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:

• 

  Fun Beast - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By guru - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Expedition. I have since bought a 2002 Bauer for my wife and she loves it. We have three kids and there arent many vehicles that you can put three car seats across. I have the 4.6L in both and I think they have great power. Gas mileage is awful but what do you expect from a beast like this.

• 

  Under-engineered - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Nocdar - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Lots of recalls. The door ajar alarm switches are continually a problem, which render the alarm system useless. The whole front end is under- engineered. Im running on my fourth set of tierod ends. The front torsion bar broke in half about 3 years ago. Last year, the left front coil spring broke on the highway taking out the tire and brake line. This vehicle gets regular highway usage, not bumpy backroads. Ive kept the vehicle this long because when there is rain or snow on the ground, it handles very good for what it is. Ground clearance to go through snow or disperse water and slush is great.

• 

  Three Years Too Long - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Joe R F - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Had numerous repairs under waranty. As car was new, I thought I had a real lemon but repairs ceased as warranty expired. Have car nearly 10 years and variety of major repairs were needed: Xmission (after 103K miles), Alternator, Air Con, Cooling System, and most recently, Brakes needed complete overhaul. Lots of minor repairs in last two years. Overall, car served me well with 173K miles and three kids growing up around it.

• 

  Review - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Charles Kane - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I take very good care of this truck as it my only transportation. I have replaced: 4 fan belts and tensioners, power steering unit, master cylinder twice, brakes twice, radiator, front gas tank,emergency brake cables twice, tires 4 times, tie rods, wind shield, wiper blades twice, tail pipe clamp twice, radio, front end alinement twice, various lamps, bolts, hoses, etc. I change oil and filter every 2 months, air filter every 6 months, and check tire pressure frequently.

• 

  New Version of Ford Escape 2017 model - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Dan Paris - August 31 - 1:57 pm

  My review is based on the Titanium 2.0 liter version which was absent from the drop down box of this survey. First, the 2017 Escape has a newer design on the front end, the rear end and the gear shift. I purposely waited for this version even though they had huge discounts on the 2016s especially because I hated the location of the gear shift in the outgoing model. Second, the price, especially at the upper end of this model is steep but the vehicle offers great room, great handling, good fuel economy and great comfort. Weve only owned the 2017 Escape for about a month and 1,600 miles and so far it has performed great. Mainly use it around the city and the gas mileage is consistently between 20 and 21 MPG. On the highway it gets about 25 MPG. Im hoping when we travel on longer trips it will get a little better MPG. It handles very nicely and the steering wheel feels good in the hands and has the option of being heated, which I really like on cold mornings. If you have arthritis or any other hand, finger, wrist issues then you will like this heated steering wheel option. The SYNC 3 is much improved over the previous versions which I personally used when we owned a 2012 Ford Escape and a 2013 Ford Edge. It is fast and responsive and easier to use. The BlueTooth works very well and the ability to use a cord and use your smart phone as the navigation device (Android Auto) but showing on the Escapes big display is great. As a matter of fact, thats why I opted for the Titanium version with the 301 package and not the moon roof/ navigation options. Saved me $795 on the navigation aspect alone. We really like this Escape because it gives us lots of room for cargo and the ability to take other passengers but handles like a much smaller vehicle. *** This is an update to my initial review of the 2017 Ford Escape - Titanium version w/ 2.0 liter engine. We still dont have a lot of miles on it, about 8,500, and Weve only taken one extended trip that was about 2,100 miles round trip. It handles very well, has a nice comfortable interior and is very quiet inside. Im a little disappointed in the gas mileage as it is consistently around 20 in the city and only about 24 on the highway even with cruise control set. However, the acceleration is still a high point and is very welcome in situations where Ive needed to accelerate quickly. One disturbing thing Ive found after owning it for over half a year now is that the power lift gate button is located next to the fog light button and can be accidentally pushed while in motion and opening the rear lift gate. I carry my dogs frequently and that is a concern for me. Hopefully Ford will re-position this button for safety reasons on the upcoming models. Overall, we are satisfied with this vehicle.

• 

  simple says it all - 1994 Ford Escort
  By daman - August 31 - 2:00 am

  if youre looking for a great little second car this is the one. space for groceries and a kid or two. good a/c,good gas mi and ok ride.for the price you couldnt ask for more.

• 

  THE FUN CAR - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Virginia Cobarrubias - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a very nice and comfortable vehicle it has my kids and my approval. i also think that it will be a very faithful and dependable SUV.

• 

  114K and still going - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By rhlucius - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Has been a reliable truck. The ride is rough, but the engine still has plenty of pep on good days!

• 

  Good car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By suzi - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 3 years old for my 18- year old daughter. Now have 70,000 and with hardly any problems. I questioned whether I should buy it due to what consumer reports said, but it turned out to be a good car for her.

• 

  Great Car - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Curtissss - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable. Easy and cheap to repair. Fast and fun to drive. Handles well and doesnt get that bad of gas millage for a V8. I wish it had 4 wheel disc brakes and a stiffer chasis. Overall well designed and just enough technology without going overboard.