With a variety of powerful engines and compact-to-full-size options, you can’t go wrong with a Ford car.
The Ford Motor Company is full of history and heritage. The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and has been producing vehicles of all shapes and sizes for almost 118 years.
At Ford, early investors included John and Horace Dodge, who famously went on to produce their own line of automobiles and became key competitors. A lot has happened at Ford since then. From the pioneering Model T to the modern-day GT supercar, Ford has produced dozens of great cars, and we’re going to give you a rundown of some of the best options when it comes to Blue Oval’s best cars.
It is worth noting upfront that Ford’s 2021 model year lineup doesn’t really offer many “cars” since the company is pivoting to focus on SUVs and trucks.
Currently, the only 2021 Ford car in showrooms is the Mustang. Still, there are tons of great Ford cars on used car lots around the country.
So, whether you are looking for something smaller, like the Fiesta and Focus, or something a bit larger, like the Fusion and Taurus, the Ford car lineup goes pretty deep with a lot of great options. Plus, there’s that other car called the Mustang that has done pretty well.
Subcompact: Ford Fiesta
Ford has an impressive history of building cars in Europe. In fact, even though it’s a thoroughly American company, Ford’s Europe division has produced some of the best-selling cars on the continent. One of them is the Ford Fiesta. Originally launched as a “supermini” in 1976, the Fiesta soldiered on for decades evolving and improving. It wasn’t really until the car’s sixth-generation (2011-2019) that the United States got a good taste of the spicy Fiesta.
Built on a then-new Ford global B-car platform, the Fiesta was a hit around the globe. Launched in both sedan and four-door hatchback layout, the Fiesta is a versatile small car with a surprising amount of space.
The Fiesta sedan offered 12.8 cu. ft. of cargo space, while the hatchback bumps up to 26.0 cu. ft. The Fiesta was launched in 2011 with a standard 1.6L inline four-cylinder that produced 120 horsepower and 112 lb.-ft. of torque. It came with a standard five-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The lightweight means an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy that ranges from 37 to 40 mpg.
Ford Fiesta’s Updates
To help you find the right model year Fiesta for your needs, here is a quick rundown of the changes over its sixth generation. For the 2012-2013 model year, the Fiesta carried over with minor changes to trim packages and colors.
For 2014, the Fiesta received significant powertrain updates, including two new engines. You can now find the 2014 Fiesta with a new 1.0L EcoBoost inline three-cylinder engine, which gets an impressive EPA estimated 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. If speed is what you need, the Fiesta ST trim (hatchback only) became available for the first time in 2014.
With a potent turbocharged 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder producing an impressive 197 horsepower and 202 lb.-ft. of torque and performance upgrades like a standard six-speed manual, ST body kit (spoiler, grill, hood), and fantastic Recaro seats, the Fiesta ST is a lot of fun. Additionally, the 2014 Fiesta received a new available 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
Generally speaking, the 2015-2017 Fiesta only received minor updates to trim and packages, of note for 2016, the Sync 3 system replaced MyFord Touch for audio, connectivity, and navigation.
For 2018, the 1.0L three-cylinder engine was no longer available, however, a rearview camera was made standard across the lineup per U.S. Government regulation. Finally, for 2019, its last year in production, Ford added the sporty-looking ST-Line trim to fit in between the SE and ST Fiesta hatchback.
Sadly, that marks the end of the Ford Fiesta in the United States. The seventh generation of the Fiesta lives on overseas, but if you want to get a great sixth generation for yourself, prices range from just over $5,000 to north of $20,000 for a top-spec 2019 model.
- 2011 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $5,074-$7,397
- 2012 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $5,168-$7,551
- 2013 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $5,333-$8,001
- 2014 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $6,705-$11,933
- 2015 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $7,042-$13,147
- 2016 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $8,596-$15,760
- 2017 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $9,233-$16,492
- 2018 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $11,998-$19,284
- 2019 Ford Fiesta: Prices range from $13,306-$20,666
Compact: Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is another of the most popular vehicles in the world. If you are looking for a bit more space for passengers and cargo, the Focus makes great use of its compact size. Dating back to 1998, the Focus has been another darling of the European market and was the replacement for the Ford Escort.
Here in the States, we got our first first-generation Focus in 2000 in three styles including a three-door hatchback, a sedan, and a wagon. It was powered by a choice of 2.0L engines, one making 107 horsepower, and the other 130 horsepower. Prices range from $1,618 to $3,039 for 2000 models up to $3,560 to $5,916 for 2007, the final year of the first generation Focus.
The second-generation Ford Focus runs from 2008 to 2011 and candidly isn’t quite as attractive as the first or third iterations, both of which share their design with their European counterpart. The North American Focus was only available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan and was powered by a 2.0L 140 horsepower four-cylinder.
Candidly, it’s worth the time to find a third-generation Focus (2012-2018). On launch, the 2012 Ford Focus came in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles with four trim levels available including S, SE, SEL, and Titanium.
Power came from a brand new 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine that puts out a more impressive 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford Focus’ Updates
The third generation soldiered on through the 2018 model year with a variety of updates and changes. For the 2013 model year, the Focus also got a hot-rod Focus ST four-door hatchback version. Similar to the Fiesta ST, it receives cool styling details including center-exit exhaust pipes and sportier interior trim, and Recaro seats. Most impressive is the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder making 252 horsepower, although the Focus ST remains front-wheel-drive.
For 2014 the Focus only received minor trim and equipment updates across its various levels. Starting in 2015, you could option the Focus with a smaller, but turbocharged, 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder with 123 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The ST trim also received several upgrades to lighting as well as interior and exterior trim for the 2015 model year.
The big news for the 2016 model year was the incredibly quick all-wheel-drive Focus RS. It comes with a standard output of 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque from a 2.3L turbocharged inline four-cylinder and a six-speed manual. The Focus RS is a serious performance car! Additionally for 2016, just like the Fiesta, the Focus got the Sync 3 voice recognition and entertainment system for 2016 as well as a handful of trim updates. The 2017-2018 model years received minor updates and the Focus was sadly discontinued prior to the 2019 model year.
Similarly, the fourth-generation Focus lives on outside of the North American market.
However, there are lots of great Focus models to choose from on the domestic used market. Third-generation prices range from around $5,500 to near $37,000 for the great Focus RS in its most recent model year.
- 2012 Ford Focus: Prices range from $5,546-$10,974
- 2013 Ford Focus: Prices range from $5,755-$16,732
- 2014 Ford Focus: Prices range from $6,750-$19,039
- 2015 Ford Focus: Prices range from $7,488-$20,123
- 2016 Ford Focus: Prices range from $9,143-$32,137
- 2017 Ford Focus: Prices range from $10,969-$35,519
- 2018 Ford Focus: Prices range from $11,756-$36,915
Ford Focus Electric: For something a bit more environmentally conscious, check out the Focus Electric. Sold between 2012 and 2018, early 2012-2016 models featured a 107kW Electric Motor producing 143 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The range was minimal compared to the competition those model years, with an estimated range of just 76 miles on a single charge.
In 2017, the Focus Electric received a 40-percent energy-dense battery pack, helping the EPA-rated range of the Ford Focus Electric improve from 76 miles to 115 miles.
Muscle Car: Ford Mustang
And now for something completely different, the legendary Ford Mustang! The Mustang has a storied history dating back to 1965 (well, 1964½ technically) and has only continued to build on that tradition since then over six great generations. The formula has never varied too dramatically, two doors, rear-wheel-drive, big engines, it’s the classic muscle car formula that the Mustang helped build.
There are thousands of great Mustangs to choose from across the new and used market. The fourth-generation Mustang debuted in 1994 marking the car’s first major redesign in fifteen years. Code-named “SN-95” it was still technically built off of the “Fox” platform that was home to the third generation (1979–1993). Look for some cool models like the Bullitt (2001), Mach 1 (2003-2004), and two versions of the high output Cobra (1999-2001 and 2003-2004).
The fifth-generation (2005–2014), codenamed “S-197”, marked a major update for the Mustang. Built off of the new D2C platform the latest Mustang continued to evolve the breed with new “retro-inspired” styling and a host of new features and trim levels. Prices range from $5,651 to $8,337 for 2005 models and $13,782 to $39,160 for the final 2014 model year.
The most recent sixth-generation (S-550) that launched in 2015 is easily the best of the bunch. The latest Mustang is wider, lower, and even though the wheelbase remained the same, passenger volume was increased. Engine options became a lot more varied for the first time in a couple of generations. Upon launch in 2015, you can choose from a standard 300 horsepower 3.7L V6, an optional four-cylinder EcoBoost that puts out 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, a naturally a 5.0L V8 pumping out 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford Mustang’s Updates
The sixth-generation Mustang didn’t rest on its laurels, Ford went right to work providing updates and new trim options over its lifespan thus far. New for 2016 was a host of upgrades including new appearance packages like the Black Accent, California Special, and Pony packages. The Mustang also received the new Sync 3 voice recognition and entertainment system.
Oh, right, the Mustang also gained the fabulous Shelby GT350 and GT350R models, featuring a new 526 horsepower 5.2-liter flat-plane V8 and race car handling. The 2017 model year marked new color choices, the Sync 3 now came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and the GT350 models now came standard with the Track package.
Take a look at the 2018 and newer models for the latest mid-cycle updates to the Mustang. Ford gave the 2018 Mustang a major makeover, with more aggressive styling and a host of mechanical changes.
First, Ford removed the V6 from the lineup, just leaving the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 5.0L V8. The EcoBoost engine remained at 310 horsepower but got a torque boost to 350 lb.-ft., while the ubiquitous 5.0 went from 435 horsepower to 460 horsepower and torque was bumped from 400 lb.-ft. to 420 lb.-ft.
For 2019, the 475 horsepower Bullitt special edition joined the lineup, and for 2020 the Mustang received a variety of trim and color updates, but the big news was an amazing new Shelby GT500. It packs an unreal supercharged 5.2-liter V8 putting out 760 horsepower and 625 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s the fastest Mustang ever!
For 2021 Ford kept the special edition train rolling with the revised sixth generation version of the classic Mach 1. The new track-oriented Mach 1 packs a 5.0L engine, but comes with lots of go-fast goodies to help make the best of a day at the track.
The Mustang is still going strong, one of the only Ford cars still in showrooms. Pricing ranges from the mid $16,000 range for a base 2015 up to just under $50,000 for a new top-trim version.
- 2015 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $16,615-$30,095
- 2016 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $18,087-$45,785
- 2017 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $19,380-$50,730
- 2018 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $21,560-$51,506
- 2019 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $25,380-$62,037
- 2020 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $29,416-$68,888
- 2021 Ford Mustang: Prices range from $42,895-$49,800
Midsize: Ford Fusion
If the four-door Fiesta and Focus are both a bit too small, and you need something a little larger, take a look at the Ford Fusion. The Fusion represents a great addition to the midsize class. Its first generation ran from 2006 to 2012 and was built on Ford’s CD3 platform.
The platform, designed by Mazda through a collaborative partnership, resulted in the Mazda6 and a host of other cars and crossovers built between the two companies. Despite its solid underpinnings, the first-generation Fusion wasn’t all that great. It came with a mix of four and six-cylinder options and even offered a hybrid trim, but most engines were thought to be underpowered and the first-gen Fusion had a fairly uninspiring and bland design.
Fast forward to 2013 and Ford unveiled the brand new second-generation Fusion. With a very attractive new aerodynamic design built on the Ford CD4 platform, the new Fusion turned heads immediately. Designed by Ford’s European design studio, the 2013 Fusion was released with a (mostly) new set of powertrains.
Only the base 175 horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder carried over from the first generation, beyond that Ford added two gasoline engines including a turbocharged 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost, four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.
Eco-friendly buyers will note that the Ford Fusion Hybrid was also available in 2013 with a 2.0L Atkinson hybrid I4 engine rated at 188 horsepower, as was the Ford Fusion Energi was a plug-in version featuring the same engine.
Ford Fusion’s Updates
Starting in 2014, the Fusion received a new 1.5L EcoBoost engine which replaces the 1.6L EcoBoost but retains the same 178 horsepower. Beyond that, it was only trim updates for the remainder of the 2014 Fusion models. The 2015 model year saw the addition of a standard rearview camera, and the 1.6L EcoBoost was no longer available with a manual transmission. The Fusion received an updated dashboard design plus new appearance packages and trim updates for 2016.
For the 2017 model year, the Fusion was now available in Sport and Platinum trims and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system was added, along with minor styling updates. While the 2018 Ford Fusion received no significant updates, for 2019 the midsize car received new styling in the front and rear plus new standard features along with the option to add Ford’s new package of driver-assist technologies.
The Energi version also gets a slightly extended electric-only range (from 21 to 25 miles). Finally, for 2020 the Fusion received minor updates and colors, although the quick Sport V6 trim was no longer available.
The 2020 model years is likely the swan song for the Fusion, it will go the way of the Fiesta and Focus and no longer be a part of the Ford lineup. Fear not, you can get lots of great second-generation Fusions from a bargain price of just under $8,500 up to around $26,000. It is definitely a lot of car for the money!
- 2013 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $8,446-$14,152
- 2014 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $9,608-$16,050
- 2015 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $11,188-$19,265
- 2016 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $12,069-$21,979
- 2017 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $12,966-$24,292
- 2018 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $15,628-$26,192
- 2019 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $17,693-$26,249
- 2020 Ford Fusion: Prices range from $19,856-$26,283
Full-size: Ford Taurus
Rounding out our list of the best Ford cars is the Taurus. The long-running Taurus helped to establish Ford as an automotive powerhouse in the 1980s. It was part of a new quality-focused initiative at Ford and the midsize sedan and wagon sold in large numbers. The first generation ran from 1986–1991 and was updated for the 1992-1995 model year.
In 1996 a radical redesign was launched with a more rounded version of the Taurus sedan and wagon that ran through 1999. By the fourth generation (2000-2007), the Taurus was no longer the best-selling car in America. Ford started over, re-launching the Taurus in 2008 in full-size form built off of the outgoing Ford Five-Hundred.
Of note, the performance-oriented SHO, which stood for “Super High Output” was sold between 1989-1991 during the first generation and established the Taurus as a capable sports sedan that continued with new versions sold during the second, third, and sixth-generation Taurus.
However, it wasn’t until Ford unveiled the sixth-generation Taurus (2010-2019) that things began to look up for Ford’s full-size sedan. The brand new handsome clean-sheet design for 2010 was a fresh take in the Taurus and was powered by a standard 3.5L V6 engine with 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque.
In the latest incarnation of the Taurus SHO trim, you’ll find an impressive twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 with 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque and standard all-wheel-drive. The Taurus sports sedan was finally back.
Ford Taurus’ Updates
There were no changes for the 2011 model year, and only minor changes happened for 2012. The big news for the 2013 mid-cycle refresh included both a revised exterior and interior, plus a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.
Additionally, the base V6 received a small horsepower bump to 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, while the SHO got better brakes and an optional performance package. For 2014-2015, the only updates included new color options and revised trim packages. The 2016 model year saw a rearview camera standard on all models, and the updated Sync 3 tech arrived, but only on upper models; lower trim levels retain the older system.
For 2017, a new available Sony audio system was added to the options list as well as another revision to the external color palette. 2018 saw the 2.0L EcoBoost engine dropped from the lineup and for 2019 there were no major updates.
Another mighty Ford car has fallen, the Taurus is no more. It was removed from the Ford lineup, but the last generation, in particular, was quite solid. It represents a lot of car for the money, so take a look at these used options!
- 2010 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $6,354-$11,671
- 2011 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $6,909-$12,624
- 2012 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $8,009-$13,613
- 2013 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $8,668-$15,375
- 2014 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $9,719-$16,815
- 2015 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $11,360-$19,222
- 2016 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $12,959-$25,196
- 2017 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $14,617-$27,915
- 2018 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $15,832-$30,312
- 2019 Ford Taurus: Prices range from $17,276-$31,548
Best Ford Cars
When it comes to deciding on the best of Ford’s lineup of cars, the top recommendation, partially through attrition, is the Ford Mustang. The last one standing is actually quite deserving, having continually improved over decades of engineering. The Mustang has become a giant-killer in the automotive world.
Even a base GT with the 5.0L engine will run with some of the best from BMW’s M division and Mercedes’ AMG, which cost twice as much (or more). Meanwhile, the latest 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost 310 horsepower comes with an impressive EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with a manual transmission, and 21/32 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission.
For sweet spots with regard to trim and options, look for the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium. For 2021 as an example, the Premium trim includes great comfort and convenience upgrades like heated and cooled leather front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, multicolor ambient lighting, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
With regard to performance, try to opt for a 2018 or newer Mustang. Particularly in the 5.0L model, power bumps from 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque up to an impressive 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. It is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. Even the EcoBoost Mustang also got a healthy 40 lb.-ft. injection of torque. For top-down fun, the Mustang is even available as a convertible.
Honestly, any of the most recent generation Ford cars are worth a look. From the spicy Fiesta to the slightly larger Focus, up to the midsize Fusion and full-size Taurus, all of these cars use variations of the same great concept. The excellent EcoBoost engines, which are present across all recent Ford cars, are definitely a bright spot, as are upgraded interiors and a great mix of standard features.
Photos: Ford