Evolution of Ford Cars in the UK: A Historical Review

Published Date: 10th Mar 2023

A Brief History of Ford in The UK

 

Ford is one of the world's most well-known and respected automotive brands, with a long and rich history spanning over a century. Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, the company quickly became known for its innovative approach to car manufacturing and its commitment to affordability. It wasn't long before Ford's cars began to make their way across the Atlantic, with the first Model A arriving in the UK in 1903. Over the years, Ford has established itself as a major player in the UK car market, introducing several iconic models and setting the standard for UK motoring innovation and design. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Ford in the UK; decade by decade, Ford has been a household name in the UK for over a century, with a long and illustrious history that has produced some of the most iconic and memorable vehicles on the market. 

During the period from 1900 to the 1960s, Ford established itself as a dominant force in the UK car market, introducing several iconic models such as the Model T, the Anglia, and the Cortina. The company's early success was built on its commitment to innovation and affordability, which helped to make car ownership accessible to the masses. In the post-war period, Ford continued to expand its operations in the UK, introducing new models such as the Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac and establishing itself as a leading manufacturer of family cars. Despite facing challenges in the 1960s from foreign competitors, Ford remained a major player in the UK car market, setting the stage for its future success.

 

The 1970s - The Cortina and the Capri

The 1970s was a decade of change for the UK car market. The economy was struggling, and fuel prices were on the rise. In response, Ford introduced two of its most iconic models: the Cortina and the Capri.

The Cortina was a mid-size family car that quickly became one of the most popular models on the market. It was known for its reliability, affordability, and spacious interior. The Cortina was available in a range of trims, from the basic 1.3L to the high-performance 2.3L V6.

The Capri was a sporty coupe that was designed to appeal to a younger, more affluent audience. It was available in various trims, from the basic 1.3L to the high-performance 3.0L V6. The Capri was known for its sleek design, impressive performance, and affordability.

 

The 1980s - The Sierra and the RS Cosworth

In the 1980s, Ford introduced the Sierra, which was a major departure from the boxy design of its predecessor, the Cortina. The Sierra was notable for its aerodynamic design and advanced features, such as anti-lock brakes and fuel injection.

The RS Cosworth version of the Sierra, which was introduced in 1985, was a high-performance version that quickly became popular among enthusiasts and racing fans. The RS Cosworth was powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine that produced 204 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars on the market at the time.

 

The 1990s - The Mondeo and the Focus:

In the 1990s, Ford introduced the Mondeo, which was a mid-size family car that quickly became popular among families and business users. The Mondeo was notable for its advanced features, such as airbags, ABS brakes, and sleek design.

In the late 1990s, Ford introduced the Focus, which was a compact car that quickly became one of the most popular models on the market. The Focus was notable for its innovative design, advanced features, and excellent handling. The first generation of the Focus was available in a range of trims, from the basic 1.4L to the high-performance 2.0L ST170.

 

The 2000s - The Fiesta, Focus, and Mustang

In the 2000s, Ford continued to expand its product range and introduce new models. The Fiesta and Focus remained popular models, with the Fiesta undergoing a major redesign in 2008. The company also introduced the Mustang, which was a high-performance sports car that had previously only been available in the US.

The Mustang quickly became popular among enthusiasts and car lovers looking for a powerful and stylish vehicle. The Mustang was available in a range of trims, from the basic 4.0L V6 to the high-performance 5.4L V8.

The 2010s - The Fiesta and the EcoBoost Engine

In the 2010s, Ford focused on innovation and sustainability, introducing the EcoBoost engine, which was a more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly engine. The company also introduced a new version of the Fiesta, which was a more stylish and tech-focused version of the popular model.

The Eco Boost engine was initially available in the Ford Focus and Fiesta models and later expanded to other models in the range. It was notable for its small size, turbocharging technology, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for new car buyers looking for a more environmentally-friendly option.

 

The 2020s - The Puma and the Mustang Mach-E

In recent years, Ford has continued to innovate and introduce new models to the UK market. In 2019, the company introduced the Puma, a compact crossover SUV that quickly became popular among young families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Puma was notable for its sporty design, practicality, and advanced features, such as the EcoBoost hybrid engine.

Another notable model introduced by Ford in recent years is the Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric SUV inspired by the iconic Mustang sports car. The Mustang Mach-E combines the performance and style of the Mustang with the latest electric technology, making it a popular choice for environmentally-conscious car buyers looking for a more luxurious option.

 

The Current UK Model Lineup:

Ford offers a wide range of models in the UK to suit every need and budget. The Fiesta and Focus are popular choices for new car buyers, with the Fiesta being a popular city car and the Focus offering a more spacious option for families. The Puma is a compact crossover SUV that has quickly gained popularity for its sporty design and advanced features, such as the EcoBoost hybrid engine. The EcoSport is another SUV option designed for urban and off-road driving. The Kuga and Edge are larger SUVs offering spacious interiors and advanced features. For those looking for an environmentally-friendly option, the Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the performance and style of the iconic Mustang with the latest electric technology. The S-MAX and Galaxy are family-friendly cars with ample space and advanced features like the EcoBlue diesel engine. Ford also offers the Ranger, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, and Transit Courier, each with unique features and capabilities for commercial needs. With such a diverse range of options, there is sure to be a Ford model that meets the needs of every new car buyer in the UK.

 

Final Thoughts

Ford has a long and storied history in the UK car market, producing some of the most iconic and memorable vehicles ever. Ford has always been at the forefront of innovation and design, from the classic Cortina and Capri models of the 1970s to the modern Puma and Mustang Mach-E.

For New Car Buyers in the UK, Ford offers many models to suit every need and budget. Whether you're looking for a practical family car, a high-performance sports car, or an environmentally-friendly option, a Ford model is perfect for you. With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Ford is poised to continue its success in the UK car market for many years to come.

When you're shopping for a new car, Ford should be at the top of your list. With its long association, history in the UK market, and commitment to innovation, Ford has something for every budget and need. From compact family cars like the Fiesta and Focus to high-performance sports cars like the Mustang or Mustang Mach-E, Ford will surely have a vehicle that suits your lifestyle perfectly. So if you're looking for one of the best deals on a reliable car with modern features and advanced technology, check out Ford's range when browsing our website!