Ford has produced many iconic muscle cars, but not all have received the love and recognition they deserve. Some models, despite their impressive performance and unique features, remain underappreciated. Here are some unloved Ford muscle cars that deserve more attention.
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Ford Mustang II (1974-1978)
The Ford Mustang II, produced from 1974 to 1978, is often criticized for its lackluster performance and uninspired design. It was introduced during the oil crisis, leading to a focus on fuel efficiency rather than power. The base model featured a 2.3-liter inline-four engine producing just 88 horsepower. Customers were disappointed by its weak performance and deviation from the Mustang’s muscle car heritage. Despite its improved fuel economy, the Mustang II is considered one of the least beloved models in the Mustang lineup.
Ford Torino (1970-1971)
The Ford Torino, particularly the 1970-1971 models, struggled to capture the same admiration as other muscle cars of the era. Although it offered powerful engine options, such as the 429 Cobra Jet V8 producing 370 horsepower, its bulky design and lack of aggressive styling failed to resonate with enthusiasts. Customer reviews often highlighted its heavy handling and uninspired appearance. While the Torino had its merits, it never achieved the iconic status of its competitors.
Ford Thunderbird (1977-1979)
The 1977-1979 Ford Thunderbird transitioned from a performance-oriented muscle car to a more luxury-focused vehicle. This shift alienated muscle car enthusiasts who were disappointed by the lack of powerful engine options and the emphasis on comfort. The base model featured a 302 cubic inch V8 engine producing 135 horsepower, far below the expectations of muscle car fans. The Thunderbird’s heavy, uninspired design and reduced performance left it unloved by those seeking a true muscle car experience.
Ford Maverick Grabber (1970-1977)
The Ford Maverick Grabber, produced from 1970 to 1977, was intended to be a sporty variant of the Maverick compact car. However, it failed to deliver the performance expected of a muscle car. The most powerful engine option was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 210 horsepower. Despite its distinctive Grabber graphics and sporty appearance, customer reviews often noted its underwhelming performance and basic interior. The Maverick Grabber’s inability to match the power and excitement of other muscle cars left it largely unloved.
Ford Fairmont Futura (1978-1983)
The Ford Fairmont Futura, produced from 1978 to 1983, was marketed as a sporty variant of the Fairmont. However, its uninspired design and lack of powerful engine options failed to attract muscle car enthusiasts. The most powerful engine available was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 140 horsepower. Customer reviews often criticized its bland styling and mediocre performance. The Fairmont Futura’s lack of excitement and muscle car appeal left it unloved by many.
Ford Ranchero (1977-1979)
The Ford Ranchero, particularly the 1977-1979 models, struggled to maintain its appeal as a muscle car. While earlier models offered powerful engine options, the later models were hampered by emissions regulations and a focus on utility. The most powerful engine available was a 351 cubic inch V8 producing 162 horsepower. Customer reviews often highlighted its lack of performance and uninspired design. The Ranchero’s shift away from muscle car roots left it unloved by enthusiasts.
Ford EXP (1982-1988)
The Ford EXP, produced from 1982 to 1988, was marketed as a sporty, fuel-efficient car. However, its performance failed to live up to its sporty image. The base model featured a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing just 70 horsepower. Customer reviews often criticized its lack of power and uninspired design. The EXP’s inability to deliver the performance expected of a sporty car left it unloved by many.
Ford Elite (1974-1976)
The Ford Elite, produced from 1974 to 1976, was marketed as a personal luxury car rather than a true muscle car. Its heavy design and lack of powerful engine options disappointed enthusiasts. The most powerful engine available was a 460 cubic inch V8 producing 220 horsepower. Customer reviews often noted its poor handling and uninspired styling. The Elite’s focus on luxury over performance left it largely unloved by muscle car fans.
Ford Granada ESS (1977-1982)
The Ford Granada ESS, produced from 1977 to 1982, was intended to be a sporty variant of the Granada. However, its lack of powerful engine options and uninspired design failed to attract muscle car enthusiasts. The most powerful engine available was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 140 horsepower. Customer reviews often criticized its bland styling and mediocre performance. The Granada ESS’s inability to deliver the excitement of a true muscle car left it unloved by many.
Ford LTD II (1977-1979)
The Ford LTD II, produced from 1977 to 1979, was a full-size car that struggled to appeal to muscle car enthusiasts. Its heavy design and lack of powerful engine options disappointed those seeking performance. The most powerful engine available was a 351 cubic inch V8 producing 152 horsepower. Customer reviews often noted its poor handling and uninspired styling. The LTD II’s shift away from muscle car roots left it unloved by many.
Ford Mustang Cobra II (1976-1978)
The Ford Mustang Cobra II, produced from 1976 to 1978, was an attempt to revive the Mustang’s performance image. However, its lack of powerful engine options and heavy design failed to deliver the expected performance. The most powerful engine available was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 134 horsepower. Customer reviews often criticized its poor handling and uninspired styling. The Cobra II’s inability to live up to the Mustang’s legacy left it unloved by enthusiasts.
Ford Fairlane 500 (1968-1969)
The Ford Fairlane 500, particularly the 1968-1969 models, struggled to capture the same admiration as other muscle cars of the era. Although it offered powerful engine options, such as the 390 cubic inch V8 producing 320 horsepower, its bulky design and lack of aggressive styling failed to resonate with enthusiasts. Customer reviews often highlighted its heavy handling and uninspired appearance. While the Fairlane 500 had its merits, it never achieved the iconic status of its competitors.
Ford Falcon Sprint (1963-1965)
The Ford Falcon Sprint, produced from 1963 to 1965, was intended to be a sporty variant of the Falcon compact car. However, it failed to deliver the performance expected of a muscle car. The most powerful engine option was a 260 cubic inch V8 producing 164 horsepower. Despite its distinctive styling and sporty appearance, customer reviews often noted its underwhelming performance and basic interior. The Falcon Sprint’s inability to match the power and excitement of other muscle cars left it largely unloved.
Ford Maverick (1970-1977)
The Ford Maverick, produced from 1970 to 1977, was a compact car that struggled to appeal to muscle car enthusiasts. Its lack of powerful engine options and uninspired design disappointed those seeking performance. The most powerful engine available was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 210 horsepower. Customer reviews often noted its bland styling and mediocre performance. The Maverick’s shift away from muscle car roots left it unloved by many.
Ford Mustang SVO (1984-1986)
The Ford Mustang SVO, produced from 1984 to 1986, was an attempt to create a high-performance Mustang with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, its lack of V8 power and heavy design failed to deliver the expected performance. The 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 200 horsepower, but customer reviews often criticized its poor handling and uninspired styling. The SVO’s inability to live up to the Mustang’s legacy left it unloved by enthusiasts.
Ford Taurus SHO (1989-1995)
The Ford Taurus SHO, produced from 1989 to 1995, was a high-performance variant of the Taurus sedan. While it offered a powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 220 horsepower, its uninspired design and front-wheel-drive layout failed to attract muscle car enthusiasts. Customer reviews often noted its lack of rear-wheel-drive dynamics and aggressive styling. The Taurus SHO’s inability to match the excitement of true muscle cars left it largely unloved.
Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe (1983-1988)
The Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, produced from 1983 to 1988, was a high-performance variant of the Thunderbird. However, its lack of V8 power and heavy design failed to deliver the expected performance. The 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 190 horsepower, but customer reviews often criticized its poor handling and uninspired styling. The Turbo Coupe’s inability to live up to the Thunderbird’s legacy left it unloved by enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang Ghia (1974-1978)
The Ford Mustang Ghia, produced from 1974 to 1978, was an attempt to create a luxury-oriented Mustang. However, its lack of powerful engine options and heavy design failed to attract muscle car enthusiasts. The most powerful engine available was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 134 horsepower. Customer reviews often criticized its poor handling and uninspired styling. The Mustang Ghia’s shift away from muscle car roots left it unloved by many.
Ford Granada (1975-1982)
The Ford Granada, produced from 1975 to 1982, was a midsize car that struggled to appeal to muscle car enthusiasts. Its lack of powerful engine options and uninspired design disappointed those seeking performance. The most powerful engine available was a 302 cubic inch V8 producing 140 horsepower. Customer reviews often noted its bland styling and mediocre performance. The Granada’s shift away from muscle car roots left it unloved by many.
Ford Mustang L (1979-1982)
The Ford Mustang L, produced from 1979 to 1982, was an attempt to create a fuel-efficient Mustang. However, its lack of powerful engine options and heavy design failed to deliver the expected performance. The base model featured a 2.3-liter inline-four engine producing just 88 horsepower. Customer reviews often criticized its poor handling and uninspired styling. The Mustang L’s inability to live up to the Mustang’s legacy left it unloved by enthusiasts.
Ford LTD LX (1984-1985)
The Ford LTD LX, produced from 1984 to 1985, was a high-performance variant of the LTD sedan. While it offered a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 165 horsepower, its uninspired design and heavy build failed to attract muscle car enthusiasts. Customer reviews often noted its lack of aggressive styling and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. The LTD LX’s inability to match the excitement of true muscle cars left it largely unloved.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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