An overview of the history of the Ford Mondeo car.

Find out what makes the Ford Mondeo one of the most popular vehicles on the road today.

With a long-standing history as a reliable and affordable family motor car, the Ford Mondeo is one of the best-selling vehicles currently on the UK market. Created by the Ford Motor Company in 1992, the Mondeo model has enjoyed nearly twenty years of success as both diesel and petrol models. Perhaps the success is in the name, with ‘Mondeo’ being associated with the Latin word ‘mundus’ which means ‘world’.

On the 8th January 1993, the Mk1 Mondeo was released as a four-door saloon, a five-door estate and a five-door hatchback. In Europe its predecessor was the Ford Sierra and in Asia the Sierra was known as the Ford Telstar. Ford was losing money in its division when the Mondeo was released and although the Sierra had garnered positive sales, they were conscious of losing out to rival competitors with their new release. The Mondeo shared little similarities with the Sierra and the vehicle was all but reworked using a Volvo platform.

Safety features were of high priority in the Mondeo and it was the first car to reach the market with a driver’s airbag as standard in all its variations. The interiors featured velour trim seats, power windows, central locking and rear seats which folded flat to make more boot space. Ford used the Zetec engine which was also manufactured for the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Escort models.

In 1996, the Mk2 Mondeo was released onto the market and it was designed as an answer to a number of complaints regarding the image and styling of the Mk1. More legroom, a more elegant body and improved headlights were rolled out, while 1998 saw further improvements being made. Recorded sales figures show that the Mondeo was well-received in Europe and from 1996 to 1998 the Mondeo Mk2 was the third best-selling automobile in Britain.

The Mondeo Mk3 arrived in October 2000 and showcased larger dimensions which allowed for more legroom, a common complaint with the Mk1 and Mk2 Mondeo models. It secured a position as the most popular car in its class the year after its release. The current Mk4 Mondeo was launched in 2007 and took on an altogether more sporty look with a 2.2 175 PS TDCi diesel engine. Its styling, features and performance make the new Mondeo vehiclean excellent all-rounder that offers true value for money.