Ford Models list: What are the different types of Ford cars?

Date Posted 30th October 2020
Read Time 21 min read

Ford has long been a trademark for affordability and reliability. But understanding the different types of Ford cars can be tricky. 

So, if you find yourself confused between your Focus and Fiestas, S-Maxs and Galaxys, don’t worry, we’ll go through every model below. 

But before we do, it’s important to understand where Ford came from and how it helped change the world. 

Of course, if you already know the story, or would like to skip to the vehicle you’re interested in, just click the model below. 

Different types of Ford cars

Fiesta

EcoSport

Puma

Focus

Tourneo

Kuga

Mustang Mach-E

Mondeo

Mustang

S-Max

Galaxy 

Ranger

The history of Ford

To understand the history of Ford, we must understand the history of the man behind it all; Henry Ford. 

Born in Michigan, USA in 1863, from a young age Ford showed a keen interest in mechanics. At the age of just 15, he created his first steam engine. 

After leaving home a year later, the American crafted his trade in Detroit as an apprentice machinist. 

Several years passed where Ford fluttered between one engineering job to another before settling down as chief engineer with Edison Illuminating Company in Detroit. 

It was at this point he had both the time and money to focus on his own personal project; building cars. 

Fast forward to the early 1900s and the Ford Motor Company was incorporated with one main aim – to provide affordable motoring to the masses. 

And Ford realised his dream with the Model T in 1908 which was cheap to make, reliable and easy to use. It was at this point motoring in America, and around the world, was changed forever. 

The Model T was a roaring success until its demise in 1927, with more than 15 million units sold. 

But it was simply more than topline numbers which left their mark. Model T production altered the direction of manufacturing on a worldwide scale. 

Instead of a team building one car at a time by hand – which is how it started – Ford transformed the process to be more efficient, creating one of the world’s first moving construction lines. 

What we see as the norm today, the chassis would start at one end, and as it went along the production line, different teams would add their own elements until it reached the end and was ready to drive out the door. 

At its peak, Ford produced a Model T every 10 seconds, which was mass production on a scale unheard of before. 

To reward his workers for their dedication, Ford doubled his mechanics’ pay to $5 a day. 

And it was this action which would go on to start social reform across America, proving you could pay your workers well and still earn a profit. 

From that point, Ford continued to create reliable and affordable cars on mass. And that’s where we find ourselves today. 

The American automotive superpower currently creates 12 different models in the UK, all of which we’re going to go through now. 

Different types of Ford cars

Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta

Named in commemoration of the opening of the company’s Spanish plant, the Fiesta is currently the smallest car Ford sells from new. 

It’s long been known as the best in its class for drive, comfort, fun behind the wheel and reliability. 

That’s helped by its 1.0-litre EcoBoost powertrain, which is widely regarded as the best city car engine money can buy. 

But there’s also so much more which makes the Fiesta such an outstanding car. For one, there’s the customisability that comes with it. 

You can have the Fiesta in both three and five-door and there are 10 trim levels to choose from, ranging from the entry-level Trend to the sporty ST-3. 

But even the lowest-priced Trend still comes packed with features. Air conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen display, heated windscreen and a load of safety tech all come as standard. 

If you’re looking for a few more bells and whistles, the Titanium X, which comes with part-leather sports seats, keyless entry and drive, wireless charging and an upgraded B&O sound system is our best value for money choice. 

While for all-out power, the ST-3 houses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 197bhp and will take you from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. 

Models

  • Trend
  • Titanium
  • Titanium X
  • Active 
  • Active X 
  • ST-Line 
  • ST-Line X 
  • Vignale
  • ST-2
  • ST-3

Engines

  • 1.0T EcoBoost – 94bhp
  • 1.1L Ti-VCT – 74bhp
  • 1.5 TDCi – 84bhp
  • 1.0T EcoBoost Hybrid – 123bhp
  • 1.0T EcoBoost Hybrid – 153bhp
  • 1.5T EcoBoost – 197bhp

Advantages of Ford Fiesta

  • Best in class
  • Superb fun to drive
  • Lower running costs with an economical engine range

Disadvantages of Ford Fiesta

  • Expensive top-line price for a city car
  • Entry-level interior not as nice as some competitors’

Lease your own Ford Fiesta from £152 Monthly.

Ford EcoSport

Like many other manufacturers, Ford has delved into the small SUV market with the EcoSport. 

It’s based on the Fiesta – so that’s already a big tick – but the extra ride height and added weight do hamper the ride a touch. 

It’s not a bad drive, it’s just not as good as a Fiesta. 

But being based on the small city car also means it has a similar engine line-up to choose from, with three petrols and a diesel available. 

For most, one from the petrol range will be best, but if you are wanting to tackle tricky terrain, the gruntier diesel could come in handy. 

Much like the Fiesta, there’s plenty of standard spec in the entry-level model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, air conditioning and Pre-Collision Assist – which will lower your insurance premiums – all come as standard.  

For a little bit more, you can add sat-nav, rear sensors, parking camera and automatic climate control. That’s available in the Titanium, which would be our pick. 

At the top of the range, you have the ST-Line, which not only comes with a yellow roof – if that’s your thing – but more aggressive body styling, bigger wheels, firmer sports suspension and some extra niceties inside. 

Models

  • Zetec
  • Titanium
  • ST-Line

Engines

  • 1.0 EcoBoost – 99bhp
  • 1.0 EcoBoost – 123bhp
  • 1.0 EcoBoost – 138bhp
  • 1.5 EcoBlue – 99bhp

Advantages of Ford EcoSport

  • Low running costs with great petrol engines
  • Well-equipped
  • Comfortable motorway ride

Disadvantages of Ford EcoSport

  • Struggles in the corners
  • Small boot

Lease your own Ford EcoSport from just £237 Monthly.

Ford Puma

Ford Puma

Voted as the Sunday Times’ Small SUV of the Year, the Ford Puma is, without doubt, one of the best cars in its price range and field. 

You only have to look at its engine to see why. Under the bonnet sits mild-hybrid technology – something none of its price bracket rivals can offer. 

For you, that means quick acceleration with thrifty fuel economy. And we’d argue there isn’t a better combination going in the motoring world. 

It’s a looker, too. Sportier styling than its rivals makes the Puma a standout in its class, as does its trim levels. 

There are four to choose from, with the entry-level Titanium featuring a lot of what you’d expect in pricier models. 

That includes a load of safety technology, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, sat-nav and massage seats. 

Really, the Titanium houses everything you need in a city-focused SUV, but if you want to spend more you can. 

The ST-Line sits at the top of the range, which adds bigger alloys, even sportier looks, upgraded infotainment system and a B&O stereo. 

Models

  • Titanium
  • ST-Line
  • ST-Line X

Engines

  • 1.0 EcoBoost – 123bhp
  • 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid – 123bhp
  • 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid – 153bhp

Advantages of Ford Puma

  • Exceptional hybrid engine
  • A hard-to-find mix of fun and economy
  • Good boot space

Disadvantages of Ford Puma

  • All-around visibility could be better
  • Not as comfortable as other small SUVs

Lease a Ford Puma from £228 Monthly.

Ford Focus

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus has long been a staple in the hatchback world. 

Its handling is challenged only by the Volkswagen Golf, although you’ll pay more for the German family car. 

But on top of that, in today’s model, there’s also impressive levels of tech, a good engine range, and a load of style variations to choose from. 

There are 10 trim levels across five body styles – the standard family hatch, a chunkier small SUV type, space-focused estate, the luxurious Vignale and sporty ST. 

Really, if you’re looking for a family hatchback, there isn’t a box the Focus can’t tick. 

It’s comfortable behind the wheel, has plenty of rear legroom, including a flat rear floor – something not often seen in an internal-combustion-engined car – and around the same boot space as the Golf – which it beats with the seats down. 

Under the bonnet, it also shines, with a range from the manual or automatic entry-level 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost all the way up to the uber-powerful 276bhp 2.3-litre EcoBoost found in the top-trim ST. 

And although they’ll attract different drivers, both engines will give impressive levels of fun while only sipping at the fuel tank. 

Models

  • Zetec
  • Titanium
  • ST-Line
  • Active
  • Vignale
  • ST

Engines

  • 1.0 EcoBoost – 123bhp
  • 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid – 123bhp
  • 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid – 153bhp
  • 2.3 EcoBoost – 276bhp
  • 1.5 EcoBlue – 118bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 148bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 187bhp

Advantages of Ford Focus

  • The perfect family hatchback
  • Great tech
  • Huge range of vehicle types to suit every need

Disadvantages of Ford Focus

  • A five-litre smaller boot than the Golf
  • That’s about it

Lease the Ford Focus from £201 Monthly.

Ford Tourneo

Ford Tourneo

The Ford Tourneo is built with practicality in mind. 

Coming in three forms – the Courier, Connect and Custom – the five or seven-seat MPV (depending on which model you choose) is based on Ford’s van range of the same name. 

Because of such, it’s not built for high-speed handling, with body roll a constant battle in the corners. Also, it’s a little sluggish at slow speeds and noisy on the motorway. 

But what it’s perfect for is space. 

The Courier and Connect come with five seats. And because it’s based on a van, the rear passengers have more than enough room to ride in comfort. 

On top of that, there’s also huge amounts of boot space – with the Courier featuring over 700 litres with the seats up and the Connect a whopping 1,029 litres. 

But that’s nothing compared to the Custom. Thanks to its height, even with seven seats in place, there’s more than 1100 litres of boot storage available. Put the seats down and that jumps to almost 2,000. 

The Custom is unique in another way, too. Its seat layout. 

Whereas most conventional seven-seat cars have all the passengers facing the same way, the Custom’s rear seats face each other – like a train table. 

That means your passengers can ride in comfort while enjoying each other’s company and conversation. 

In the smallest of the range – the Courier – there’s only one engine option available – a 1.5-litre diesel. 

But if you go a little bigger in the Custom, you have the choice of two, as well as the option of an automatic gearbox – although we’d stick with the manual. 

At the top end sits the Custom, which comes with a much wider range of powertrains, including a mild hybrid option. 

Models

  • Courier
  • Connect
  • Custom

Engines

  • 1.0 EcoBoost – 124bhp
  • 1.5 TDCi – 98bhp
  • 1.5 EcoBlue – 98bhp
  • 1.5 EcoBlue – 118bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 103bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 128bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 182bhp

Advantages of Ford Tourneo

  • Incredible amounts of space
  • Unrivalled quality in its class
  • Fun to drive despite its size

Disadvantages of Ford Tourneo

  • Rolls in high-speed corners
  • Not great for passengers who don’t like travelling backwards

Lease the Ford Tourneo today, from £204 Monthly.

Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a stylish, well-equipped, sporty SUV. It’s based on the same underpinnings as the Focus – which is obviously a good thing – but allows for more practicality and a higher ride height. 

It’s not though, like it was in the early days, simply a Focus on stilts. It shares the same great drive, but there’s so much more to it. 

For example, there’s a plug-in hybrid option, which is also the most powerful engine choice. And in the high-powered diesel, there’s all-wheel-drive. 

The Kuga enters the market in Zetec form, which features 17-inch alloy wheels, air condition, twin exhaust, a choice of either a manual or diesel gearbox and an 8-inch touchscreen system with sat-nav. 

At the top of the range sits the luxury-ridden Vignale, which has chunkier wheels, fancier headlights, a powered tailgate, heated seats, head-up display and an upgraded stereo system. 

But the best value for money option in our opinion is the Titanium, with the same B&O stereo in the top-spec Vignale, keyless entry and start, 18-inch alloys and full LED headlights – giving you even more control over the road ahead. 

Models

  • Zetec
  • Titanium
  • ST-Line
  • Vignale

Engines

  • 1.5 EcoBoost – 118bhp
  • 1.5 EcoBoost – 148bhp
  • 1.5 EcoBlue – 118bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 148bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 187bhp
  • 2.5 Duratec PHEV – 222bhp

Advantages of Ford Kuga

  • Great, eye-catching looks
  • PHEV option
  • Much better than the last one

Disadvantages of Ford Kuga

  • The auto gearbox is sluggish
  • Smaller engine range than some competitors

Lease your very own Ford Kuga from £281 Monthly.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is yet to hit the showrooms. It’s due out in 2021, but there are things we already know. 

One is that some are not impressed with its name; Mustang. Because unlike the Mustang we’ve come to know and love, it’s not a fire-breathing American muscle car. 

The Mach-E is, in fact, an all-electric SUV and the first all-battery-powered car Ford will make. 

It’s as fast as a Mustang, though, with Ford reckoning a 0-62mph speed of 3.7 seconds in the hardcore GT version – which won’t be available at launch. 

The range in the Mach-E is impressive, too. A huge 370 miles on one full charge challenges and beats almost everything else in its class. 

And there’ll be a few versions of the car, depending on your budget. There’ll be the entry-level model, which is priced at just over £40,000. And then there’s the all-wheel-drive version – which has a smaller range and is £6,000 more. 

So, although we don’t know everything yet, we know enough to be excited. Let’s just hope that we get what we’re expecting next year. 

Models

  • Mach-E
  • All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)

Engines

  • Standard Range – 280 miles
  • Extended Range – 370 miles
  • AWD Standard Range – 260 miles
  • AWD Extended Range – 335 Miles

Advantages of Ford Mach-E

  • Superb range with battery extender
  • Lightning-quick
  • Well priced

Disadvantages of Ford Mach-E

  • Not available yet
  • No word on the GT release date

Ford Mondeo

Ford Mondeo

The most recent Ford Mondeo still sets the benchmark as a comfortable, affordable and well-equipped family saloon. 

It’s got ample space for five, a decent diesel engine range – with all-wheel-drive an option in the most powerful diesels – and now even comes in hybrid form. 

But one new feature that isn’t as welcome is this version’s drive. 

Since its inception 25 years ago, the Mondeo has always been loved in the driver’s car market. 

But since moving production to America in the mid-2010s, it’s lost some of its dynamic sparkle, with corner thrills now replaced with motorway monotony. 

Saying that, it’s still a fantastic family car, both in saloon and estate form, and comes with ample space. 

The saloon, for example, has 383 litres of load bay available with the seats up, and over 1,000 with them down. And you can add over 150 litres onto that for the estate. 

In terms of specifications, there’s five to choose from, from the entry-level Zetec, featuring dual-zone climate control, 17-inch wheels, sat-nav, cruise control and pre-collision assist, to the top-of-the-range Vignale, which brings with loads more tech and a luxury feel. 

Models

  • Zetec
  • Titanium
  • ST-Line
  • Vignale

Engines

  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 148bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 187bhp
  • 2.0 TiVCT Hybrid – 184bhp

Advantages of Ford Mondeo

  • Still a great family car
  • Super spacious
  • Well priced

Disadvantages of Ford Mondeo

  • Lost some of the fun behind the wheel
  • No turbo petrol option

Lease the Ford Mondeo from £339 Monthly.

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang

Some thought the Ford Mustang would never work in the UK. Unlike America, where it’s been a hit since the ‘60s, there’s bumps in the road and little things at the end of straight roads called corners. 

But it really, really does. 

In fact, it’s arguably the perfect sports car. Devilish, recognisable, head-turning looks, a huge 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet and a very respectable price tag. 

And if you’re wanting to save even more, there’s also the 2.3-litre EcoBoost power option, which, despite not produce the same knee-weakening grumble as its more powerful sibling, is still a joy to drive. 

There are a few hints as to how the Mustang is so well priced inside, with some cheap materials spoiling an otherwise impressive cabin. But on the whole, it’s a fantastic car. 

The Mustang comes in the three forms, the 2.3 EcoBoost, 5.0-litre V8 and the top-of-the-range Bullitt – named after the film. There’s also a convertible option, too. 

But even inside the ‘entry-level’ model – the 2.3 EcoBoost – there’s loads of equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android come as standard, as do 19-inch wheels, performance brakes and a limited-slip differential to help control the power. 

Of course, the main difference between that version and the 5.0-litre is the engine. 

In the higher spec comes a huge influx of power through a 444bhp V8 which sees off 0-60 in 4.3 seconds – and an entire tank of fuel not much long after.

At the top of the range sits the Bullitt, which is designed to resemble the Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the film with the same name.

Its exclusive Dark Highland Green paint job ensures your love for the motoring world doesn’t go unnoticed, and there’s also several style and tech upgrades over the ‘standard’ V8. 

Models

  • 2.3 EcoBoost
  • 5.0 V8
  • Bullitt

Engines

  • 2.3 EcoBoost – 286bhp
  • 5.0 V8 – 444bhp
  • Bullitt – 480bhp

Advantages of Ford Mustang

  • Brilliant all-round sports car
  • Ridiculous fun to drive
  • Very well priced

Disadvantages of Ford Mustang

  • Some cheap-feeling trim
  • 5.0 V8 is very thirsty

Lease a Ford Mustang from £506 Monthly.

Ford S-MAX

Ford S-Max

The Ford S-MAX paved the way for fun family driving. 

Coming with seven seats, the MPV was nimble behind the wheel while remaining uber practical. 

The latest version has lost some of that thrill, but there’s still more than enough car to challenge anything else in its class and price range. 

Like most Ford cars nowadays, the S-MAX is packed with great tech and a luxury feel. It also offers a sporty edge through its ST-Line spec, even if there isn’t a punchy petrol engine to match. 

At entry-level sits the Zetec, which comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a heated front windscreen for those cold winter school runs as well as front and rear parking sensors – making tight parking easier. 

At the top of the range sits the luxurious Vignale. The top-spec model adds a rear-view camera, bigger wheels, powered tailgate and unique exterior chrome detailing. 

But, again, as is the case across most of the Ford range, the Titanium is where the best value for money can be found. 

Sat-nav, rear privacy glass and keyless entry are all added as standard, with safety features such as traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning also present. 

Under the bonnet, you have a choice of two diesel engines, with the ST-Line and Vignale both receiving the more powerful 187bhp version. While you can also pick between manual and automatic transmission across the entire range. 

Models

  • Zetec
  • Titanium
  • ST-Line
  • Vignale

Engines

  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 148bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 187bhp

Advantages of Ford S-MAX

  • Room for seven
  • Loads of great standard tech
  • One of the best in its class

Disadvantages of Ford S-MAX

  • Not as much space inside as some rivals
  • Lost some of its driving appeal compared to previous models

Lease the Ford S-Max from £362 Monthly.

Ford Galaxy

Ford Galaxy

The Galaxy is the most spacious car Ford makes. There’s more than enough room for seven adults, and it’s a comfortable and luxurious drive.

The rearmost seats can be folded into the floor electronically, and the second bank drop at the touch of a button, making the Galaxy one of the most all-round practical cars on the market. 

Unlike most other brands, Ford has continued with the MPV, while most have switched to making SUVs. 

And although you’ll pay for that with a lower residual value at the end of your term compared to an SUV, for space, not much else comes close. 

In terms of specifications, the Galaxy comes in two forms – the Zetec and Titanium. As standard, there’s a load of luxurious materials and trimmings, as well as Isofix points across the second seating row, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and pre-collision assist. 

In the top-spec Titanium, on top of that, there’s rear privacy glass, sat-nav, traffic sign recognition and keyless entry. 

It could be easy to confuse the Galaxy and S-Max. Both are big Ford MPVs and both come with seven seats. 

But for ultimate space and practicality, there’s no competition. It’s the Galaxy every time. 

Models

  • Zetec
  • Titanium
  • ST-Line
  • Vignale

Engines

  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 148bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 187bhp

Advantages of Ford Galaxy

  • Best in class for space
  • Great practicality
  • Great spec

Disadvantages of Ford Galaxy

  • Not an SUV
  • Worse residual value than SUV

Lease your very own Ford Galaxy from £403 Monthly.

Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is the UK’s most popular pick-up truck. It comes in four different forms, ranging from the two-seater Regular Cab to the full five-seat, bells and whistles Raptor. 

What makes the Ranger so beloved is its versatility. 

At one point, it can be a rugged off-road battler which is great for work and will be as reliable as the days of the month. 

But then, when work’s over, it can transform into a full-fledged family car with a great-sized ‘boot’ for everyone’s things. 

But the five-seat version does come at a cost. For instance, the entry-level Regular Cab is only two-door and two-seater. 

If you want five seats, you have to go up to at least a Double Cab, albeit the price difference isn’t astronomical. 

Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of three diesel engines and, in the Double Cab and Raptor, the pick of either a manual or automatic gearbox. 

Inside, it’s pretty basic by Ford’s standards, with lots of black scratchy plastic trim and an old-school stereo system. 

But then again, the Ford Ranger isn’t designed for luxury. If you want that, there’s the Mercedes-Benz X-Class – although that’ll set you back a lot more money and is being retired next year.  

There are improvements to the cabin in the top-of-the-range Raptor, with a bigger screen and Raptor decals, but other than that, it’s very much as you were. 

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Ranger is adored because of its mechanical prowess and its ability to tackle almost any situation in any terrain. 

And for us, that’s worth more than a few nicely-placed pieces of leatherette. 

Models

  • Regular Cab
  • Super Cab
  • Double Cab
  • Raptor

Engines

  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 128bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 168bhp
  • 2.0 EcoBlue – 210bhp

Advantages of Ford Ranger

  • Excellent versatility
  • Great looks
  • Dependability and durability

Disadvantages of Ford Ranger

  • Basic interior
  • Top-spec is costly

If you are interested in leasing a Ford model, you can browse the full list online.


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