FORD SLOGANS OVER THE YEARS

LIST OF ICONIC FORD SLOGANS

• “Don’t Experiment: Just Buy a Ford” (1905)
• “Ford, the Universal Car” (1914)
• “There’s a Ford in Your Future” (1944-1950s)
• “Ford Has a Better Idea” (Late 1960s)
• “Built Ford Tough” (1979-Present)
• “Quality is Job One” (1981-1998)
• “Have You Driven a Ford, Lately?” (1982-1998)
• “Everything We Do Is Driven by You” (1990s)
• “Built to Last” (1998-2000s)
• “If You Haven’t Looked At Ford Lately, Look Again” (2003)
• “Go Further” (2012-Present)

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DON’T EXPERIMENT: JUST BUY A FORD

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1905

This iconic car slogan used Henry Ford’s reverse psychology, telling customers to stop shopping around. This audacious approach emphasized reliability and confidence, setting the stage for Ford’s commitment to dependability during the company’s early years.

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FORD, THE UNIVERSAL CAR

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1914

Launched during the Model T’s peak, this slogan captured Henry Ford’s vision to make cars accessible to everyone. The campaign was launched with Ford’s revolutionary moving assembly line that cut production time by 10 hours. Mass production and affordability of the automobile had finally come to the common man.

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THERE’S A FORD IN YOUR FUTURE

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1944-1950s

Created by the JWT agency in 1944, this campaign tapped into post-WWII optimism. Ads showed bright scenes with Ford cars at circuses and parades. The slogan showcased America’s forward-looking mindset as the nation embraced consumer goods after wartime rationing.

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FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA

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Late 1960s

This slogan targeted baby boomers during the cultural revolution, using a lightbulb replacing the “o” in Ford. This iconic visual symbolized innovation and progressive thinking, positioning Ford as the creative choice for a generation that valued change and progress.

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BUILT FORD TOUGH

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1979-Present

Built Ford Tough is the longest-running Ford slogan at 45+ years, originally created for trucks in 1979. The tagline became synonymous with durability and American resilience. Since the F-150s became the world’s best-selling trucks, Ford saw no reason to change this winning formula.

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QUALITY IS JOB ONE

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1981-1998

Born from Ford’s crisis in 1980, when sales plummeted due to poor quality perception versus Japanese cars. This 17-year campaign created a shift in Ford’s manufacturing philosophy, introducing quality circles and employee participation programs.

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HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD, LATELY?

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1982-1998

This iconic slogan achieved 80% recognition—the highest in the industry. An accompanying jingle was voiced by Kacey Cisyk. The campaign invited people to get reacquainted with Ford. Recognized as one of the top campaigns of the 1980s, creating lasting brand loyalty through emotional connection.

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EVERYTHING WE DO IS DRIVEN BY YOU

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1990s

A phrase that combined music and marketing with a soundtrack by Queen’s Brian May. This customer-focused campaign positioned Ford as responsive to consumer needs during the intense 1990s competition. The campaign surfed popular rock culture while maintaining a broad appeal.

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BUILT TO LAST

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1998-2000s

Built to Last replaced the long-running “Have you driven a Ford lately?” campaign with a storytelling approach. Featuring Northern Exposure’s John Corbett as spokesperson. Ford doubled ad spending to $80 million, using real customer stories with humor and emotion.

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IF YOU HAVEN’T LOOKED AT FORD LATELY, LOOK AGAIN

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2003

Played off the classic 1980s slogan for Ford’s centennial year. The slogan was launched after the Super Bowl with a $700 million media budget, featuring the entire vehicle lineup and an original Randy Newman composition. It emphasized Ford’s quality improvements and product momentum.

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GO FURTHER

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2012-Present

Ford’s first truly global slogan, it is currently used across all international markets. The slogan was introduced during Ford’s expansion into global markets, focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainability. It represents Ford’s unified worldwide brand message and future-oriented vision.