7 of the best Ford cars ever made

What are some of the best Ford cars ever made?

We all know and love the name. Ford are arguably one of the biggest and most popular manufacturers in the car game.

They’ve largely shaped the industry, with many of their cars either being fan favourites, or simply just icons.

You’ve got the muscly Mustang and the Thunderbird, or the simple-yet-loved Fiesta and Focus.

All names you more than likely have heard of. And if not, have you been living under a rock?

But with the 2030 petrol and diesel ban looming ahead of us, many beloved Ford cars are being discontinued, or reimagined as fully electric.

Before we shift into a new gear of motoring, let's hit the brakes and take a moment to celebrate seven of the best Ford cars ever made.

Ford Model T

Where it all started: the Ford Model T.

The automotive landscape of the early 1900s was nothing like today's car-packed roads. Back then, the market was largely dominated by German pioneer Karl Benz, with vehicles that remained out of reach for your average Joe.

The Independent reported that cars of this era would typically cost upwards of $2000: a figure that might not raise eyebrows today, but was an astronomical sum back then.

Enter the Ford Model T – a vehicle years in the making that finally rolled onto American roads in 1908 and changed everything.

Each car sold for around $825, still roughly double the average annual American salary at the time, but a relative bargain compared to the competition.

Even more impressive? Ford's prices kept going down rather than up as production became more efficient.

History claims that Ford produced a staggering 15 million Model Ts between 1913 and 1927, putting America – and indeed the world – firmly in the driving seat of affordable motoring.

Ford didn't just enter the car world. They revolutionised it, making a name for themselves as the champions of accessible transportation for the everyday driver.

Ford GT40

The Ford GT40 isn't just a car – it's a four-wheeled symbol of pure American resilience and, well, stubbornness.

Born from Henry Ford's brewing rivalry with Enzo Ferrari, this legendary racer accelerated into the history books at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, the GT40 Mk II didn't just win – it dominated with a jaw-dropping 1-2-3 finish, becoming the first American car to triumph at the prestigious race.

Talk about putting the brakes on Ferrari's parade after five consecutive victories!

The GT40 wasn't done showing off, either. It went on to clinch the Le Mans title for four straight years from 1966 to 1969 – a feat that still turns heads in motorsport circles today.

With only 105 units ever produced, the GT40 is rarer than a parking space at the shopping center on Black Friday.

This exclusivity, combined with its groundbreaking design and engineering, has cemented its status as one of the most influential American cars ever to hit the tarmac.

Whether you're a racing enthusiast or simply appreciate automotive excellence, the GT40 stands as Ford's crowning achievement – the moment when American engineering excellence earned its stripes on the world stage.

Ford Escort

The Ford Escort has been synonymous with the modern-day Ford brand after launching in the late 1960s, before eventually being discontinued in 2004.

What made the Ford Escort so special and sought after was its versatility. It was a car often hailed for being whatever you needed it to be.

A reliable family car? Tick.

Your first runabout? Tick.

It could do it all.

The Escort was so popular that it claimed the title of best-selling vehicle in the United Kingdom throughout the 1980s, with 1.6 million finding homes across the decade.

It long held the record as Britain's favorite set of wheels, before being overtaken by another Ford icon – the Fiesta.

So, the Escort has definitely earned its place in our heart.

Ford Capri

The Ford Capri first roared onto the scene in 1969 as a fastback coupé designed by Philip T. Clark – the same visionary who helped shape the iconic Ford Mustang.

This sleek four-seater quickly became Europe's answer to the American pony car, offering something for everyone. Whether you wanted the economical 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine or craved the performance punch of the 3.0-litre V6, the Capri delivered with style.

Over its three generations, the Capri sold an impressive 1.9 million units before bidding us farewell in December 1986 – but that wasn't the end of the road.

Fast forward to 2024, and Ford made the exciting announcement that the Capri name would rise again. This time, however, it's been reimagined as a sleek, fully-electric coupe-crossover SUV which launched in 2025.

The new Capri perfectly bridges Ford's rich heritage with its electric future – taking the spirit of the original and giving it a thoroughly modern, zero-emission heart.

It's the perfect example of how Ford continues to evolve while honoring its illustrious past.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang, in many people’s eyes, is the best Ford car ever produced.

It’s so quintessentially American.

It has power. It has muscle – and plenty of it. An absolute icon that's as recognizable as a red post box, or the Coca-Cola logo.

Designed to make high-performance muscle cars more compact and affordable for younger drivers, the Mustang didn't just succeed – it created an entirely new class. The term 'pony car' was born directly from the Mustang's impact on the automotive world.

Yes, this is a car so good, it created its own category... which tells you everything you need to know.

Glamorized in films such as James Bond, Fast and Furious, and even Disney's The Princess Diaries, the Mustang resonates with hardcore petrolheads, casual car enthusiasts, and those who simply want to channel their inner Bond.

First galloping onto roads in 1965, the Mustang is now in its sixth generation. Ford only started producing right-hand drive UK-spec editions in 2015, and unsurprisingly, they've proved extremely popular since crossing the pond.

But the story doesn't end there.

What do you get when you take the Mustang, make it electric, and transform it into an SUV?

Enter the Mustang Mach-E – Ford's first fully electric SUV that's charging up to transform the brand for the next generation.

Dubbed a rival for Tesla and BYD, it’s here to shake up the EV game with that iconic pony badge leading the charge.

Ford Thunderbird 

A car called the 'Thunderbird' was always going to be cool, wasn't it? There was even a TV show with the same name – coincidence? We think not.

First introduced as a two-seater convertible in the early 1950s, it was designed to meet the growing demand for luxury cars.

Like the Mustang, the Thunderbird found fame on the big screen, most notably as the vehicle driven by Thelma and Louise in their iconic (if ill-fated) road trip.

It also made an appearance with James Bond in 1964's Goldfinger, sharing the spotlight with other four-wheeled legends.

But the Thunderbird is really loved for its cruiser credentials, with style, comfort and luxury laying the foundations of its appeal.

This wasn't a car built for track days – it was built for making an entrance.

Throughout its peak years, the Thunderbird was featured in advertisements and even honored on postage stamps.

It was very much a car that enjoyed success off the road as well as on it – a true cultural icon that represented American automotive luxury at its finest.

Ford Focus

When sales started to slow down for the Escort in the late 1990s, Ford shifted gears and introduced the Focus – a model that quickly rose to prominence and to this day remains a mainstay on British roads.

Like its predecessors, the Focus embraces versatility.

Are you the unofficial taxi of Mum and Dad? The Focus can be your vehicle of choice.

Although, like many combustion engine models, the Focus is sadly being discontinued in November 2025 to make way for Ford's new electric lineup as the 2030 ban approaches the horizon.

But the Focus hasn't just been a huge success on the road – it's left rubber marks on the track too, starring in various Rally and Touring Car series where it's proven that family-friendly doesn't have to mean boring.

The Focus represents Ford's ability to move with the times while maintaining the practical, accessible spirit that's made the brand a household name for over a century.

Driving into the future

We could cruise along forever about the best cars Ford has ever produced – their showroom history is more packed than the M25 on a Friday afternoon.

Many incredible models haven't quite made our list, but deserve a tip of the hat nonetheless.

From the agile Puma to the rugged Ranger, Ford's back catalog is filled with vehicles that have earned their place in motoring history.

The automotive landscape is shifting gears, though.

Many beloved combustion models are being discontinued to clear the road for electric alternatives. This has caused quite an uproar, especially when the much-loved Fiesta reached the end of its journey, and as the Focus prepares to park up for good in 2025.

But these changes have made room for exciting new models, such as the all-electric Ford Explorer SUV.

They've also given Ford the opportunity to reimagine classics like the Capri – blending nostalgic styling with cutting-edge electric technology.

As Ford accelerates toward an electric future, one thing remains constant: their ability to create cars that capture our imagination while keeping everyday motoring accessible.

The badges might be changing, but the spirit of Ford – the company that put the world on wheels – continues to drive forward.

FAQs on Ford

What are some of the best cars Ford have ever made?

• Ford Model T
• Ford GT
• Ford Escort
• Ford GT40
• Ford Shelby
• Ford Lincoln Continental
• Ford Focus
• Ford Fiesta
• Ford Mustang
• Ford Thunderbird
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Ford Cortina
• Ford Sierra
• Ford Capri
• Ford Bronco
• Ford Ranger
• Ford Puma

What is the best-selling Ford car of all time?

Not just best-selling for Ford, but for the whole of the UK, the Ford Fiesta is on track to be the longest-standing best-seller of all time. Despite being discontinued, the Fiesta is still loved and is still going strong in the second-hand market.

What is the most reliable Ford to buy?

When it comes to reliability, the Ford Mondeo takes the crown. This family favourite has been consistently winning awards from Top Gear to the European Car of the Year – and for good reason. Put the Mondeo through its paces, and it'll handle whatever you throw at it with ease.

Its motorsport pedigree backs this up too. The Mondeo has multiple touring car championship wins under its belt, proving it's not just reliable on the road, but can handle the punishment of the track. If you're after a dependable Ford that won't let you down, the Mondeo is your best bet.

What was Ford's worst-selling vehicle?

We can’t all be perfect, and Ford have definitely had some failures in their time. Here are the ones that really missed the mark:

The Pinto (1971) An affordable small car that became one of automotive history's biggest disasters. The rear-mounted fuel tank could burst into flames if rear-ended – and Ford knew about it but decided fixing it cost more than paying legal settlements.

The Edsel (1958) Ford hyped this "revolutionary" car for a year, then delivered an overpriced vehicle with quality issues and a front end that looked distinctive for all the wrong reasons. Offering 18 different versions didn't help either.

The Festiva (1986) Ford's attempt at an Asian market competitor was actually designed by Mazda. The "luxury" version's big selling points? A tachometer and cloth seats. When that's your idea of luxury, you're in trouble.

The Aspire (1993) A stretched and rebadged version of the unpopular Festiva. Same problems, slightly different shape. Ford put it out of its misery in 2000.