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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  I owned one - 2003 Ford Escape
  By pete55 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I owned one for about 8 months. I loved it. It goes in the snow like no other car I have ever driven. It was roomy, and comfy. I had it decked out, but I would not recommend the running boards for it, as they get your pants dirty. I had to sell it because of a realtionship gone bad. But I miss driving it. I think Ford did a fine job on this car. The auto 4x4 is awesome!! I was shocked on how it kicks in as needed. 3 people in my family own these and they too love them.I have a new loaded 4x4 ford truck that cannot campare to this car.

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  Jeannes Review - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Jeanne1971 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it, cant say too much other than so far so good. It handles well, sits up nice and high, has a kick A*S stereo, nice amount of room on the inside, and is just cute. Havent had to fill up yet, so couldnt tell ya much about the mileage, etc. Now days, small cars are expensive to fill up! I would recommend this to anyone who may be seeking more room inside the vehicle. Its bigger but not overly big.

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  marks escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By marksescacpe - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle and fun to drive too

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  fun to drive - 2003 Ford Escape
  By steve - January 24 - 10:00 am

  performance,reliabilty,gas mileage,all have been way ahead of what ive expected. This vehicle is fun to drive,practical and very comfortable.

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  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By thecloser4 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This so far has been a great vehicle. would have liked to see perhaps a little more comfort in drivers seat.

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  my excellent car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By edman - January 24 - 10:00 am

  this car is great, make more cars like it and make more after market parts thank you.

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  ZTS not too bad! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Kurt S - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After driving an SUV for the last 5 years, I had forgotten just how much fun a small car can be to drive. The suspension is softer than i expected, but the 4 wheel disc brakes (part of the advance-trac package, are superb, and the Zetec motor, while a little short on horsepower is fun to rev out and has a really wide powerband. the gas mileage has been astoundingly good, despite driving it quickly up in the winding mountain roads west of Denver.

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  Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0L with 3rd rear seat - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MProaddog - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Explorer for about 6 months now and we love it. We needed something to fit our 4 kids comfortably and four wheel drive for the snowy months to get to work. It has great power for a V6, but I feel a 7 passenger vehicle that is 4x4 should have at least 5.0L; maybe Im just old- school.

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  Putting The "Utility" in Sport Utility - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Don Dick,II - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the one you want if you "really" need to use it.It Tows boats and trailers well and does very well off road. You practically cant get it stuck. Finally its great in snow. A true workhorse, with the comfort of a luxury vehicle to boot!

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  Love this Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By goodcharlotte fan - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is wonderful. When we are towing our boat, I just take my foot off of the brake and it starts moving, this is how much power this thing has. I have one with a V8 and towing package, and we live in Florida, and it has never come close to ever overheating even while towing an 8 thousand pound boat. It is also extremely comfortable on the inside, and roomy as well. And I love the audio system. Couldnt ask for more in any SUV, and its a lot cheaper than most of them, yet more durable, reliable and comfortable.