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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  a joy to drive - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lindy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to drive everytime i get into it. i love the way it handles, its responsiveness, the roominess, the seat comfort, and the seat height as compared to a sedan (my former car). i love the way this car looks from all angles. i planned to buy a toyota rav 4. period. but thought as a good consumer i should test drive at least three. i test drove the jeep liberty and the escape was added to my list at the last minute when i saw one and liked the looks. driving it was love at first sight. no looking back. my only complaint is that i dont get the mileage i thought i would.

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  Very functional and quick big - 2004 Ford Escape
  By greatchoice - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle 10/1/00 off the showroom floor, shortly after they first came out and was equipped with the V6, 4WD, trailer package, tinted windows, and "hunter" green in color. We have averaged around 25-26 MPG on several long trips. This vehicle very roomy inside. I havent had any problems with the vehicle at all and would highly recommend it to anyone. The exception I have read about is it the extremely rare person that does serious off road driving. This vehicle is much better looking(especially from the rear) and much quicker than the CRV.

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  Convinced - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tweety - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I was actually looking to purchase the Saturn suv, however my brother inlaw works for Ford, and talked me into coming down to test drive the ford escape.(he also owns an escape) Before even visting Saturn, I went to ford. After test driving the escape my mind had changed. I love the ford escape. It drives very smooth. I have two children and this suv has plenty of room. I wasnt looking for a huge suv, so this really fits what I desired. The suv is sporty looking and the price is very affordable, since I didnt have $40000.00 for a new vehicle. I highly recommend the Ford Escape to anyone looking for a great suv.

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  mustang all the way - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By T.A.Moody - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun efficient yet sporty vehicle. While the comfort level on long trips is a little less than desirable the pros far out weigh cons. This car gets a lot of attention on the roadways but doent strap the bank account. NO COMPLAINTS and very low maintenance.

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  Enjoy my car!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By SKeefer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a classy fun car that attracts alot of attention. My car is pretty basic but is still does the job. Ive enjoyed the sound system. Ive gotten ALOT of comments on my car Peolpe like how it looks. Iam pleased how it drives and it runs great in the mountains.Being able to put the top down and let the sunshine in really makes my day. I really enjoy my car.I feel Ford has put alot of effort into being sure I like my car. The dealership we used was awesome and quite helpful.The service dept. has been very helpful.

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  ONE TUFF FORD - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fordgirl - January 27 - 10:00 am

  i THANK THIS IS THE BEST SUV THAT MONEY CAN BUY AND THEY HAVE THE BEST REBATES ON THE MARKET, YOU JUST CANT GO WRONG WITH FORD!!!

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  2014 Fod mustang convertible - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Paula Siepieranski - January 27 - 8:30 am

  Love the car inside and out. average fuel milage about 22 miles a gallon city driving. Excellent acceleration and handles real well. Sound system wonderful. Fun car shouldnt get bored of this car.

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  Awesome car to own - 2008 Ford Focus
  By bradh70 - January 27 - 1:55 am

  This is a very nice handling car. It gets great fuel mileage. I owned a 2001 Focus that I hated, it had every proplem in the world. The 2008 Focus is extremly well built. I would recomend this car to anyone. The only problem is the leg room in the back seat is tight and there is no rear seat dome light. Thats all I can say bad about the car.

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  Still wowed! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By j.m. - January 26 - 8:16 pm

  Ok well I wrote a review 12-6-08 see wow! And now I have 11,400 miles and still love it!! I have been driving quite frequently out to Ohio for work (thats the reson for high mileage) and I am averaging 17.3 with that 5.4 and 6 speed, the best powertrain combo. My friends 5.7 Tundra does not "control" the trailer the way my truck does. Aside from a Super Duty, no other trucks pulls as smartly as this one does. I cannot say enough about the brakes and the handling and ride quality. It is as solid and bank vault like as my moms 07 S-Class. I still have my 05 FX-4 with 90,000 miles and It rocks, not one problem, issue, or hiccup from it. This one will be as great because it is a Ford!

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  My "Green" Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By T - January 26 - 3:40 pm

  I have been wanting a hybrid vehicle for years, but they have always been too small for my needs. The Ford Escape Hybrid is perfect for my life! Its very comfortable, everything is within reach, and its easy to get in and out. Im below average height, so this is frequently an issue. Theres enough room for everyone and the easy fold flat back seats are great for hauling our rather large dog. I do a lot of driving, so the gas savings is phenomenal, and I found that it performed like a "champ" in snowy weather last winter. As an added bonus, this has turned out to be more fun to drive than any vehicle Ive ever owned!