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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  Gives Premium Brand SUVs a run for the money - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rhut - January 18 - 4:52 pm

  Some of the comments on here must be by people payed by competing brands. To call the new Escape poor engineering is just plain WRONG. We took delivery of a fully equipped Titanium model a few weeks ago. This crossover is incredibly refined, has good build quality, nearly all the technology of an 80k luxury car. On the road it easily out handles and out accelerates any SUV/crossover in its class and surely some cars. The engine is incredibly smooth and quiet, with ample low end power, the ride is near luxury and wind/road noise at an effortless 80 mph is as low as in my other car..a 2012 MB CLS 550 4matic. The Escape is great, dont be misled !!

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cool9 - January 18 - 12:08 pm

  I have had my Escape for 2 months now, and I love it. The engine is second to none in this class. Seats are extremely comfortable. I only have one knock on the vehicle and that is the brake and gas pedal too close together. Other than that, I strongly recommend the car.

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  Ultimate Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By crushchevy - January 17 - 9:35 pm

  We bought the truck in febraury with 125,000 miles on it. Got the brakes fixed and windows resealed. So far this truck is great. It communtes me to and from school everyday, and has always started in the morning, even with -10 to -30 temps. I baby her, she doesnt pull trailers, and nobody drives her but me. I dont let anyone else start her either. Its quite fun to intimidate GM Ethuthusiants at my school, and I think Expeditions look WAYY better than Suburbans. Overall, definitly get this vehicle, you will not regret it.

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  Fusion Crusin..Mobile Heaven - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By ivleague98 - January 9 - 8:36 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned or driven. I have worked in automotive advertising for over ten years, walking into showrooms of every make and always "window shopping". Never before have I purchased a vehicle for my mobile career in which I enjoy every mile. From the interface to the handling, sitting in the drivers seat, this Ford Fusion delivers. What drew me in was its sleek design and luxury muscle grill. The room in the backseat, and the extra options I did not realize I would really use or enjoy make it hard to believe Ford could price this car so affordable. Only cons are the Pings and clangs after motor shuts off (dealer said normal with 2.0 Ecoboost), no sunroof.

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  Titanium is AWESOME!!!! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By tweetabird - January 8 - 3:29 pm

  I just got the new Ford Escape titanium 2.0 eco boost.. in ginger ale!!! I have the bigger tires also, 19 inch on it. I absolutely love love love my new titanium and couldnt stop driving it when I got it home!!!! Its a total blast to drive and yes I can truly say this titanium of mine stops on a dime!!! The titanium to me was worth every penny I paid!! I use to drive a 2002 Ford Escape this Ford I feel as if I am driving a sportscar!! I must admit I did go over the speed limit some and really give it a go!! It is fantastic and such a beautiful CUV!! I would NEVER trust a bad review go and test drive it.. and make up your own mind! I love everything about mine!!! Thanks Ford!!

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  Richmond BC Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By wpgjet - January 3 - 12:23 am

  Bought my 2005 Focus in September 2005. 113,700 KMs later it is running fine. The CD player, however, is prone to failure. I have had SEVEN replacement CD players installed, under warranty. Also, the power door lock mechanism has had to be replaced twice, also under warranty. Otherwise, the car is reliable and fun to drive. No actual mechanical problems. As with any new car purchase, it is a good idea to buy the Extended Warranty, as the electronic gadgets are expensive to replace.

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  333,000+ and still goin hard! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By chrischris71 - January 1 - 11:19 pm

  Bought this truck at 300,000 miles with a cracked radiator. Only real maintenance done to this truck is a new radiator, new alternator, one new coil pack, and some gaskets and seals. Before we started playing around with it it got about 17 city 20-25 highway. After putting a 2.5 inch suspension and 2.5 inch body lift its down to about 10 city and 15-17 highway. Mine is actually the 5.4L Triton V8. Soon the driver side A-frame will need replacing and the passenger side rotor needs to be replaced.

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  Built to LAST - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By stjohns - December 31 - 3:06 pm

  Ride comfort is best in class. Engine is strong & dependable. Cargo & passenger room is outstanding. This is my 2nd Expedition. I may never sale it.

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  Awesome!!! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By sacred007 - December 31 - 1:09 am

  This is my forth car. And i really enjoyed driving the car. With maximum power, comfort and reliability and falling in love with my car. The stereo system is superb. The build quality is appreciable. Ive reached 0-120kmph in under 12s which is very good from my point of view. The ambient lighting gives me a fresh look inside the compartment. I drove around 1000 kms a day once, which i couldnt feel any tiredness. Microsoft SYNC is also a good feature in which i can call, change music while am driving.

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  3013 Escape SEL 2.0 EcoBoost - 2013 Ford Escape
  By yblockv8 - December 29 - 2:07 pm

  Have had this car for 7 weeks. After 900 miles on the odometer we drove it from our home in Las Vegas to Phoenix and as we entered Sun City the car recorded 30.2 MPG and there are plenty of hills to go up and down. Around Vegas were constantly seeing 24-24.5 MPG. Power is awesome! We keep pretty much to the posted speed limit and use cruise control when applicable. I have no idea WHY other 2013 Escape owners complain about poor economy. Keep in mind this car weighs over 4,000 lbs. We drove Expeditions for 12 years (2 of them) and always got 20 MPG on the same trip.