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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  EXCELLENT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kaycee - January 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT>>>YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

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  the ford explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By garfieldaw - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. it is very reliable and it is the best SUV out there on the market. i dont care what anybody else says!

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  My Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mach - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Explorer (we lease) and by far the best one, so far. I have never had any major problems with any of them. I really like the Eddie Bauer with the "extras", truly worth the extra cost. Its a much smoother ride compared to our 1996 & 1999 Explorers (thank you) and the interior is larger which is always a plus when you need it.

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  Weekend fun to weekday business - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By CJ5w4WD - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I often drive in an area that routinely receives a 3 ft dump of snow and is low the the plow list. I have never been stranded. I feel extremely safe as I am always aware of tire pressure, etc. I can feel a low tire pressure situation (from a puncture) in the way the car handles and I deal with it immediatly. I am a 50 year old female enjoying outdoor activities on weekends but when I return to "Corporate America" Monday morning, the nice appointments fit into the 5 star environment as well.

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  ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rhythm - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great i love mine always wanted one since i was 15 got mine last year and love it wish i had the dvd package though wish there was a way to up date to it lol

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  One Of The Best SUVs Ever Made - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By abbrown2091 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a great reliable car with all the right features. I comfortable when I drive and the gas mileage is not bad at all.

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  my review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mwinter797 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt have asked for a better vehicle. I owed 2 toyota before this, and i doubt id go back.

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  Explorer Driving Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Linda Brackin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The explorer is great on long trips. You would be amazed with all the space you have to put people, packages and a baby in a car seat. You feel like you are gliding on the road.

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  Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JPM1 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Explorer is a fun car to drive and the handling is excellent.

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  Robo - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RBacon - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle.You will not be disappointed in anything about the Explorer. It performs beyond my expectation!