25 of Ford’s Most Legendary Automobiles

Picture this: Ford’s F-Series trucks have been America’s best-selling truck for an astonishing 46 consecutive years. That’s right, 46 years! In fact, in the second quarter of 2024 alone, F-Series sales increased to 199,463 units, a 30% increase from the first quarter ¹. 

It’s no wonder that Ford’s brand loyalty is heavily driven by these incredible pickup trucks. But that’s just the beginning of Ford’s story. From the legendary Model T that put America on wheels to the sleek and powerful Mustang that’s been turning heads since 1964, Ford has consistently delivered automobiles that are more than just modes of transportation – they’re objects of desire and symbols of freedom.

So buckle up for a trip through Ford’s rich history and iconic vehicles. You won’t want to miss a single mile.

1. Ford Model T (1908-1927)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford model t ss2327629331
Image Credit: David Steele/Shutterstock

The Ford Model T was the first mass-produced, affordable car that made car ownership possible for the average American.

It was known for its simple design, durability, and ease of maintenance, with over 15 million units sold during its 19-year production run.

2. Ford Falcon (1960-1970)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » 1960 Ford Falcon ss756185614
Image Credit: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

The Ford Falcon, introduced in 1960, was a compact car that quickly became a hit for its simplicity, economy, and reliability. During the 1960s, it was a key player in Ford’s lineup and even laid the groundwork for the original Mustang.

With its affordable price and practical design, the Falcon won over families and first-time car buyers, cementing its place as a beloved classic.

3. 1961 Lincoln Continental

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » lincoln continental wc
Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1961 Lincoln Continental was a luxury sedan known for its distinctive “suicide doors” and sleek, modern design. It was a popular choice among politicians and celebrities, and its design influenced many other cars in the 1960s.

4. Ford Mustang (1964-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford mustang ss2346750209
Image Credit: meunierd/Shutterstock

The Ford Mustang is an iconic sports car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its powerful engines, stylish design, and affordable price, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

5. Ford GT40 (1964-1969)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » Ford gt40 dp15371251
Image Credit: dutourdumonde/Deposit Photos

The Ford GT40 was a race car designed to compete with Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

It won the race four times in a row from 1966 to 1969, cementing its place in automotive history as one of the most successful race cars ever built.

6. 2005 Ford GT

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford gt 2005 ss2177957209
Image Credit: Dmitry Eagle Orlov/Shutterstock

The 2005 Ford GT was a limited-production sports car that paid homage to the GT40 race car of the 1960s. It featured a powerful V8 engine, sleek design, and advanced technology, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.

7. Ford Thunderbird (1955-1997, 2002-2005)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford thunderbird wc
Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Thunderbird was a personal luxury car that was produced in various generations from 1955 to 2005. It was known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and powerful engines, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

8. 1965 Ford Galaxie / LTD (1965)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford galaxie ss2470178475
Image Credit: Stoqliq/Shutterstock

The 1965 Ford Galaxie was a full-size car known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. It featured a bold design with vertically stacked headlights and was available in various body styles, including sedans and hardtops.

9. Ford Transit (1965-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford transit ss1992160589
Image Credit: Heinsdorff Jularlak/Shutterstock

The Ford Transit is a versatile van that has been in production since 1965, designed for both commercial and personal use.

It is known for its large cargo space, reliability, and ability to be customized for different needs, making it a favorite among businesses.

10. Ford Capri (1969-1986)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford capri ss2219777221
Image Credit: Dmitry Eagle Orlov/Shutterstock

The Ford Capri was a sporty coupe introduced in 1969 that gained popularity for its stylish design and affordable price. It was available in various engine sizes and became a symbol of 1970s motoring in Europe.

11. Shelby 427 Cobra (1965-1967)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 ss2244658635
Image Credit: Gestalt Imagery/Shutterstock

The Shelby 427 Cobra was a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design.

Produced between 1965 and 1967, it became famous for its speed and racing success, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.

12. 1953 Ford F-100

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford f 100 ss2244207683
Image Credit: Rakhmat Darmawan/Shutterstock

The 1953 Ford F-100 is a classic pickup truck that is celebrated for its rugged design and reliable performance. It featured a stylish front grille and was popular for both work and leisure, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts.

13. Ford Explorer (1990-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford explorer car wc
Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Explorer is a popular mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1990. It is known for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and off-road capabilities, making it a favorite among families and adventure seekers alike.

14. Ford Focus (1998-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford focus wc
Image Credit: Ezarate, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Focus is a compact car that has been produced since 1998. It is known for its fuel efficiency, agile handling, and available in a variety of body styles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

15. Ford RS200 (1984-1986)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford rs 200 ss2343868239
Image Credit: Just Jus/Shutterstock

The Ford RS200 was a mid-engine sports car produced in limited numbers between 1984 and 1986. It was designed for Group B rallying and featured a powerful turbocharged engine and advanced suspension system.

16. Ford Escort (1968-2002)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford escort wc
Image Credit: No.cilepogača, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Escort was a compact car that was produced from 1968 to 2002. It was known for its affordability, reliability, and availability in a range of body styles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

17. 1962 Ford Cortina (1962-1982)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford consul cortina wc
Image Credit: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Cortina was a mid-size car that was produced from 1962 to 1982. It was known for its affordability, practicality, and availability in a range of body styles, including sedans and wagons.

The 1962 model year marked the introduction of the Cortina, which became a popular choice among families and businesses in Europe.

18. Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1986-1992)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford sierra wc
Image Credit: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was a high-performance car produced from 1986 to 1992, designed for racing and everyday driving. It featured a turbocharged engine that delivered impressive speed and handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

19. Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992-1996)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford cosworth ss2367569995
Image Credit: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was a sporty version of the popular Escort model, produced between 1992 and 1996. It was known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, making it excellent for both rally racing and road use.

20. Ford Bronco (1966-1996, 2020-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford bronco wc
Image Credit: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV that was first introduced in 1966 and was reintroduced in 2020.

It is designed for off-road adventures with a strong frame, high ground clearance, and available four-wheel drive, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

21. Ford Crown Victoria (1992-2011)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford crown victoria ss2491693799
Image Credit: Tricky_Shark/Shutterstock

The Ford Crown Victoria was a full-size sedan produced from 1992 to 2011, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was widely used as a police car and taxi due to its reliability and powerful V8 engine.

22. Ford Fiesta ST (2013-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford fiesta ss2471679637
Image Credit: Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock

The Ford Fiesta ST is a sporty version of the Fiesta hatchback, first introduced in 2013. It is known for its fun-to-drive character, turbocharged engine, and agile handling, making it a popular choice among young drivers and enthusiasts.

23. Ford F-150 Raptor (2017-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford raptor wc
Image Credit: Navigator84, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance off-road truck that was redesigned in 2017. It features a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 450 horsepower and is built to handle tough terrains with advanced suspension and off-road technology.

24. Ford Ranger Raptor (2019-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford ranger ss2395657955
Image Credit: Rakhmat Darmawan/Shutterstock

The Ford Ranger Raptor, introduced in 2019, is a rugged version of the Ranger pickup designed for off-road adventures.

It comes with a turbocharged engine and enhanced suspension that allows it to tackle rough trails and provide a thrilling driving experience.

25. Ford Maverick (2022-present)

25 of Ford's Most Legendary Automobiles » ford maverick ss2421706393
Image Credit: Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that debuted in 2022, known for its affordability and versatility. It features a hybrid powertrain option, making it fuel-efficient, and offers a spacious bed for carrying cargo, appealing to both urban and outdoor drivers.

For 2025 Ford is adding an AWD hybrid option that has the makings of a perfect mid-size pickup truck (ref).

As Ford continues to upgrade and adapt to the changing needs of the market, one thing remains constant: the company’s dedication to creating automobiles that are not just modes of transportation, but objects of desire and symbols of freedom.

Sources:

  1. ford.com
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.