Since it was founded in 1903, Ford Motor Company has become one of the most recognised car brands in the world. There have been many iconic Ford models down the generations, including the Model ‘T’, Mustang, Fiesta, Escort, and Focus, to name just a few.
While Ford has had its fair share of challenges over the years, the marque is still one of the first that many people consider when they are in the market for a reliable car. So, how did Ford cars become so noted for their reliability?
The early days of Ford
When Henry Ford began making motor cars, he had a goal of manufacturing affordable cars that were durable. This meant that more people could now afford to own a car than had previously been possible.
Cars before this time were seen as an elite luxury that only wealthy people could afford. However, with the launch of the Model ‘A’ and Model ‘T’, Ford was able to change that perception.
With its assembly line manufacturing practices and improved worker safety, Ford developed a reputation of being a modern and innovative company.
A large used car market
The reputation that Ford vehicles have of being reliable and easy to maintain, has made them a popular choice in the used car market.
You can find reliable used cars for sale in Southend-on-Sea and many other places around the UK, with many of them being Fords.
Prices in the used car market rose during 2020, but Ford cars have remained affordable despite the price rise.
With so many Ford cars in the used car sector, you are likely to find the one you want without any problem.
Repairability and parts
One of the key factors for those who have bought Ford cars in the past is their repairability. Generally, they have always been fairly easy to work on, unlike the offerings of some other manufacturers.
This means that people can repair their Ford and keep them running longer. It also means Ford cars can be customised easily by using parts from other versions of the same model.
The availability of parts is one of the key respects in which Fords have a reputation for being a sounder choice than some rival brands. Generally speaking, replacement parts for Ford vehicles are easier to find and more affordable than those for other manufacturers.
There are also various third-party parts manufacturers that make parts for Ford cars, which will further help put your mind at rest if you are in need of certain components for your vehicle bearing the Blue Oval badge.
How is reliability determined?
When looking at the reliability of cars, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration.
- The reputation of the company within the automotive industry
- Warranties are now becoming an ever-more popular feature for car buyers. This means that the better the coverage in terms of the warranty length and benefits, the higher the reliability of the car likely is
- Cost-effectiveness is an element that manufacturers such as Ford have optimised for many years. This doesn’t only relate to car prices, but also the cost of warranties and other additional benefits
- The opinions of professional car critics play a part in a manufacturer’s reliability score. This can vary from model to model and variations within them
- Customer impressions are also key to reliability. It is often the customers that highlight reliability issues and spark recalls for certain faults
Ford commercial vehicles
One of Ford’s most successful areas has been in commercial vehicles. The company has won several awards over the years and continues to innovate in this area.
For commercial vehicle owners, it hasn’t only been about the reliability of Ford’s trucks and vans, but also the practicality of the vehicles.
Ford has always offered a range of options for its commercial vehicles, and this enables customers to customise their van to suit their needs.
The same ease of repair and parts that Ford cars have extends to the brand’s commercial vehicles as well. This has made Ford a favourite among van drivers who can easily replace and repair parts without losing too much time.
Prices for Ford commercial vehicles are also competitive, which can be a deciding factor for many people looking to buy a new vehicle.
Conclusion
With Ford models like the Puma and Focus continuing to rank among the strongest-selling cars in the UK, you can be confident that when you buy a Ford, you will be well-supported in terms of factors like customer service and parts availability.
While Ford has had some issues in the past just like any other manufacturer, the Blue Oval is still considered a manufacturer of highly reliable vehicles, especially as far as commercial vehicles are concerned.
