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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  Transmission Problem - 2003 Ford Escape
  By LED - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We have driven this car approximately 3000 miles, with no problems. It is a pleasure to drive in the snow and ice, and has a lot of nice features. However, at 10,000 miles the transmission went out. Three different Ford service departments have told me that the problem is that a transmission cooler is installed on the Escapes that causes the fluid to "gel" in cold weather, and "Ford is working on the problem". Since then I have talked to two other owners who have experienced the same problem.I would not recommend buying this car until they fix this problem.

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  Give Me a Brake! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By BLee - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 EB Expedition is a wonderful vehicle! However, Ford does not seem to want to take responsibility for the poor brake design on these models. If you have ever noticed the excessive brake dust on the front wheels of many 03 Expeditions - it causes a problem with the pads and rotars. I was told by the mechanic at Ford dealer to keep my wheels cleaner and would not be a problem. I wash the car every week and seems to still be a problem. Perhaps, Ford should admit the errors of their ways and help out those that spend $35K+ on a "Luxury SUV".

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  Great improvments - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By SUVGuy - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my Expedition in December and the only problem is the passenger side view mirror tends to adjust itself when I unlock the doors from the keyless entry system. It seems to click and get stuck. Ill get it fixed the first time I go in for an oil change, but otherwise, no complaints--good car and you can get a pretty sweet deal if you work it right!

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  It EXPLODED! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By denise - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I HAD pretty good luck with my Explorer...until yesterday. I was literally just driving (NO BUMPS) down the road yesterday and the whole back window EXPLODED into my truck. The metal the encases the window was also completely bent out. I will now be without a car for at least a week and a half with no real solution for getting around. The dealership claims that they have seen this problem a lot recently and that its a design flaw. How about a RECALL? Someone could have been seriously hurt if they had been in the backseat!

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  It EXPLODED! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Denise - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I HAD pretty good luck with my Explorer...until yesterday. I was literally just driving (NO BUMPS) down the road yesterday and the whole back window EXPLODED into my truck. The metal the encases the window was also completely bent out. I will now be without a car for at least a week and a half with no real solution for getting around. The dealership claims that they have seen this problem a lot recently and that its a design flaw. How about a RECALL? Someone could have been seriously hurt if they had been in the backseat!

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  Very Good SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RyanB - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very fun, reliable, and comfortable

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  Edge Excellent - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mapricejr - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Ranger has long been a fairly reliable truck. The 3.0 liter is spunky and milage is a bit above average. The edge trim is eye catching and keeping up with the changing faces of autos today. I really enjoy my truck.

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  Perfect Family Sedan - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By 8AMAKTA - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 mustang for this car, its been a blessing. My family needed the extra room for my newborn son and 4year old. My taurus has room for six which helps when you carry your friends or family. As a previous owner of a 96 taurus I love the way they drive and the space they have inside. Fuel economy is great and the A/C system is better than my 98 Honda Civic.

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  Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson - 2003 Ford F-150
  By MitchFlys - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle! I catch people staring as I drive on the roads and I cant blame them. Id be staring too if I were an observer! The 2003 body style is heads-and-shoulders above the 2002 design. The interior is nicely appointed and very comfy. Plenty of leg room and very esthetically pleasing. The bold chrome Harley-Davidson emblems placed at various locations inside and outside the vehicle add a dynamite flavor. This vehicle oozes Harley-Davidson! Overall, I love getting into this vehicle and taking it for a spin.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By cdy - March 25 - 2:00 am

  If you want comfort and room you go with the Excursion. I have had mine for 4 years now and I would not take anything for it. There is always room for anything and everyone. If you are looking for good gas mileage you are not looking for an Excursion. I have learned that there are compromises in life and you drive what you want to drive and I choose to drive the EXCURSION. AWESOME VEHICLE.