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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  A nice small SVU - 2005 Ford Escape
  By syoung - June 5 - 12:46 pm

  So far, it has been unfailingly reliable. Mine is a very early example of the 2005 year. I have the 4 wheel drive version; the 4 wheel drive is just flawless. You dont generally notice when it engages, but traction is there all the time. Great room for an SUV of this class - but why dont they make them six inches wider? Theyd do better to eliminate the floor console and install under-seat bins.

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  The Truck that Drives like a car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By bdale - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Peppy V6. Drives like a car and not a truck, you feel the bumps a little more. Comfortable for long drives. Havent had a recall or need for repair. Back seat roomy. Dont care for the steps on the side, only serve to dirty your pants.

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  Surprisingly Peppy SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By drive2bfree - June 5 - 10:00 am

  In the "break-in" mode and so far the vehicle is surprisingly peppy and fun to drive. Enjoy the space and the 4x4 capability. The vehicle started to shimmyvibrate when over 65-70mph, but it seems it may have been the windy weather that day since it has not happened since. Will keep an eye on it, though.

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  First Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang-Mike - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mustang, and I must admit that it is fun to drive. I purchased the Mustang last Saturday, and it has the interior upgrade package, 17" wheel upgrade, and the Mach 460 sound system and I enjoy driving it. Now I am looking at possible enhancements.

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  LEMON - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By skippinin - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE 33 DAYS AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 18 OF THOSE. THE SHOCK WENT OUT, THE BRAKES STICK, AND NOW IT HAS PERIODIC MOMENTS OF NOT STARTING.

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  The best, simply put - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ManicMustangMan - June 5 - 10:00 am

  It seems to me that the only time someone does not love this car is if they know someone who drives one that is a total jerk. These cars are just great! They have the perfect balance of speed, comfort, cost, and practicality. Some people are all about the Imports, but you have to spend extra to modify them for them to be as cool. Mustang are that way at birth!

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  Cobra bite - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By randolphdavid1 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Handles like its on rails. The Independant rear suspension makes all the difference in the world when it comes to the corners at 100mph plus speeds on the track. We wouldnt even think of driving it at that speed around town. . Fit and finish very good for a Ford mustang. Engine a trans (6 speed) work a lot better with aftermarket shifter. $159.00 upgrade. Well worth the money spent.

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  A vast improvement. over previous models - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JeffreyDJ - June 5 - 10:00 am

  When looking to replace our c.1998 Explorer we test drove several vehicles, and looked at many more. We hadnt originally wanted another Explorer but a weekend test drive with it changed our minds. It drives well - - more like a truck then a car, but that was expected. What was unexpected was how it well it road and how precisely it handled. I would also argue that the 210 HP the V6 puts out is more than enough and had plenty of get-up-and-go power. And, though mostly unchanged from the 2002 models, the 2003 models looked a little more refined and finished look on the inside. Even the silver metallic door and dash inserts look good.

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  It has been a dream Mini-SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By TinKan - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I have loved my Ford. Only problem has been the rear wiper motor. Clean comfortable and runs great. Still do not need brakes after 50k. Problem with a few lights out on left part of dash on select controls but no biggie. Ford replaced my tires for free and it was not even in the recall. They even replaced the spare.

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  Solid Truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Vinguy - June 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle used and it has performed well. We wanted a heavy (this one weighs in at 5,000 lb) vehicle that would be crash worthy and weight is king of physics you know. Drives expectedly. Opted for the V8 and AWD because you never know and who can pass up the rumble of Fords 302 ci engine? It has been reliable with no mechanical aggravation. Its clear why there are so many on the road. Affordable to purchase and own.