Home Cars 40 Best and Worst Fords Ever Built – The Legends and the Lemons

Cars

40 Best and Worst Fords Ever Built – The Legends and the Lemons

Cameron Eittreim January 30, 2025

Few automakers have had the impact Ford has. From pioneering the assembly line to dominating motorsports, they’ve given the world some of the most iconic rides ever. But let’s be real—not every Ford has been a winner. Some models redefined their class, while others were better left forgotten. Here’s a deep dive into the best and worst Fords ever made.

Ford GT (2005-2006, 2017-Present) (Best)

Inspired by the Le Mans-winning GT40, the modern Ford GT is a street-legal supercar. With stunning aerodynamics, a twin-turbo V6, and race-proven engineering, it’s a high-performance masterpiece. Limited production numbers make it rare, and its motorsport pedigree ensures a permanent place in the history of legendary American cars.

NEXT >>

1965-1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 & 429 (Best)

The Boss 302 was built for Trans-Am racing, while the 429 was designed for NASCAR homologation. Both packed powerful engines, aggressive styling, and track-ready performance. They remain among the most desirable Mustangs, showcasing the golden era of American muscle cars. Their raw speed and heritage still turn heads today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1949 Ford Custom (Best)

After World War II, Ford needed a game-changer. The 1949 Ford Custom delivered with an all-new sleek, streamlined design that set a new standard for the industry. It modernized the American car market, becoming a sales success. This car revitalized Ford’s brand and remains a symbol of post-war innovation.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1966-1977 Ford Bronco (Best)

The original Ford Bronco was an off-road pioneer, designed to compete with Jeep’s CJ and International Harvester’s Scout. Its simple, rugged design, removable roof, and strong performance made it an instant classic. Today, vintage Broncos are among the most collectible SUVs, and the 2021 reboot proves its enduring popularity.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford F-150 Raptor (2010-Present) (Best)

Ford took its best-selling F-150 and transformed it into an off-road beast. With long-travel suspension, powerful engines, and desert-racing DNA, the Raptor redefined performance trucks. Designed to handle extreme terrain at high speeds, it blends toughness with speed, making it one of Ford’s most exciting modern trucks.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1932 Ford V8 (Deuce Coupe) (Best)

The first affordable V8-powered car, the ’32 Ford changed hot-rodding forever. Its lightweight body and powerful Flathead V8 made it an instant hit among racers and custom builders. The Deuce Coupe became a cultural icon, immortalized in American Graffiti and countless songs. It remains a hot rod legend.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Crown Victoria (1992-2011) (Best)

Beloved by police departments and taxi drivers alike, the Crown Victoria was built like a tank. Its body-on-frame construction, bulletproof reliability, and simple mechanics made it virtually indestructible. While not exciting, it gained a cult following for its longevity. Even after production ended, it remained a fleet vehicle staple.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992-1996) (Best)

A turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rally weapon, the Escort RS Cosworth was built to dominate the World Rally Championship. Featuring aggressive aerodynamics and a Cosworth-tuned engine, it was blisteringly quick. It became an instant European icon, cementing its place among Ford’s best performance cars. The massive rear wing became legendary.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Thunderbird (1955-1957) (Best)

The original Thunderbird combined sporty performance with luxury, pioneering the personal luxury coupe segment. With elegant styling, a powerful V8, and a removable hardtop, it was a dream car of the 1950s. While later generations lost their way, the first-generation T-Bird remains a cherished classic among collectors today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Maverick Hybrid (2022-Present) (Best)

The Maverick is proof that Ford understands modern buyers. A small, affordable hybrid pickup with great fuel economy, it’s been a smash hit. With impressive utility and budget-friendly pricing, it offers practicality without sacrificing style. In an era of expensive trucks, the Maverick brings back no-frills efficiency.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Pinto (1971-1980) (Worst)

A cheap economy car with an explosive secret—literally. The Pinto’s poorly designed fuel tank made it infamous for deadly fires in rear-end collisions. Ford knew about the flaw but chose cost-cutting over safety. The resulting lawsuits and bad press turned the Pinto into one of history’s biggest automotive scandals.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1958 Ford Edsel (Worst)

A marketing disaster, the Edsel flopped due to its awkward styling, high price, and poor reliability. Its bizarre grille design made it a joke, and Ford lost millions. What was supposed to be a revolutionary mid-priced car became one of the biggest failures in automotive history.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Mustang II (1974-1978) (Worst)

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Aspire (1994-1997) (Worst)

The Aspire had no power, no style, and no real purpose. Underpowered and painfully slow, it felt like Ford just needed something cheap to sell. It was neither fun nor practical, making it one of the most forgettable cars in Ford’s lineup. Most people barely remember it existed.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Freestyle (2005-2007) (Worst)

A vehicle with no clear identity, the Freestyle was meant to blend SUV and minivan attributes. Instead, it lacked personality and suffered from transmission problems. It failed to gain traction in the market, leading Ford to quickly rebrand it as the Taurus X, though that also failed.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Contour (1995-2000) (Worst)

Ford tried to bring its well-regarded European Mondeo to the U.S. under the name Contour, but it didn’t work. Too small for American tastes and too expensive for budget buyers, it floundered. Poor rear legroom and mechanical issues sealed its fate as one of Ford’s biggest sedan flops.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1980-1982 Ford Thunderbird (Worst)

An uninspired attempt at downsizing the once-glorious Thunderbird resulted in a forgettable coupe with no character. Lacking the elegance and power of earlier models, it was neither luxurious nor sporty. Sales plummeted, and it remains one of the most disappointing iterations of Ford’s once-iconic personal luxury car.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1997-2003 Ford Windstar (Worst)

A minivan plagued with reliability issues, the Windstar was notorious for transmission failures, electrical problems, and rust-prone rear axles. Ford recalled it multiple times, but its reputation never recovered. Meant to compete with Chrysler’s minivans, it ended up being one of Ford’s biggest quality control disasters.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Aerostar (1986-1997) (Worst)

Ford’s first minivan looked like a rolling wedge, and its driving experience wasn’t much better. Though durable, it felt outdated compared to Chrysler’s more refined minivans. Despite lasting a decade, it was never a standout in the market and was eventually replaced by the equally uninspired Windstar.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Five Hundred (2005-2007) (Worst)

Ford replaced the beloved Taurus with the uninspiring Five Hundred, a large sedan with dull styling and weak performance. Buyers weren’t impressed, and it struggled against more refined competitors. Ford later reversed course and rebranded it as the Taurus again, but the damage had already been done.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Best)

The Mach 1 took the Mustang’s muscle car reputation to another level. Featuring a shaker hood, aggressive styling, and multiple engine choices—including the legendary 428 Cobra Jet—it became an instant classic. It offered both speed and style, making it one of the most desirable Mustangs ever built.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2015 Ford Mustang GT (Best)

The first Mustang with independent rear suspension changed everything. This generation brought world-class handling while keeping the aggressive V8 power that Mustang fans love. The combination of modern tech and classic muscle car vibes made it a massive success. It’s widely regarded as one of the best Mustangs ever.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1978 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT (Best)

The late ‘70s F-150 combined durability, simplicity, and rugged good looks. With its classic boxy styling and legendary reliability, this truck became a staple in American driveways. The Ranger XLT trim added a touch of style, making it one of the most beloved classic F-150s.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford SVT Lightning (1993-1995, 1999-2004) (Best)

A muscle car disguised as a pickup, the SVT Lightning delivered surprising performance for a truck. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team fitted it with a powerful V8 and sporty suspension, making it the fastest pickup of its time. Even today, it’s one of Ford’s most beloved performance trucks.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1965 Ford Galaxie 500 427 (Best)

A full-size muscle car with NASCAR DNA, the Galaxie 500 427 was built for speed. With its massive engine and sleek body, it became a drag strip monster. While often overshadowed by the Mustang, the Galaxie 500 was a powerhouse that proved Ford could build fast full-size cars.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2020 Ford Shelby GT500 (Best)

The modern GT500 is a beast, boasting a supercharged 5.2L V8 producing over 700 horsepower. It delivers supercar performance in a muscle car package. Ford combined brutal acceleration with refined handling, making it not just a straight-line monster but also a track-capable machine. It’s the ultimate modern Mustang.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1953 Ford F-100 (Best)

An American icon, the second-generation F-100 was beautifully designed and built to last. With its classic rounded styling and increased comfort, it set the stage for Ford’s dominance in the truck market. Today, it remains one of the most popular classic trucks for restorations and custom builds.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth (Best)

Built for racing homologation, this turbocharged European sedan became a legend. The Sierra RS500 had extreme aerodynamics, a race-bred turbocharged engine, and a reputation for dominating the track. Limited production numbers make it a collector’s dream today, and its performance still impresses decades later.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Mustang Bullitt (2001, 2008, 2019) (Best)

Inspired by Steve McQueen’s Bullitt, these special-edition Mustangs offered unique styling, upgraded performance, and a nod to one of the most famous car chases in movie history. Each version captured the raw spirit of the Mustang while adding exclusive features. The 2019 model, in particular, was a performance masterpiece.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2017 Ford F-150 (Aluminum Body) (Best)

Ford’s risky move to an all-aluminum body paid off. The 2017 F-150 introduced lightweight durability, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced technology. Despite initial skepticism, it proved to be one of the best-selling and most capable trucks in history. It cemented Ford’s position as the leader in the truck segment.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Courier (1972-1982) (Worst)

This rebadged Mazda pickup lacked personality and performance. It was Ford’s attempt at a compact truck before the Ranger, but it felt uninspired. With weak engines and a lackluster design, it was quickly forgotten. It wasn’t a terrible vehicle, but it was forgettable, making little impact in Ford’s lineup.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Scorpio (1985-1998 – Europe) (Worst)

Ford tried to create a luxury sedan for the European market, but the Scorpio’s strange styling and lackluster build quality hurt sales. It failed to compete with BMW and Mercedes, and reliability issues didn’t help. Though it had some success, it’s largely remembered as an odd misstep.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford B-Max (2012-2017 – Europe) (Worst)

Sliding doors on a compact MPV seemed like a great idea, but buyers didn’t bite. The B-Max lacked the versatility of larger vans and the agility of small hatchbacks. Despite decent technology, it never found a strong audience. Ford discontinued it, realizing there was no real demand.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Zephyr (1950s-1960s – UK) (Worst)

Ford’s attempt at a British luxury sedan resulted in a car that felt outdated even when new. It had an uninspiring design, unimpressive performance, and failed to compete with its rivals. While it had a following, it never reached the status Ford hoped for. It remains largely forgotten.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Versailles (Brazil – 1990s) (Worst)

A rebadged Volkswagen, the Versailles felt like a rushed project. Ford lacked a strong midsize sedan in Brazil, so they slapped a Ford badge on a VW Santana. It didn’t fool anyone. Buyers knew it wasn’t a real Ford, and it quickly faded from the market.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Ka (1996-2021 – Europe/South America) (Worst)

The Ka’s oddball styling and tiny size made it polarizing. While it was cheap transportation, it lacked comfort, power, and refinement. Later generations improved, but the original was painfully basic. It felt more like a toy than a car. Though it sold well, it was never truly beloved.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Escort ZX2 (1998-2003) (Worst)

Ford attempted to make the Escort sporty with the ZX2, but it wasn’t enough. While it looked better than the base model, it lacked the power to match its appearance. It couldn’t compete with true sport compacts, and it faded away without making a lasting impression.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Explorer (2002-2005, Firestone Scandal) (Worst)

One of Ford’s biggest PR disasters. Poor stability combined with defective Firestone tires led to deadly rollovers. The lawsuits and recalls were massive. Though the Explorer continued as a successful SUV, this generation remains a black mark in Ford’s history. It damaged trust in the brand for years.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Mustang Mach-E (Worst)

A controversial entry. While a great EV, many believe it never deserved the Mustang badge. Enthusiasts argue that an all-electric SUV doesn’t fit the Mustang’s heritage. While it’s a solid vehicle on its own, the branding decision remains divisive. Some love it, others think it’s Ford’s worst branding mistake.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005) (Worst)

A failed attempt to revive an icon. The retro-styled Thunderbird lacked power, had an uninspiring driving experience, and was priced too high. What could have been a modern classic turned into a forgettable luxury roadster that nobody really wanted. Sales flopped, and Ford quietly discontinued it after a few years.

<< Previous

40 Best and Worst Fords Ever Built – The Legends and the Lemons

Ford GT (2005-2006, 2017-Present) (Best)

1965-1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 & 429 (Best)

1949 Ford Custom (Best)

1966-1977 Ford Bronco (Best)

Ford F-150 Raptor (2010-Present) (Best)

1932 Ford V8 (Deuce Coupe) (Best)

Ford Crown Victoria (1992-2011) (Best)

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992-1996) (Best)

Ford Thunderbird (1955-1957) (Best)

Ford Maverick Hybrid (2022-Present) (Best)

Ford Pinto (1971-1980) (Worst)

1958 Ford Edsel (Worst)

Ford Mustang II (1974-1978) (Worst)

Ford Aspire (1994-1997) (Worst)

Ford Freestyle (2005-2007) (Worst)

Ford Contour (1995-2000) (Worst)

1980-1982 Ford Thunderbird (Worst)

1997-2003 Ford Windstar (Worst)

Ford Aerostar (1986-1997) (Worst)

Ford Five Hundred (2005-2007) (Worst)

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Best)

2015 Ford Mustang GT (Best)

1978 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT (Best)

Ford SVT Lightning (1993-1995, 1999-2004) (Best)

1965 Ford Galaxie 500 427 (Best)

2020 Ford Shelby GT500 (Best)

1953 Ford F-100 (Best)

1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth (Best)

Ford Mustang Bullitt (2001, 2008, 2019) (Best)

2017 Ford F-150 (Aluminum Body) (Best)

Ford Courier (1972-1982) (Worst)

Ford Scorpio (1985-1998 – Europe) (Worst)

Ford B-Max (2012-2017 – Europe) (Worst)

Ford Zephyr (1950s-1960s – UK) (Worst)

Ford Versailles (Brazil – 1990s) (Worst)

Ford Ka (1996-2021 – Europe/South America) (Worst)

Ford Escort ZX2 (1998-2003) (Worst)

Ford Explorer (2002-2005, Firestone Scandal) (Worst)

Ford Mustang Mach-E (Worst)

Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005) (Worst)

POPULAR