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 Mini SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By SuvHappy - January 14 - 10:00 am

  It has been three months and 4,000 miles and i can`t find a thing that i don`t like about my Escape XLT Sport. It turns alot of heads when i drive by. The No Boundries roof rack and the sport wheels and tires give it the extra special touch of class along with the leather interior and the 6CD sterio. Averaged 23mpg on trips @65/70 mph. It handles great, rides great. Nothing more to say but>>>>> I LOVE IT.

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  Head and shoulders above small SUVs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Higheriq - January 14 - 4:13 am

  Wanting something other than my old F150 for better gas mileage, and wanting 4WD, I had looked at a Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, and the Escape. Feature for feature, the Escape had the others beat. What sealed the deal was the price. The gas mileage with the Escape, equipped this way, is one of the very few vehicles which gets BETTER gas mileage than the EPA estimates. The ride is firm, controlled, and quiet (even at interstate speeds). The interior appointments give me more features than I will ever use. Strong air conditioner, great 4WD system, and more than ample power even with the 4 cylinder. The choice was obvious.

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  Ford beats Toyota on this one! - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rwolf01 - January 13 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned Toyotas for 20 years and love my Prius, but Toyota blew it with the Highlander Hybrid. Its too big and the mileage just isnt good enough. In college I swore Id never own another American car, but the Escape Hybrid turned me around. Its brilliant. With the 4WD it goes anywhere I want including rough dirt roads and deep snow.... and it gets 50% better mileage than my old 4- runner. Ive tried to break it. I took it fast and fully loaded up a steep mountain highway to see if I could run the battery down.... no way. It just works. I get an honest 28-30 MPG average with the 4WD. Avoid the factory Nav system. Buy a Garmin instead.

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  Awesome - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ben Prosser - January 13 - 10:57 pm

  Have owned this since the beginning, and it is awesome. Had to replace the clutch cable 3 times, but thats it. It now has 203,000 miles on it and still runs fine. I4 with 5 speed seems to be running good and strong. 4x4 works well, and it handles fine in the snow. This is the best car I have ever driven, and I hope that it keeps on going.

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  I loved it - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By bronco790 - January 13 - 9:47 pm

  I had a Bronco for a little more then a year and loved it. It was my baby. My brakes went out and i cracked my manifold twice becaue of my driving but that was all that I took it in for. I needed a new tranny but besides that it was perfect I wish i would have never sold it because now I am looking to buy another.

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  Big Red - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Steve - January 13 - 8:15 pm

  I have owned "big Red" for almost 13 years, since it was brand new. It is the most dependable vehicle that I have owned.The 4.0 liter engine still runs strong, giving me about 20 mpg on the highway and 16mpg in the city. Besides normal maintenance and its first tune-up last week at 100,000 miles, I have had to only replace two oxygen sensors and a radiator at a total cost of $600. Since my sons have all grown, I only use the van for traveling trips to Las Vegas, Laughlin, and the Rose Bowl, for football tailgate parties.

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  Ford Focus SE 2008 - 2008 Ford Focus
  By adm1221 - January 13 - 8:00 am

  I bought my Ford Focus back in March when it was first coming out with its new model. I already have 6000 miles on the car (mostly because we only take my car since its getting 45 miles on highway. I have had no problems with the car.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dan - January 12 - 6:03 am

  I love my Focus as a supplemental car to my Ford Ranger. It is probably the best investment I could have made to run around in. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Best ever - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Nicole Lake - January 11 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my car used with 125K and I have to say its been the best car I have ever had. Yes it does have the small minor problems such as leaking in the trunk, and the cupholder. This car gets me to school, work, and through my daily task. This is my first car but there was no way I got robbed with it. I definitley gets up and go when you need it too. Gas mileage is great in this car, I get about 28 mpg to 32mpg. Overall the best car ever.

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  Great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By guy salt - January 11 - 9:42 pm

  Traded in a Lincoln LS for a smaller car. This unit was a surprise. More rear leg room,about same size trunk, only deeper. Im 6 and no problem at all. Ordered without sun roof and with the heated seats. The heating and air are simply fantastic. Quiet, comfy, great on gas, roomy and great on both highway and city driving. Would not hesitate to recommend