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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  Stang Convertibles Rule! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By AShau68 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love all convertibles, but nothing carries the pizzaz of a Stang Convertible. Ours is a Redfire Metallic with two tone leather interior. Big V8 with a savvy 5 speed transmission. Plenty of power, but more importantly, its distinctly American and a hoot to drive. At the Sonic, everybody, and I mean everybody, looks at this car, not the other so- called convertibles. Stangs rule!

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  excellent - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By drgnfly1997 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  excellent, fun to drive, fast the only complaint is small gas tank

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  Best Ive driven - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By SavnFromFlames18 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ok, for car of reasonable price I cannot believe it got such a low rating. Ive driven almost all the other cars on the "top ten" list including the Audi TT, S2000, Miata, Boxter and the M3 and I own a 2003 SVT Cobra. If youre basing your rate on the 2001 SVT Cobra that might be why its low. There is a 70 horsepower difference and a different tranny. I got my Cobra up to 173 MPH and it was smooth. It takes corners like nothing and the audio system rocks! I added two subs but stock is great! It has awesome resposive acceleration, handling, and a bunch of power. More horses then any of the other car on the list.

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  A fun car to drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Calta - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is fast and fun

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By glidergirl88 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle fun nuice comfortable

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  good - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By blondegurly1785 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  this car is very good, it handles well

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  Awesome - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Dani419 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its great looking, great to drive and turns heads. Get the extra features on it and its a car to love forever.

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  Mustabe convertible rave reviews here!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By schwartzberg - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I am a mother of 3 children. We are able to get in and out of the car with no problem. I love the way Fords sale & service department met my request for change and in a timely and curtiouse manor. I drive about 100 miles a day and (my prior car was a ford) I have never been stuck on the side of the road with either car. I feel safe knowing they back up their car..

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  ITZ TIGHT AS HELL - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By KRYSTAL - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT LOTZ :)

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  Best Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By irelandn2000 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had 2 Lightnings an 01 and a 03 both have been problem free and a joy to own. If you like room but have a need for speed this is the truck for you. The seats fit perfect to your body and the ride is not rough at all. I love to take long trips in the truck, once you get in you dont want to get out.