Top Rated Ford Cars and Trucks of All Time

The Ford Motor Company incorporated in 1903, manufacturing and marketing automobiles and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand. It has produced trucks and tractors since 1908 and small transit buses since 1936.

By 1914, Ford’s assembly-line car production and workforce management were widely used around the world. Today, Ford is the second-largest US automaker and eighth-largest globally (Forbes 2010).  Here are some of the most beloved Ford cars and trucks ever made:

The Model T

The 1908 Ford Model T (“Tin Lizzy”) was produced in 1908-1927. The car industry was built around it. Approximately 16.5 million were produced over 20 years.

Specifications

Model T’s were manufactured in 5-seat touring car, 2-seat runabout, and 7-seat town car body styles. Each was mounted on a 100-in. wheelbase chassis. Ford’s assembly-line production reduced the touring model cost from $850 (1908) to less than $300 (1925).

Performance

The Model T had an efficient 4-cylinder, 20 hp engine, which reached speeds of 40–45 mph (65–70 km/h). Early models were hand cranked to start. Models made after 1920 had battery-powered starters. The 2-speed transmission (2 forward, 1 reverse) was controlled by foot pedals. The spark and throttle were hand-controlled from the steering column. Fuel was gravity-fed.

Safety

Failure to impede the spark prior to cranking the engine could result in broken arm/kick-back injuries. Additionally, the handbrake was unreliable on hills.

Other Features

The Model T originally came in a variety of colors. It was mass-produced only in black from 1913-1925. An optional electric starter was offered in 1919.

The Competition

One in 10 cars produced was a Model T. It remained the best-selling automobile 45 years after its production ended. The (ineffective) service brake was comparable to Chevrolet’s.

Fuel Efficiency

The Model T had a 10-gallon fuel tank and ran on gasoline, kerosene, or ethanol.

Pros/Cons

The Model T’s popularity was due to its low cost, durability, versatility, and low maintenance. It created “aftermarket.” Its drawbacks were its overall appearance, gravity-fed gasoline system, a more powerful reverse gear than forward/drive gears, and rough ride at higher speeds.

The 1932 Ford V8

The 1932 Ford V8 (Model 18/40) was Ford’s first car to run a flathead V8 engine.

Specifications

The full-size V8 was manufactured in a 2-door roadster, (“deuce”) coupe, cabriolet, or phaeton, a 2- or 4-door, hard or soft-top sedan, and pickup body styles. All were mounted on a 106-in. wheelbase chassis (1932), which was stretched to a 112-in. cross-member frame in 1933-34. The MSRP for coupes and roadsters was $490-$495. The MSRP for convertible sedans was $650.

Performance

The 221 cu.in. (3.6 l.) flathead, single-cast V8 engine was initially rated at 65 hp (48 kW). Carburetor and ignition improvements increased its power to 75 hp (56 kW) in 1933 and to 85 hp (63 kW) in 1934. The V8’s top speed was 76 mph (122 km/h).

Other Features

The V8 Model 18 came in Standard or Deluxe trim with black fenders, wire wheels, and a rear- or side-mounted spare wheel. Options included interior leather or broadcloth, clock, single/twin side-mounts, luggage rack, and inside/outside mirrors.

The Competition

Competitors’ V8 engines were cast in 2-3 pieces and bolted together. Ford’s single-casting V8 was lighter (better power-to-weight ratio) and affordable, although it didn’t run as smoothly. It was $100 less than Plymouth’s, but $15 more than Chevrolet’s.

Pros/Cons

Ford exceeded its competition in price and product, which made it difficult to keep up with demand.

The 1964 Mustang

The First Generation 1964 Ford Mustang (“pony car”), invented by Lee Iacocca for the automotive youth market, was produced from 1964 to 1973.

Specifications

The First Gen Mustang was manufactured in 2-door hatchback, fastback, 2+2 seat coupe, and convertible body styles and mounted on Falcon chassis. MSRP for the low-end, hardtop, 170 cu.in. (2.8 l.) straight-6, 3-speed model was about $2,370.

Performance

The 1964 Mustang also used the Falcon’s/Fairlane’s drivetrain, suspension, and interior, which were already in production. Alternators replaced generators. The 6-cylinder engine was upgraded to 200 cu.in. (3.3 l.) and 120 hp (89 kW). The V8 was upgraded to 289 cu.in. (4.7 l.) and 210 hp (157 kW).

Safety

The drop-in fuel tank, set into a hole in the trunk, was only separated from passengers by the back seat. Rear-end collisions potentially ruptured tanks, setting the car on fire.

Other Features

Back-up lights were added on some models.

The Competition

Introduced at the NY World’s Fair, the 1964 Mustang quickly gained competition: Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, Plymouth Barracuda, and the First Gen Dodge Challenger.

Fuel Efficiency

The 1964 Mustang got 18 mpg.

Pros/Cons

No investment in additional parts was necessary because the Mustang was based on existing platforms. Engineers re-designed the fuel tank system in 1971.

The 1925 Ford Model T Runabout Pickup

The 1925 Ford Model T Runabout Pickup was the first factory-assembled practical alternative to 1-2-horse wagons.

Specifications

The Model T Runabout Pickup had a movable tailgate, cargo bed, and heavy-duty rear springs. The rear of the 2-seater Runabout was cut and a 4-ft. long factory-installed box added. It sold for $281.

Performance

The Model T Runabout Pickup had a 4-cylinder, 177 cu.in., 20 hp engine mounted on a 100-in. wheelbase chassis. It had the standard Model T 2-speed transmission.

Other Features

Model T Runabout Pickups only came in black with an optional electric starter.

The Competition

Competitors offered cheaper, reliable, assembly-line vehicles with options. Chevrolet models had three forward gears. The Model T still used two. Aftermarket companies (i.e.: Fordsons) invested less, selling Model T conversion kits (from car to tractor).

Fuel Efficiency

The Model T Runabout Pickup ran on gasoline, kerosene, or ethanol.

Pros/Cons

The Model T Runabout Pickup navigated narrow streets as well as rural roads. However, it was a new version of a vehicle that had not managed competitive upgrades. Ford cut production and sold Model T conversion kits instead.

Ford F-Series Pickups

The First Generation Ford F-Series Pickups (“Bonus-Built”) produced from 1948-1952 replaced the car-based chassis.

Specifications

The First Gen F-Series was manufactured with 2-door pickup (F1-F3), 4-door panel, COE (cab-over engine) (F-5, F-6, C-Series), and school bus (F-5, F-6, B-Series) chassis.

Performance

First Gen F-Series trucks had stronger chassis and level-action cab suspension. F1-F6 pickups had 226 (95 hp) or 254 (110 hp) I6, or 239 (100 hp) Flathead V8 engines. F7 and F8 pickups had 337 (145 hp) Flathead V8, 279 (145 hp) Y-Block V8, or 317 (155 hp) Y-Block V8 engines. A 215 (101 hp) I6 was also available. All first generation F-Series’ transmissions were manual 3, 4, or 5-speed.

Safety

One-piece windshields (1948) and expanded rear windows (1951) were added for better visibility.

Other Features

First Gen F-Series had a wider cab and more-comfortable seating. Options included a foot-operated windshield washer, passenger-side windshield wiper/sun visor, passenger-side taillight, and chrome trim (F1).

The Competition

First Gen F-Series trucks were the first post-WWII trucks to use a truck platform. They were designed for comfort, utility, and safety, and sold in various cab and chassis configurations based on weight (F1 half ton, F3 one-ton, etc.). F1s had a 6½-ft. bed. F2s andF3s had an 8-ft. bed. Closest competitors were Chevrolet and Dodge.

Fuel Efficiency

New engine types promised better fuel economy.

Pros/Cons

The post-war design offered three new engines, integrated headlights, flat, one-piece windshields, and wider cabs. The F-Series has led in towing since the first generation.