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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  Decent car, but hard to repair - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Perry Reed - May 2 - 2:14 pm

  The SHO is a fun-to-drive vehicle. Although the ride is somewhat harsh, it handles well and has more than adequate power. Mileage is decent for a car with this much power. The interior is well-laid out and the controls are easy to reach. The car is well-optioned, and includes climate control, which is nice to have. My major concern is the poor camshaft design, which really ruined the owning experience of this vehicle for me. Also, they could have made sure that parts are more readily available. For example, the electronically-controlled suspension has unique, expensive struts. They would have been well- advised to update the V6 from the previous SHOs rather than go with a new V8.

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  Sold my Prius to buy this. Mileage is stuck at 39 - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By paulroberts - May 2 - 1:27 pm

  To start with let me say that I really like my C-Max. The 47/47 mileage rating however is a joke. I have been trying so hard to get my mileage up higher and it just isnt going up. I now have 2,400 miles on the car with City mileage about 70%. I sold my 2007 Prius to buy this. Was ready for a new car, needed more space. Looked at several other models including the Prius V. The C-Max is just more fun to drive, quieter great build quality with a couple of exceptions. Coming out of a Prius I am used to babying the car, drifting into red lights and stops, watching up ahead to let the accelerator off early. I dont punch it ever except to get on the freeway. With all that just 39.3 mpg.

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  Suits Me Fine - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By 2fords+ - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I got our Windstar from my dad when our family grew too big. Only had one problem which was covered by recall (blinking lights, gauges wouldnt work, warning noises on and off when we stepped on the brakes... all because of a missing seal in the rear of the van) and the work was done in two hours at our local dealer.

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  Air conditioned seats have won my heart - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mostly Pleased - May 1 - 10:08 pm

  I just traded my 2003 Eddie Bauer for an 2005 Limited with the navigation system. So far the nav system is not very acurate. The power of the new engine is a plus. The front seats come with both heat and cooling my favorite option here in South Florida. Getting the limited with all the options is not the easiest. I would have liked the moon roof as well. Over all very nice SUV.

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  No Problems - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DoubleL - May 1 - 6:26 pm

  I have just hit 150k in my Windstar and have had very few problems. A starter and my interior lights stayed on once (sensor problem) always drive sanely and take good care of it. Still looks and drives beautifully.

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  My First Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Mayle - May 1 - 3:10 pm

  I find this to be a very pleasurable and comfortable auto. From its quick response when you step on the gas to the take charge of road cockpit which gives you a sense of being above the road instead of down on it. If something were to happen to my Five Hundred I would replace it tomorrow with the same car. This time Ford definitely did their homework.

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  love it - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By ny driver - May 1 - 4:04 am

  Love everything about this vehicle. The only con is the plastic interior compared to the upholstered Windstar. Great driving and solid. Wish the DVD player did not block the rear window.

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  No Escaping the Segment—but thats more than OK - 2017 Ford Escape
  By BRex - April 30 - 11:10 am

  THIS IS A 2.0 engine, not the 2.5 labelled above. There was no option to select 2.0 model. I purchased a 2.0 Ecoboost model—a 4 cylinder that supposedly gets the gas mileage of an economical 4 cylinder while boasting the power, save the horses of a 6 cylinder engine. The driver can get the results of the former in DRIVE mode, and the later in SPORT mode, of which the transition is the easiest to shift on the fly in the Escape than the push button methods of other like SUVs. I find early on that the engine nearly measures up to this claim. Paddle shifters are available on my model, though I really dont quite grasp the logic of paddle shifters generally. The ride is firm and composed. The steering is very good, though not as connected to the road, in my opinion, as other notable vehicles in its class. Returning now to the ride. To what do I have to compare the ride to? As an owner of a 2005 Highlander—which never left me in the lurch or side of the road, I was impressed to the last day of my ownership of this vehicle as to the manner it floated over pothole patched roadways that predominate on long, country, suburban roads, while affording a 360 view of everything going on around me. As such, I drove this vehicle like a sportscar. The 2017 Escape appears to keep this pace, though visibility is somewhat more limited. I had found that side window cameras on other vehicles in this segment may have the potential to help for quick lane shifts, but my new vehicle did not include this feature (only a backup camera). As both a techie—I love the touchscreen (and the technology packages offered, besides this detail, are the best Ive seen in all the models tested, especially for the price. Comparably supplied tech packages on mid-sized SUVs jack the price up prohibitively for my expenses. However, as a pure driver? I dont need no stinkin badges—I mean tech to back up, make turns, or parallel park. In my former vehicle, I drove through city streets and the like to the extent that one passenger asked me if I liked motorcycles. I did all these owning to the line of sight around the vehicle. The new Ford has a front windshield that slopes down very far—reminding me of a Toyota Prius. I am not sure whether this is to give the sensation of a commanding view of the road or not. Dont get me wrong, it succeeds here, but heres the rub: with the motor supposedly giving the impression of a 6 cylinder and the 18 inch tires, on the SE Trim, and the general overall impression reminding me of my erstwhile Highlander (in terms of looks and theoretical performance) I have not yet justified in my mind the potential similar price that the lower end 6 cyl, mid-sized SUVs and the Escape. The strangest thing is that my mother, of all people told me to be sure to drive over plenty of bumps before purchasing the vehicle. Having purchased the vehicle I am finding–and this is a very preliminary impression-that one can definitely feel every jolt and tittle of said bumps and holes on the road. I feel it, but the vehicle is rugged enough that it has no truck with any given road you find yourself on. But I think this is true of every compact SUV. Generally, I love this vehicle and may venture to guess the Ford Escape may move up a notch or two in this category this year! Nevertheless, I would not yet pass this small SUV off as a midsized performing SUV—but well see. I was one of the first to buy the 2017 Ford Escape in my area. Oh, one more thing to note. I must admit that I wanted to buy a manly car in my price range that is not overly cumbersome. When I first saw the 2017 Escape drive up (the salesperson) wasnt even aware they had it in yet—so as I was looking in the lot he drove up in it, surprising me. What a surprise! I was like: "thats my next vehicle (I hope it lasts 12 years), it looks cool." Of course one review on YouTube said that the Escape has had 60% of it buyers female! Oh well. Note well: this is a very preliminary review. My main impression is that it is no Highlander, but I bet it could surpass the vehicles in its own class.

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  Ford Festiva 1991 - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By Scott Postma - April 29 - 11:16 pm

  Ive found this car trustworthy and free from unexpected maintenance. Not recomended for heavy highway driving as wind has effect on car. After 125,000 miles motor is very sound and doesnt burn oil. The interior is roomy and can hold 4 adults with leg room and headroom, or three bales of hay and two adults. Ive enjoyed the smallness of the car as parking and turning around is very simple and quick, especially in downtown areas.

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  Taught Kids to Drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Marco - April 29 - 3:24 pm

  Specifically purchased a Contour with 60K to teach my 2 teenagers how to drive. Im tall and needed something with 4 doors. Not as pricey as other used cars of similar size, with 4 doors. Not too fast, but handles great. Both teenagers have licenses and have moved on to other vehicles. Sort of expected that one of them would wreck the car, so I didnt expect to own it for long. Have had it almost 3 years, and am pretty pleased. Get close to 30mpg in regular driving. Had to pay a bit to get the timing belt, gear, etc. replaced at 90K, but have just had maintenance (battery, brake pads) since. Wore out a set of tires in 40K, but expected as much with 2 teenagers pushing the envelope.