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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  Go Anywhere - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ecila5200 - October 9 - 10:46 pm

  This was my first winter driving experience with the 2005 Ford Escape and I couldnt ask for a safer drive. We get a lot of snow here in Newfoundland and winter driving can take its toll on some vehicles. But the Ford Escape came through with flying colors.

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  Very reliable, practical car. - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Jake Sprecher - October 6 - 2:51 am

  I have a 2012 Escape with the rare manual transmission. The ride is nothing special, and the drivers seat is a little stiff and unsupportive, but that about sums up my complaints. I havent had a *single* issue in the 40,000 miles that Ive owned it. I think it looks really sharp, and is reasonably fun to drive with a manual transmission. The 4 cylinder bogs down a bit if youre in the wrong gear, but if you dont mind shifting fairly often it has plenty of power. I average low 20s mpg in town and high 20s on the highway. The steering is the best Ive experienced in any car other than my dads 1987 Porsche 911... its light in effort yet quick enough and very precise. I wish every car had steering feel like the Escape. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a practical, reliable and reasonably fun to drive vehicle.

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  New SUV - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Steve - October 5 - 10:26 am

  New vehicle for me but so far Im thrilled. Nice ride and feels solid. Could have a nicer interior but I like that it is configured like a normal vehicle unlike the Prius which has monitor off to the side. Really good power and easy to maneuver. Going around curves did not feel top heavy to me unlike what Ive read in reviews. Does have a whiny engine noise when going up steep hills but not so bad that it bothers me.

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  La 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rteutsch - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Still have a steering problem Ford has not been able to correct. Been at dealership 4 times for same problem.

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  Good Price Solid Truck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. Stuffy - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Nice truck...the $3k back from Ford and dealer $ made the truck a great buy. 5 speed works well with the 3.0 l engine. AC and Heat are fast! So far no problems and it was nice that Ford called twice to make sure all is well. Engine layout is logical and easy to access from top and bottom. No wind noice....very strong method of securing the window.

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  Never judge a book by its cover! - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - October 4 - 6:37 pm

  I just purchased a 2017 Ford Escape AWD 2.0 L. It is my first SUV and so far I love it! The style is lacking but I didnt care once I was behind the wheel. This whip handles the road well, it has quick acceleration, and surprisingly it has sharp maneuverability. The ride is so comfortable especially having black leather heated seats! I agree that the inside panel could use some updating but it does have optional voice/touch navigation and ambient lighting with a variety of color choices. The cabin has plenty of room and its easy to get in/out of. I did drive the 1.5L and it just didnt cut it, it seemed very resistive to acceleration. I test drove the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CRV, and Kia Sorento the styling and amenities were tempting (especially in the Santa Fe) but the comfort, quietness, and acceleration just didnt cut it for me.

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  Versatile for family activities & hauling chores - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Craig Neubecker - October 2 - 4:45 am

  I purchased this Sport Trac used to replace a 2013 Silverado. Unlike the Silverado, it fits well in a garage, while still being good for hauling a family of four or materials for home improvement. The cab is larger than the 4 door S-10s of the era, so the have more room inside and are more comfortable for rear seat passengers. The bed is shorter however, so it is not as good for hauling construction materials, so that is the compromise. It handles well and is very maneuverable in parking lots and other tight spaces but the gas mileage is a little worse than advertised. My kids love it, and are already fighting over who gets it when they are old enough to drive in a few years. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Versatile Truck, but could handle better - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Erik - October 1 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had my Sport Trac for over two years now, and its been a very versatile truck for our family. We were originally planning on purchasing a Ranger, but the Sport Trac won us over with the larger cab - even with the shorter bed. We drive it about 15,000 miles a year as our only vehicle, and have had no problems with it - our 30,000 mile check came back in shipshape condition. Unfortunately, an idiot turned in front of us and caused a wreck in our truck - however she ended up causing more damage to her car. The ST basically has nothing more than fender and grill damage, and the only injury was a hand fracture - and the airbags did not deploy.

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  Why Do All The Reviews Bag On This Car? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steve - October 1 - 1:46 am

  I bought my Five Hundred used. At only $16000, and only 13000 miles on the odometer it was a steal. I was checking out Hyundai Sonatas, but I wanted a V6, and had no desire to pay over 20 grand for a car. So I checked out Five Hundreds, I couldnt believe my luck. I always admired the styling of the car, and its safety features. It is roomy and comfortable, gets great gas mileage. I get many compliments on its color and design. Power is great, more than adequate, I mean, come on, how much power is enough? Its fast on the on ramp, good for passing, and corners beautifully. And since I drive mountain roads to get to work, in Calistoga, I love the saftey features and i size. Did I mention MPG?

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  Good Car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Taylor - September 30 - 4:03 pm

  I love driving my SUV but it has been plagued with problems. All were fixed by the dealer under warranty. They gave us an extended warranty to compensate for all the problems. However, the transmission has been slipping for over a year and the dealership cannot duplicate the problem to fix it. I agree with the other posts. If Ford has had so many complaints about the transmission, they should recall it to encourage customer satisfcation and future sales.