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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  Escape 2002 with V6 FWD - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John4funmf - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Compared to other cars in the subcompact SUV class, the Escapes V6 engine has the power and performance to lead the pack. Although our familys lifestyle including Summer camping trips traveling via unimproved roads and Winter ski trips in Western New York, we did not feel that we need 4wd. The front wheel drive version has been enough to get us where we want to go. An added benefit is better gas mileage with the FWD. On highway, we average 25 mpg and in city 23 mpg.

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  Lowered Mustang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By mustang man - September 6 - 4:55 pm

  I love my green Mustang with tan top. When I bought the car it was lowered in the front, dual exhast and cobra R wheels. This car is extremely fun to drive and when the tops off, wow on a nice night its great. But I must say that the gas mileage is pretty bad, I feel like Im always at the gas station. But other then that I plan on buying a 1998 GT convertible thats how much I like them.

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  Still a nice car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By J Becker - September 6 - 1:24 pm

  Vehicle is comfortable and it drives well. The mileage was high, but it was in good shape. I purchased this vehicle in January of this year and for the first four months no problems. In the last four months it is starting to cost me money. I have had to replace the tire rod in the front,and now I need to replace the cv-joint so the anti-lock brakes will work. The belts in my tires are bad, and there is always a light bulb going out.

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  37 MPG! & Great for Tall Drivers - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By phatcat73 - September 5 - 2:38 am

  I purchase mine used in Nov 2010 and it had 32k miles on it. It was a fleet vehicle which probably means car rental which concerned me a bit, however aside from buying new, used versions are difficult to find. Im 66"and few cars/trucks fit me. For being a compact SUV, this one is just right! At temperatures above 50 deg, Im averaging around 37mpg in mixed driving. To get to the level I learned to maximize the battery when driving under 40mph as the engine can shutoff and drive under all electric power for a short time. You really have to learn the thresholds as to when the engine will kick in driving under 40 then try to maximize the battery. This will yield higher MPGs.

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  Shes All Grown Up - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Thunder1979 - September 4 - 4:58 pm

  I have been driving a 2001 GT convertible for a few years and fell in love with the new model once I saw the design, however, the design is only the tip of the iceberg. This is a much better car than the SN95 version, its faster, the transmission doesnt feel like a pickups, my girlfriend can push down the clutch, and its no longer a rattlebox. The car keeps pulling through 4th gear, and doesnt feel like youre inside of a B-17s nacelle over Germany like the old one did. This is a very comfortable car and no longer feels like the boy racer my 2001 was. That was a very solid car, but the new model is in a new class, its a grown-ups car that makes you feel like youre 16.

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  No confusion with my Fusion!! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Brad W. - September 4 - 12:03 pm

  I read the reviews here before purchasing, so I wanted to come back and give some input too. ~~~~~We recently bought a used, 26k mile, one-owner, 2015 Titanium, Brick Red leather package and 18 inch fancy wheels, with just about all the bells and whistles you can get, and have put a couple thousand miles on it so far. I couldnt believe the low price of the car! I dont understand why people are shying away from it at all. After test driving it (first time I had driven one), I was super impressed. Ive had some other really nice, more luxurious, higher-priced sedans in the past, but felt they had nothing on the Fusion. The ride is super good, with extremely low road noise. At 510 tall and a few extra pounds, the seats are extremely comfortable to me, with every adjustment you could want. Controls are all located nicely, and it has several interior aesthetic adjustments and options for those who like that. The 2.0 240hp turbo engine is more than enough power for the average guy...and I DONT like my vehicles being under powered. Mileage has been pretty average so far. 22-23mpg all around driving, but Im probably a little less aggressive than most. Not alot of pure highway driving with it yet, so I cant comment on that mileage at this point. ~~~~~~I agree with several comments on here about shifting. It is not butter smooth all the time, quite far from it. But for me, if I know its just how the tranny works on this car, and there is no actual problem with it, it doesnt bother me. I dont need to have everything work like a 100k dollar car to feel good about a purchase. Its clunky at times, yes, but plenty good enough for me, and far from annoying. Like someone else said....the trunk opening is a bit small. It has plenty of room, but the opening itself is just a bit short.~~~~So far, there isnt anything I would really complain about with this car. We love it, and would buy another in a heart beat....especially for the price we got it at. :) ~~~~~~~ ****UPDATE 5/26/2017***** Several more months with this vehicle. Still really like it. Its not perfect, but still a very nice car. Have had MANY compliments from people that had never been a Fusion before, on the sharp look of the interior of the car! Gas mileage is not real good for a four cyl., and the cars MPG estimator typically differs from what it actually is when I fill up and calculate it myself. The car pads it by a few MPG....lol. Hmmm. So far everything is going as planned. Id still buy the car again if I was given a do-over. :)

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  Waited 30 years to buy one - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By djsdad - September 3 - 7:50 pm

  Have had this car for 2 months and every day I like it more. The retro styling won me over the first time I saw one. 6 cylinder 5 speed fun to drive - wish gas mileage was better but thats mostly my fault. Very comfortable to drive but this is not for someone who actually wants to put passengers in the back seat, unless all four of you are short.

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  4 years and counting - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Loyola C. - September 3 - 6:33 pm

  Im torn on this car. Ive had it for 4 years and had to replace the alternator today (cost $531.89 p/l). Like some other people, early in the purchase I had problems w/the ignition and had to have it replaced. I had to have the tires replaced too. Ive always made sure to service the vehicle and care for it as instructed, and other than the alternator, I havent had to deal w/any major repairs yet. For a lower end car, I think it has done pretty good.

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  Lotta bang for the buck - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Wayne Bengston - September 3 - 11:43 am

  The Focus ST is more than the sum of its parts. The good; 0-60 in under 8 seconds. Effortless commuting & cruising. Superb handling with a Progress 22MM rear bar and Goodyear F1 GS-D3 tires to replace the mediocre Pirellis. Rich, communicative feedback from the tight, responsive steering. Very responsive, torquey 2.3L engine. Comfortable on 6+ hour trips. Seats 4 full size adults comfortably. Slick shifting 5 speed manual with a light, smooth clutch. Huge trunk that gets bigger by folding seats. Comfortable, upright seating position. The bad; interior rattles & squeaks. Indifferent fit & finish, huge panel gaps. Below average fuel economy for the performance. 26 MPG w/73% hwy.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dan - September 3 - 10:12 am

  Cant say enough good about this car. Had Fords Escorts Zx2 (2) of them with the same engine, the Focus lived up to my expections. Had some small issues but as with all cars youll always have some. I would like to see some more engine performance parts available from the dealer to give a little more pep.