28. Ford Falcon
After seeing how those compact cars, both domestic and imported, were having an increasingly bigger market share, the Ford Motor Company changed its stand on small vehicles. So, in 1960, they presented the Falcon. In those days, Ford was nervous about presenting a new model in a new class since the Edsel debacle was so painful for the company accountants. However, with strong backing from the Ford top managers, the Falcon project got the green light. The immediate success and strong sales proved that Ford hit a home run with the compact yet roomy Falcon. However, the car was nothing special or innovative in terms of design or technology. It had a unibody construction, a leaf spring suspension in the back, drum brakes, and a standard three-speed manual transmission.
But the secret of the Falcon’s success was its affordability and a long list of options. Despite the fact the standard model only had a 2.4-liter 90 HP engine, you could get the bigger six-cylinder or 260 V8. Also, the Falcon was available in several body styles including convertible, sedan, delivery, and a three or five-door station wagon, which broadened its appeal. In 1964, the Falcon received its first redesign and in the same year, they introduced the Mustang, which they based entirely on the Falcon’s underpinnings. The automotive press called the Mustang a “well-dressed Falcon” when the car first arrived. However, the Falcon was still a strong seller on the American market as the most affordable Ford product.