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:

• 

  Ford Mom - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By julie - October 5 - 6:10 pm

  As a two time Taurus wagon owner, I can honestly say that I love my Freestyle. Thanks Ford for coming up with a great crossover vehicle. I just couldnt see myself in another wagon or minivan. The Freestyle was sporty enough to catch my eye. The only glitches that I have found are: gas cap keeps unthreading from holder, driver auto down window just stopped working and rear tire well is peeling inside. Wish I had gotten leather seats, tan interior is filthy from use. Overall, its a great car.

• 

  Not a huge fan of the hybrid - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By abestie - October 5 - 6:07 pm

  We purchased the hybrid an we are overall pleased with the ride styling and build quality.That being said we have never come close to the mpg stated on the windshield sticker. Our average mpg remains at 32. We have nearly 10,000 miles an this car and recently took it in to the dealer for its first oil change and also told them of our concerns with the fuel economy.I had hoped after the break in things would improve ,but so far they havent . I was told by the service manager that the systems all checked fine and there was nothing they could do. I called Fords consumer affairs department and was told not to run the heat if I wanted to get better fuel efficiency,the outside temp is 25 degrees

• 

  Kind of disappointed - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sharon - October 5 - 2:33 pm

  I like most everything about the car except for the fuel mileage. I am only getting 16 mpg city driving. I have 1600 miles and my mpg is dropping not rising. I called Ford and they said they would look at it but since there is no engine light on there is probably nothing they could do. I love my dark blue color and the seating material. It is easy to clean. The inside seems built pretty tough. The car could be a little wider because it is very crowded in the back after a car seat is put in. I love driving the car and the feeling of power I get. I love that it holds 7 passengers although the very back seat is still best suited for children.

• 

  Frustrated With This 2001 Ford Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Capricorn - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to take it back to the shop for a recall item & some minor stuff. Minor has now started to become major. Before you buy this, think about quality. I can assure you that Ford doesnt care once you go pass the warranty period. Ive had to get the spark plugs replaced, #1 engine coil, tires & brake pads. Im still having an acceleration & misfire prob which I was told that the malfunc was somewhere in the #1 cylinder. The tech said it could be anything. That stupid eng light has been on more times than I can remember. Hard for you to get to some of your spark plugs & coils-its gonna cost to remove that eng intake & replace those expensive coils.

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Honda Girl - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive only got 3,000 miles on this car, so Ill have to put in an update later this year, but I love this car. Its fun to drive, easy to get in and out of and has plenty of space for everyone. Its my first Ford or SUV and I do have a fear of reliability issues but I hope for the best. Ive had problems with my Hondas and Toyotas so they werent perfect either.

• 

  Performance - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Escape4ME - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I find the Escape to have a rough ride. I previously owned a 4x4 2dr Sports Explorer and the comfort level was much superior. With the Escape you seem to feel all the bumps in the road. Also, the steering wheel has buttons, plastic type,built into the sides of the steering wheel and my fingers from time to time get hungup or caught inthem. Otherwise I am a happy camper.

• 

  Nice Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By DaveInNC - October 1 - 10:23 pm

  We have had our SEL FWD for 14 months now and have driven it about 12000 miles. We have three cars, so this one isnt driven every day, but we are always sure to take this one when we go on longer trips because it is very comfortable and gets good mileage. When cruising on the freeway, this car is quiet and smooth, but the engine is a little bit noisy under brisk acceleration. The 6-speed transmission behaves well and helps the somewhat underpowered 3.0L engine performs as well as it possibly can. The car has been very reliable so far, but I have had to take it to the shop for rear suspension noise (brake cable grommet) and to have a new dash storage compartment lid installed (bubbles).

• 

  fun to drive - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By rainer - October 1 - 3:10 am

  Mustang is fun. Negative: these huge air-scoops - would like to get rid of that but its standard. Ford should give their customers the choice if they want that. Some minor quality issues : squeeking noise in dashboard, rear seat with small gap in cloth (fix under warranty...) Rear solid axle is from the museum - but with US speeds certainly acceptable (would not try that on high speed European roads...) Net - a fun car with acceptable negatives - we like to dirve and wait for sun.

• 

  Transmission issues - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Shelly - September 29 - 5:24 am

  I have a 2014 Ecoboost Fusion that I love! Two things I dont love are really bad in rain & had it in twice for transmission problems! Yikes! And its not even 36 months yet!

• 

  LOVE my car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Vivian F. - September 27 - 8:24 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Its my 2nd car, first new vehicle and it is reliable & fun to drive. I wish the the cargo area was slightly bigger... I feel safe in this car. Great on gas too!