The stock was down Monday after a negative review from The New York Times, which prompted CEO Elon Musk to take to Twitter and appear on CNBC and Bloomberg TV to criticize the review.
Tesla hasn't reported a profit since its IPO, it has over 50 percent short interest, and many analysts say it has to prove itself this time. Yet it continues to win awards and was named one of Barclays top stock picks for 2013.
Here, we take a look at the company's origins, the drama among its founders, its near collapse, and the development of its Roadster, Model S, and Model X cars.