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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  Love my 2002 Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Cameron Brown - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Powerful, sporty, and fun to drive. Perfect size for our small family plus groceries and dogs. We absolutely love the car. One caution: we originally had a 2001 model which we also loved but had a problem which would cause the engine to stall when decelerating at about 40mph which Ford could not fix at the time (see NHTSA web site for info). After four attempts to fix, Ford respected the California Lemon Law and replaced our 2001 (with over 25,000 miles on it) with an identical 2002 model for only $800. The new one is working perfectly so far with 4,000 miles on it.

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  Dont Buy - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mindcrime - December 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife has a 1999 2d 4wd Sport model. Like most for cars/trucks, this thing is a piece of junk. The overall build quality is poor. The plastics inside are low grade quality and the vehicle reliability is terrible. She has had the airbag go out, and needed major work on the engine. At 35,000 miles over $4,500 in repair work on the engine needed to be performed. Driving the Explorer is a nightmare, with uncomfortable seats and ride. We are looking into trading this in and getting something more reliable, like a Honda CR-V. Im still amazed the people spend $30,000+ thousand on any Ford product. They are over priced and of poor quality.

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  Does the Job - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By MW - December 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had a good experience with the windstar ( our first minivan) The seats are removable, though heavy, but make for very versitile use of space. Our three kids and the dog have plenty of space and still room for luggage. We havent had any significant problems that werent addressed promptly. The side power doors are great, thought the pass side door often moves slowly. We only have 38K miles on it and I hear the horror stories about the trans. but none for us (knock wood) My wife and I swore we would never get a minivan, but this has been the best, and most practical vehicle we have owned.

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  Good for a few years - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Matt - December 15 - 12:25 am

  I bought this car the first year it was introduced and really enjoyed it for the first 85,000 miles. Eventually several small things started happening radio sounds fine but the display hasnt worked in 18 months. Interior front door fabric material has come unglued on driver and passengers side. Factory installed tinting on drivers side window has bubbled. Have spent a couple hundred dollars 2-3 times in the last 6 months for engine related issues, and still the engine light comes on intermittently. In general Ive enjoyed the car, but its not built to last - at least the first year editions not.

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  A 16 Year Olds Dream - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By bigcuntry - December 14 - 8:27 pm

  I had this truck handed down to me from my dad, who has had it from 1996. He bought it from a private owner with 20k +/- , with the cruise control already not functioning. This has not bothered me though, I put about 30+ miles a day driving to school and back. My MPG stands at about 18-19 city, 22-23 hwy with the 3.0 V6. There have been no major issues with the truck, just routine maintenance, such as oil, brakes,fluid levels, etc. There is a oil leak at the universal joint, but its not major. at 110k, It is still going strong and I do not intend for it to quit today, or for that matter, a long time.

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  The first 2,800 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By affhowner - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  Overall I am pleased so far. Issues: 1. At 30-40 mph part thottle, engine/transmision audibly "groans" while in 6th gear, possibly lugging. Too much pedal travel to shift to 5th. Subtle adjustments to vehicle speed at these conditions is difficult. 2. Highway wind noise near drivers ear. Sounds like leak in the door seal; cannot locate source. 3. 3" depression in rear bumper just right of center near one of the reverse sensors. No evidence of being hit. 4. Small scratch on instrument panel. 5. Coolant smell inside once after 15 minute idle. 6. 21.3 MPG mixed driving. 7. Heated seats warm up slow vs. VW Jetta, then get too hot. On a 10 minute timer. Distribution not as good.

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  What a great vehicle! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By JENMAC - December 14 - 6:20 pm

  I turned in my 5 sp manual 98 Explorer Sport for the new 5 sp manual 08 Escape and I love it. The ride is comfy, the gas mileage is great (22-28 mpg) and best of all I can plug in my iPod. It is a fun and safe car to drive with plenty of room for my friends. It is a great car for road trips and vacations.

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  2004 Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 2004 Ford Explorer - December 14 - 3:28 pm

  I can not believe that my explorer would be more reliable than my 2003 Toyota corolla. i bought this car from a friend and it had 360,000 miles. i got a tug for it only for 1 year because i thought it wouldnt last more than 1 year. The car still runs perfect and the handling in this car is amazing for an SUV. to keep this car perfect like this all you need is to do maintenance on time. i cant believe it didnt break down on me for the way i push this car. i just took it from Fairfax Virginia to Jacksonville North carolina 6 hours drive with 360k miles and its still FINE!! you see alot of Honda and Toyota in US but guess what do you see the most in Europe ? FORD!!!

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  Not bad for the money - 2006 Ford F-150
  By fd220 - December 14 - 1:49 pm

  I was very surprised with how roomy the interior is for the size truck. The seats are pretty comfy and are very accommodating HOWEVER they stain VERY easily and it is hard to it out. I have had this ford for 23k miles and I have noticed a few disheartening issues. 1)always seems to be a quart low on oil. 2) always smells of hot brakes and burnt oil after even a 40 mile drive. 3)Bed liner is cheap! 4)Always has a shutter/ticking while at slow speeds along with a clunking sound when accelerate from a stop as the weight shifts. 5)THE GAS MILEAGE STINKS!even when i was hauling a refrigerator my mileage was pathetic! I have the 5.4L but I would still not expect the mileage to punk out that bad!

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  great so far....just got it a month ago - 2005 Ford Escape
  By lotekgirl - December 14 - 12:59 pm

  I just traded in my 01 Intrepid for this 05 Escape. So far my husband and I are very pleased with it. This vehicle is great if you are looking to step up to your first SUV from a car. The Escape is very responsive it drives and handles great. I agree with other reviewers about filling the gas tank: it is annoying because you cant just put the nozzle in, lock it in place and walk away. It always clicks off a few seconds later so I have to stand there and hold it, which I never had to do with my car. The gas mileage on the v6 isnt that great. Im constantly filling my gas tank (city driving about 90% of the time). the ignition could have been more well placed (odd spot, have to search).