Some Fords faded away quietly. Others were yanked out of the lineup while their fan base clung to the bumpers, screaming for mercy. These are the models that had the magic — the cars and trucks Ford should have kept alive, because even years later, people still talk about them like they just rolled off the showroom floor.
Ford Mustang SVO (1984–1986)
The SVO was the Mustang that dared to go against the grain. Instead of a burly V8, it came with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower — plenty for the mid ’80s. Its independent suspension tuning, four-wheel disc brakes, and European-inspired interior made it more of a rival to BMWs than Camaros. If Ford built a modern SVO with EcoBoost tech and Mustang Mach 1 handling, it could be a hit all over again.
Ford Falcon (1960–1970 in North America)
The Falcon started as Ford’s answer to compact economy cars, but it quickly became a versatile platform with everything from thrifty six-cylinders to V8-powered performance variants. It was light, easy to work on, and sold in huge numbers. In Australia, the Falcon lived until 2016 and even spawned legendary high-performance sedans. Seeing it dropped in North America feels like a missed opportunity for a modern small sedan revival.
Ford Crown Victoria (1992–2011)
The Crown Vic was America’s trusty road warrior. It ran for decades with a 4.6L V8, body-on-frame toughness, and rear-wheel drive simplicity. It was the choice of police departments, taxi companies, and anyone who valued comfort and longevity. Crown Vics routinely racked up over 300,000 miles, and the fleet market still mourns its loss. With today’s SUVs replacing them, there is a noticeable void in the world of bulletproof sedans.
Ford Ranger (First Gen 1983–2012 in North America)
The original Ranger was exactly what people wanted in a small pickup: affordable, simple, easy to fix, and perfectly sized for both work and daily life. You could get a basic four-cylinder for economy or a small V6 for light towing. When Ford dropped it in 2012, it left buyers scrambling for alternatives until the larger, more modern Ranger came back in 2019 — but it still does not match the charm and simplicity of the original.
Ford Torino (1968–1976)
The Torino could be anything from a stylish family car to a NASCAR monster with a 429 Cobra Jet V8. It had the looks, the performance, and the racing pedigree. Starsky and Hutch’s red-and-white Torino became an icon of the era. If Ford brought it back today as a retro-inspired coupe with modern V8 power, it could rival Dodge’s Challenger for muscle car nostalgia.
Ford Thunderbird (1955–2005, with breaks)
The original Thunderbird was Ford’s glamorous personal luxury car, blending performance with comfort. Over the decades it morphed into various shapes and sizes, some more loved than others. The 2002 retro revival had potential but never fully captured the magic. With modern tech and styling cues from the first-gen T-Bird, Ford could easily reintroduce a proper luxury coupe that turns heads.
Ford Capri (1968–1986 in various markets)
Marketed in Europe as the “car you always promised yourself,” the Capri was a stylish coupe with practical hatchback design and a range of engines to suit different budgets. It was imported to the U.S. under Mercury branding, but its full European lineup never made it here. Ford could revive it today as a smaller, sportier Mustang alternative.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992–1996, overseas)
This rally-bred hatchback came with all-wheel drive, a turbocharged 2.0L engine making 227 hp, and a massive whale-tail spoiler. It was designed to dominate rally stages, and it did just that. Never officially sold in North America, it remains a dream import for enthusiasts. If Ford had brought it over, it might have rivaled the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evo scene.
Ford Bronco II (1984–1990)
A smaller sibling to the full-size Bronco, the Bronco II was compact, capable, and perfect for light off-roading. Yes, it had a reputation for being tippy, but it was a great size for city dwellers who still wanted to escape to the mountains. In today’s SUV-heavy world, a modernized Bronco II would make a lot of sense.
Ford Galaxie (1959–1974)
The Galaxie was Ford’s big, stylish cruiser, available with everything from a mild six-cylinder to a thundering 427 V8. It was a favorite on the NASCAR circuit and looked just as good parked at a drive-in as it did screaming around an oval. A modern full-size coupe or sedan with Galaxie styling cues could inject some personality back into Ford’s lineup.
Ford Probe GT (1989–1997)
The Probe GT, especially the second generation, had sleek styling, a capable chassis, and a smooth V6. It was supposed to replace the Mustang at one point — thankfully, that didn’t happen — but the car stood on its own as a fun, affordable coupe. With sport coupes now rare, a Probe revival could offer an alternative to the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ.
Ford Fiesta ST (2014–2019 in North America)
This little firecracker proved that driving fun could come in small, affordable packages. With a turbocharged three-cylinder engine in its last generation, razor-sharp handling, and a playful chassis, the Fiesta ST built a cult following. Ford’s decision to abandon small cars in North America left a big hole in the market for an accessible hot hatch.
Ford GT90 Concept (1995)
The GT90 was Ford’s wildest concept ever — a wedge-shaped supercar with a quad-turbo 6.0L V12 producing 720 hp. It looked like something straight out of a science fiction film and could have cemented Ford as a ’90s supercar powerhouse. Instead, it became a showpiece for auto shows and video games, but the legend remains.
Ford Maverick Grabber (1970–1977)
The Maverick Grabber was a budget-friendly performance coupe with funky graphics, a rear spoiler, and available V8 power. It was light, quick for its day, and had an undeniable charm. A modern-day Maverick Grabber, based on Ford’s new compact pickup, could be a clever retro performance model.
Ford Lightning (1993–2004 in two generations)
The SVT Lightning took a standard F-150 and turned it into a performance truck capable of embarrassing sports cars in a straight line. The first gen was raw and loud, the second gen had a supercharged 5.4L V8 and serious street cred. Today’s electric Lightning is impressive, but fans still long for the old gas-burning muscle truck.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
