 4:10 pm

  This is a comfortable and easy to handle SUV with excellent road mileage -- has been taken on numerous trips back and forth to beach (approx. 300 miles round trip). Excellent cargo space and comfortable seating for up to 7 people.

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  New owners impression - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By The Wizard - July 13 - 2:06 pm

  As of this writing, I have only owned this car for a few weeks. We looked at Lexus ES300 (used), Impala, Chrysler 300, Acura TL (used), and a few others. Many of these where fine cars. However, we felt that we got the most value for the money with the Five Hundred. This car has loads of space, is very comfortable, has excellent safety ratings, decent styling, and good mileage. On top of that, the dealership was very decent to work with. My wife and I are happy customers.

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  One great car.... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Tom - July 13 - 6:06 am

  This is a sporty small car that feels much larger than it is. Roomy inside, comfortable and convenient.

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  Cmax tricks prius owner - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drkatt - July 13 - 12:48 am

  I haved owned 2 priuses and wanted to try something new and the 47/47 on the sticker was close to what I was getting on the prius. After buying am only getting 37 mpg. Would give the car pluses on design, is fun to drive and comfortable but the 47/47 is a lie..not happening and the prius never failed to get near that. Oh well..lesson learned.

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  Ford is moving forward - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By michael G - July 12 - 9:16 pm

  I had read a lot of reviews before I made a purchase. Allow me to say Ford had done a great job. I put black leather in this vehicle as well. Sync and convenience pack came with it along with the tow. First, I drove the kids to see family 3 hours away and it drove smooth. The passing issue with power-hey guys turn the OD switch off , that will give you more power, not that I had a problem. No carpet. Excellent, easier maintenance. Plastic inside. Great. Now I dont have to use "Armor All"-easy to clean with warm water. A sync syst-with Sirius. Lets roll! A class 3 tow package-take the jet skis to the lake up to 5000lbs w/ elec. Come on! Gas, Ford could do better.

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  2007 - Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Shane - July 12 - 5:46 pm

  Comfortable, lots of interior/trunk room. Sharp looking vehicle. However the engine is too small for such a big car. Hit the gas and takes too long for engine response (hesitates)when passing. Must have something to do with that new CVT transmission.

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  Love Our 2012 Escape - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Jackie - July 12 - 11:33 am

  Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) The only choices on "trim" were for Hybrids, which ours is not, but I wanted to write a review because were so happy with our 2012 Ford Escape XLT. Now that we own a 2012 Ford Escape, I look for them on the road so I can admire the smart design, which is sporty and fun, from the metallic paint, the cargo carrier on the roof, the side runners, and the rugged looking grille, our 2012 is the best looking year for the Escape, IMHO. We had a checklist of things we wanted in our next vehicle and the 2012 Escape has it all and I love everything about it. Were very happy with the cabin size, not too big, yet we have enjoyed all the room weve ever needed and then some. The headlamps are clear and bright and I appreciate the way the car stays lit until I can get out and to the house at night. We took a long trip shortly after purchase and had plenty of space and comfortable seating. Both of us are tall people and the drivers side can be a knee bumper until you learn the cars geography, and my 64" husband has to duck his head to keep from bumping it upon entering the car but he says that its still the easiest car hes ever gotten in or out of. Weve had our Escape for nine months and had no problems, mechanical or otherwise. Since up-sizing from our Ford Escort, weve noticed a huge difference in comfort and sound reduction from the road. We were fortunate to find our Escape with low mileage, so we expect to enjoy many years of ownership. I read a complaint about the back seat being a pain to put down (the headrests have to come off), but for us this is not a problem since well probably never have to utilize the entire back of the car. And if we have to take those measures to lower the back seat, then well just do what we have to do. Its a back saver to easily load and unload groceries and have plenty of room to accommodate a days worth of shopping or a long trip. We felt we got a great deal on this SUV. I adore this car and if this is the last car I ever own, Im happy to have it be our 2012 Escape! November 2016: We have owned our Escape for over a year now, taken two long trips, and still love it! We see lots of 2012 Escapes on the road and always mention to each other that they are so good looking and that we feel we made the best choice in buying this vehicle. Have had no problems, mechanical or otherwise. We are believers in timely oil changes so we take it to the dealership, Gilbert & Baugh, for that (they are wonderful to deal with!). Even if I could, I would not part with my 2012 Ford Escape. Its perfect size , great gas mileage, reliability, and sharp design make this car the vehicle we designed in our heads when we dreamed of having an SUV. My initial review shortly after purchase in September 2015 still holds...we love it!

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  Great Buy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By focusfanatic1 - July 11 - 4:29 pm

  I could not be more pleased with this vehicle. Materials appear to be great quality, excellent ride for a small car and gas mileage is incredible. It feels good to drive an American made vehicle that feels of great quality like this one. Hatchback offers adequet room. A lot of people are complaining about the transmission, but nothing about it bothers me yet.