12 DISCONTINUED FORD CARS FROM THE 90S, RANKED WORST TO BEST

Ford was a dominant player throughout the 1990s. Its F-Series pickups consistently topped U.S. sales charts, while the Explorer helped redefine the family SUV segment. The Mondeo highlighted Ford’s global ambitions with a model tailored for international appeal. Over in Europe, the Fiesta Mk3 made waves with its modern suspension and efficient engines, becoming a popular choice across the continent. But the decade wasn’t without its setbacks. In pursuit of market saturation, Ford leaned heavily into badge-engineering—a strategy that didn’t sit well with everyone. The Explorer, despite its widespread success, was involved in a devastating recall linked to faulty Firestone tires, which caused numerous rollovers. The fallout was tragic: 271 lives lost and over 800 injuries. The controversy was so severe, it brought an end to Ford’s century-long relationship with Firestone.

Several Ford models had grown outdated and were due for a refresh. Meanwhile, Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda were gaining serious momentum throughout the 1990s, rolling out newer, more advanced vehicles. As a result, a number of Ford’s offerings gradually vanished from showrooms. While a few beloved nameplates eventually made a comeback, others were left behind as part of automotive history. That said, flopping in the market doesn’t always reflect the quality of the car itself. Some of these discontinued Fords were genuinely impressive. So, let’s take a look back at 12 of them from the '90s—ranked from the least memorable to the most remarkable.