21: Ford Escort ZX2
We’re not exactly sure if this car was supposed to be a sports car or a cheap compact because Ford marketed it as both. Sadly the build quality was substandard at best, and the reliability was even worse for a car at the time. The ZX2 was sold long after its welcome had been worn out and the platform was aged. Consumers were taken aback by the lack of build quality and reliability, the car just didn’t perform well. Cost-wise, the car was competing against modern models that were much more well put-together.

The ZX2 didn’t do any favors for Ford in terms of design or sales, and the car is a blip in the history of the company. What was initially a good concept ended up being a bit of a letdown for Ford enthusiasts who wanted something affordable and sporty? The ZX2 stands out like a sore thumb in the list of Ford mistakes.