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:

• 

  2003 explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MsgtMO - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great suv. good looks. gets fairly decent gas milage on the highway for an suv.seven seater fits my familys needs for around town, but on a trip 3rd row seat is useless as you need that area for cargo have had problems with in dash 6 cd changer, cds get stuck in player after player gets hot. also wish ford would have put a light under the hood.overall great truck.

• 

  2003 Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By L Boyce - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Highly reccommend, excellent fun safe vehicle

• 

  My Ford Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mark James - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Unhappy about small water leak. Dealership had it twice and cant detect leak. "no problem found" I was able to make it leak at home with garden hose, and the door at the top doesnt close tight enough. Why was I able to find the problem, and trained mechanics couldnt? They deny the problem because they dont want to be caught with something they cant fix within three or more tries and have to possibly give me a new car under the "lemon law?

• 

  XLT FORD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By NIARI - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Over all this car is one of the best suvs. I am glad we brought this suv, I have another Ford car and I find them to be well build.

• 

  One of the best vehicles weve ever had - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By PR_USA_51 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The new Ford Explorer is one of the best vehicles that we have ever bought. The comfort and reliability of this SUV is great!

• 

  Explorer Review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By matt aka faker - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a very good car.

• 

  Best in class - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By anselmo25 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great truck for the money

• 

  Great small SYV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By tomsturf - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good driver, great mpg

• 

  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RJR - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Handles great with good power

• 

  Wonderful SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By goldsend - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its car foundation gives it handling that is perfect for the city, but it is substantial enough that light trails hardly felt any different than the road. It only has a 15 gallon gas tank so when on the highway I have to stop often to fill the tank. I bought the new Gold Ash color(very distinctive). The back seat is roomy and I have personally fit three kids and a dog in the back at once and everybody was still comfortable. My chief complaint is knob placement inside. The knobs are grouped close to the steering wheel and difficult to see sometimes. Other than these relativly minor complaints overall a great car for any active person.