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© History Oasis
Discontinued: 1927
The car that put America on wheels. Henry Ford's revolutionary "Tin Lizzie" pioneered mass production and made automobiles affordable for ordinary families. With over 15 million built, it dominated early automotive markets. At one point, half of all registered cars worldwide were Fords.
Discontinued: 2005
Ford's answer to the Corvette took a different path. The Thunderbird chose luxury over pure performance. This personal luxury car created its own market segment, featuring in countless Hollywood films. The T-Bird's sleek design and premium features made it an icon of American automotive elegance.
Discontinued: 1969
Born from Henry Ford II's rivalry with Enzo Ferrari, the GT40 was built for one purpose: to dominate Le Mans. Mission accomplished. This mid-engine masterpiece achieved Ford's historic 1-2-3 Le Mans victory in 1966, finally defeating Ferrari after years of Italian dominance.
Discontinued: 1980
America's budget-friendly subcompact challenged imports with its $1,919 price tag. Over 3 million were sold, making it more successful than competitors like the Chevrolet Vega. Despite later safety controversies, the Pinto proved Americans wanted affordable, efficient transportation.
Discontinued: 2003
The Pinto's successor became America's best-selling car throughout the 1980s. This front-wheel-drive compact represented Ford's transition to modern, fuel-efficient vehicles. As Ford's first "world car," it shared development with European models while dominating American driveways.
Discontinued: 1960
Automotive history's most famous flop. Despite $250 million in development and massive marketing, the Edsel's controversial styling and poor timing during a recession made it synonymous with commercial failure. Its vertical grille, compared to a "horse collar," became instantly recognizable. But no amount of weird designs could save this car from discontinuation.
Discontinued: 2011
The quintessential American police car and taxi. For two decades, the Crown Vic's body-on-frame construction and V8 power made it the choice of law enforcement nationwide. Over 1.5 million were built, making it one of the last traditional full-size American sedans.
Discontinued: 2019
The "jellybean" that revolutionized American car design. Its aerodynamic styling was radical for the 1980s, inspiring a wave of rounded automotive designs. The Taurus proved Americans would embrace European-inspired efficiency and became one of Ford's best-selling sedans.
Discontinued: 1996 (Revived 2021)
Ford's first SUV challenged Jeep's off-road dominance. The original Bronco established Ford in the recreational 4WD market and became a cultural icon (especially after that infamous O.J. Simpson police chase). After 30 years away, Ford successfully revived the Bronco in 2021, proving some legends never truly die.
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