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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  Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Angela23456 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Teh Ford Escape has been a wonderful car to drive. It gets fairly good gas mileage and handles very well in all driving situations. Was very comfortable for my fiance and I along with our beagle to make a drive to Atlanta. I highly recommend this SUV for anyone that wants a small car that can hold its own with the big guys.

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  Overall Disappointment - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Cruising - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Month 2 in the shop electrical problems Month 5 front wheel bearings needed replacing Seats very uncomfortable side bags are not standard air conditioner slow to cool exterior side bar steps are unnecessary poor quality speakers independent suspension makes it wiggle on the highway Cabin very noisy on the road Key ignition is in the wrong place Ford stands behind warranty but who wants so many repairs the first year

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  great ride. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By kk89 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  the ford escape is the best vehicle i have ever owned. we use the car for long distance travel and enjoyed every minute of it.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pprecious - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. It does not feel top heavy. It drives like the perfect car, with enough room to haul what I need. Would not trade it for anything.

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  BEST COMPACT TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By REIDA WESTON - March 7 - 10:00 am

  IV ONLY HAD MY RANGER EDGE FOR ONE MONTH AND I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH IT I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION ON PURCHASING THIS TRUCK. ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND EVERYWHERE I GO PEOPLE STARE AT IT. THE EXTERIOR IS SO GOOD LOOKING I CANT BELIEVE ITS A COMPACT TRUCK. I HAD AN EXPLORER BEFORE THIS AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED. IT HELPED ME TO DECIDE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD. I BOUGHT GM FOR 30 YEARS AND THE LAST THREE WAS NOT IMPRESSIVE. THE ONLY PART I AM "NOT HAPPY" WITH IS THE GAS MILEAGE. MY EXPLORER GOT 21-22 MILES PER GALLON AND THIS SMALL TRUCK GETS ONLY 15-19. I HAVE THE FUEL FLEX 3.0 V6.

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  2003 Ranger XL 5 Spd 2.3L - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By dchinn - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Pros: low price ($9700 OTD), full instrumentation, good mpg cons: low power, slow acceleration, choppy turns and cornering.

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  Quite Impressive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jason_vat - March 7 - 10:00 am

  We purchased an 03 ZTS w/auto transmission about 2 months ago and Im very impressed with the car. Very comfortable and the MP3/CD stereo is GREAT! Everything seems to be laid out in a manner that is useful and comfortable for the driver. Best car in the price range for sure, it handles better than most cars that cost 10k more. We did have to have some warranty work on a small spot on the bumper where the clearcoat seemed to be missing, but the dealer fixed it quickly and professionally.

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  Best car on the road today! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Smcyr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Focus Wagon I have owned. After a major front end collision in my 2001 Focus Wagon and all 5 passengers walking away from a car with 10" of the front of the car pushed into the engine, not a bit of the interior passenger compartment was moved. The entire compartment remained intact and except for bruising and a few scrapes, we escaped unharmed. This proved safety to me and was the reason I went right for another Focus wagon when I replaced the original one! This car is build well and constructed for those of us in the Baby Boomer generation, a good thing! I love my car!

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  Family Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By salene75 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this car. However, I have been disappointed by several things lately. It just came out of warranty, so of course, parts have begun to fail. I already had to replace the entire brakes, including rotors. Some parts of the interior have begun falling apart and the car is vibrating very badly when it is driven over 50 mph. Also, it is not what you would call a quiet ride. It is VERY loud inside during highway driving. I dont neccesarily regret that I bought this car, however I wouldnt purchase it again. Next time I will go for something that has a better reliabiltiy record like a Honda or Toyota.

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  Great car to buy and drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By soccer_girl - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Its a wonderful car to drive and own...many compliments are given to the driver