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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  1999 Escort SE Sport - 1999 Ford Escort
  By JFE - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Owned it a little over 2 years now. Had repeated water leaks in both headlights. Finally corrected. Water in trunk. Replaced inner & outer tie rods on Drivers side. (thanks to hit & run driver) Vibrations from somewhere beneath the car. That was checked and nothing was found. Occasionally the left speaker cuts out.

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  missing its mark - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By why - June 11 - 3:16 pm

  This car is not equipped as good as a lot of other cars, no outside temp, no mist on the wipers, lots of plastic inside, very cheap. The fabric on the seat - everything sticks to it. If my dealer would have been sure this is the car I wanted, instead of just a sale, maybe the SEL was the one I needed. Looking around for a good deal to trade it off, will not buy another Ford. Power is Ok. Its mine, I bought it, will drive till I get a good deal on a new car. Selling factor was 72 months at 0%. Just to let you all know, this is my 25th new car,and the only one I am not happy with, not all bad but a bad choice for me, at $22,000 lots of better choices out there,

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  Love the Escape, but beware with higher miles... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John Holst - June 11 - 2:42 am

  I bought this car used in 2006, and have had it ever since (2017 now). Its been a trusty winter driving car, and does great with pulling a trailer. Its not the most comfortable of rides, but its not bad for longer drives either. The gas mileage was disappointing from the start though, with it being much lower than Id have thought for a small SUV. Be aware, when it gets to about 150k+ miles, repairs start to add up and get expensive. Ive had to replace all 3 catalytic converters, the entire front brake system, both front axles, a rear frame repair due to rust through, and a slight engine overhaul of belts, gaskets, coils, etc. That said, its sitting at over 190k miles now and is still trucking along nicely.

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  Love the Escape, but beware with higher miles... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John Holst - June 11 - 2:42 am

  I bought this car used in 2006, and have had it ever since (2017 now). Its been a trusty winter driving car, and does great with pulling a trailer. Its not the most comfortable of rides, but its not bad for longer drives either. The gas mileage was disappointing from the start though, with it being much lower than Id have thought for a small SUV. Be aware, when it gets to about 150k+ miles, repairs start to add up and get expensive. Ive had to replace all 3 catalytic converters, the entire front brake system, both front axles, a rear frame repair due to rust through, and a slight engine overhaul of belts, gaskets, coils, etc. That said, its sitting at over 190k miles now and is still trucking along nicely.

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  Six Weeks After Purchase... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Pat "Duffy" Sheeran - June 10 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased the base model with the convenience group that had cruise control. Outside, the Escape looks lively, higher up off the ground than most. Inside seating is a bit jammed--my coat gets caught in the door about half the time. But the leg room is spacious and the interior is comfortable. Sound system (base) is good, better than Ive had in other cars. Acceleration is fair with the 4 cylinder; Ive not had problems getting up to freeway speeds and merging, but this is Ohio, and in the sharp corners of Massachusetts it could be a problem. Gas mileage is fair, about 20 mpg city, 24 Hwy. Gas gauge doesnt work properly, but thats the only flaw I found. Very good car for the price.

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  BIG SUV... Great for towing! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By T&D of Silverthorne - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We searched foreign and domestics alike seeking the perfect SUV for our family. Couldnt find it but settled with something that would fit our needs. We needed to pull our travel trailer through the Colorado mountains with ease, keep the kids occupied until we reached our destination, and kept the adults happy and comfortable.

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  1998 Contour SE Sport - 1998 Ford Contour
  By weaselbomb - June 10 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion, the Contour SE Sport is the second best car that one could buy for commuting as well as carry things as well as people. The only other car i would buy would be the SVT Contour, although the insurance is much higher than the SE Sport. Nearly all of the features of the SVT are included on the SE Sport, although the latter lacks the horsepower boost from the SVT labs. A GREAT car, Ford really shot themselves in the foot for discontinuing this model. Fuel economy could be better, although i do have a lot of weight in my car at one time. VERY fun to drive, and VERY VERY comfortable for all 4 (or even 5) passengers.

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  Very Reliable Car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Happy Camper - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1996. It had 12 miles when I got it, and now has 110,000+. The only thing I ever had to do was keep the oil changed. Once I hit 110,000 miles, I did replace the timing belt and fan belt, but those are the only mechanical problems Ive ever had. All in all, its been a super reliable car.

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  Milking the car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By wolffie - June 9 - 2:00 am

  The ZX2 does exactly what a car of its size and build should: move. Fords five-speed manual transmission does an excellent job of milking every last one of the engines 130 horses. It shifts smoothly, and gets decent gas mileage (26 city, 30 hwy) even with quick starts more, ah, spirited driving. It handles well, even at high speeds, and turns tightly, capable of making a complete 180 on slightly wider residential streets. Ive driven a Focus, and, roomier though it was, I felt like I was driving a small tank it felt combersome compared to the succinct body of the ZX2. Its no Mazeratti, but its definitely a blast to drive.

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  TIRES, TIRES, AND TIRES!!! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Mustango - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I think Ford made a really nice car with this coupe. For the money its a nice looking ride and some peep to it. One thing with these cars is they go through tires BIG TIME! and we drive it very little. Its not the tires I put on it, Its the car itself dragging the tires tread down. At 53K miles its I have replaced 4 sets of tires on it due to poor suspension. Nice looking car and good for a v-6 on gas