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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  2005 Escape - A must have SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Traci Muchowski - December 25 - 1:40 pm

  I have driven Ford cars my entire life. This is my first SUV. I will probably never go back to driving a car. I absolutely love this vehicle. We live in the Cleveland area and have seen hundreds of these vehicles on the road. It appears to be a very popular here. I would recommmend this vehicle in a heartbeat!

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  My Sweet Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sweet Escape - December 25 - 1:26 pm

  I replaced my 02 Mercury Mountaineer- 6cyl-AWD-that was getting about 12miles to the gallon for this great 08 Escape. I get on average of 23-25mpg and I love it. Everytime I go to the gas pump I smile--except at the prices of course. I had test driven the Jeep Patriot and Liberty but wasnt satisfied. Once I got behind the wheel of the Escape I knew. I love the Vista Blue Metallic, its gorgeous! This is my 1st vehicle with a sunroof and it has spoiled me. I also love the satellite radio-NASCAR! This is my first new vehicle-I definitely made a wise choice.

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  Happy about my Explorer!! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sharron - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my vehicle 3 months ago and I am very happy with my Explorer. I love the interior and exterior design. It is a comfortable ride, but it is a little noisy.

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  Best little truck I ever owned - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ludwig - December 24 - 7:23 pm

  Bought this truck new in 1994 because I liked the way it looked compared to the competitors small trucks. I always get compliments on the looks and even after owning it for over 13 years and racking up 240,000 miles it still runs great,no engine or transmission problems, it still has the original clutch and exhaust system. The 4.0 v6 has plenty of power, engine is very responsive, Im still getting around 20 mpg, the 4WD great, but when the factory hubs went bad I replaced them with manual locking hubs, a lot easier on the wallet and more reliable. I cant say anything bad about this truck, its been the best truck I ever owned

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  Ford builds fun - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Ched - December 24 - 1:13 pm

  I had a 2005 Escape and traded it for a new 2009. These are two completely different SUVs. The new Escape seems bigger, heavier, smoother and easier to steer. However, mine "bucks" as it shifts through the gears. I brought it in and they said all is normal. That is the only downside to this vehicle. Once it is cruising, it is like driving a Cadillac. As much as I liked the other Escape, I like this one more. This is a fun vehicle to drive and turns heads. (Ditch the heated seats- they barely warm up.)

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  This car is GREAT! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Cottino - December 24 - 7:13 am

  I have had this car for 1 year now and I love it more than any other car I have owned previously.

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  Attn Getter - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Brian - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I am amazed at the way this car handles and the gobs of power. Driving home from dealership I couldnt wait for the 50 miles to pass til the supercharger kicked in. Unreal. I agree with other reviews...this car gets more stares, waves, and nods of admiration then any car Ive had. Stock exhaust sounds amazing and the supercharger whine is addictive. When I drive it I am always looking for the long way home. Convertible seems solid as I have not experienced any flexing over bumps. Since all 2011 GT500s have been built it is an exclusive club youd enter by owning one. Plus, it feels so nice to embarrass others whove paid over double to get the same performance from Germany.

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  Little touches make the difference - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - December 23 - 9:23 pm

  I bought a 2006 Hybrid FWD in November. I have been VERY impressed (as a former Mercedes owner) with the vehicle. Rides great, leather seats are good quality, cruise is very easy to use. The heated mirrors (did not have on the Benz) are a nice touch. The dealer came down only a little on the price ($1.600) but the car is worth it. The mileage is not yet that great - averaged 28 MPG between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and around 30 around town. But I understand I need to learn to drive differently. At 75 mph, mileage drops considerably to 26-28 mpg. At 65, results are closer to Fords posted 31 mpg. NAV system is a little disappointing, tho GPS positioning is a great touch.

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  Love my Ford Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Lee - December 23 - 7:33 pm

  Great vehicle, goes thru ice, unplowed snowy, slippery roads- very impressed at the way it handles. Living in upstate NY we get lots of all the above and I have not had any problems. Really bad weather is why I bought a 4 wheel drive-not disappointed. Lots of room front and back-even my big dog has a lot of room. Very comfortable to drive and I love being up higher. Gas mileage is only 18-19mpg-not what they said. Test drove every SUV out there and liked the Escape the best. Glad I got it.

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  Two-time SVT Focus owner! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dave - December 23 - 5:55 pm

  I love my SVT Ford Focus! I was dissappointed that Ford didnt continue to produce this car, so I traded my 2002 in on a 2004. Both cars have exceeded my expectations. Every color on this car looks good, although Sonic Blue is my favorite. There is no bad version of the SVT Focus.