Ford Motor Company has been ranked as the most iconic U.S. brand on Time magazine’s inaugural “America’s Most Iconic Companies” list, according to a report published by Newest Cars. The automaker outperformed major American brands including Apple, McDonald’s, and Walmart.
According to Newest Cars, the ranking highlights Ford’s long-standing commercial success and its deep-rooted influence on American culture and society. The evaluation was based on feedback from more than 10,000 members of the U.S. public, representing over 100,000 individual assessments.
To qualify for the list, companies were required to be founded and headquartered in the United States and maintain a market presence for at least 10 years. Ford, established in Michigan in 1903, far exceeds that benchmark, tracing its legacy back to the introduction of the Model T.
The survey measured five core criteria: brand recognition and familiarity, cultural impact, emotional connection, resilience, and overall “Americanness.” Newest Cars noted that the Ford F-150 pickup played a significant role in strengthening the company’s iconic status, thanks to its wide range of configurations serving both work-oriented and premium buyers.
The Ford F-150 has consistently ranked among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, competing closely with rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota RAV4. General Motors, Chevrolet’s parent company, also appeared on the list, placing seventh overall.
Newest Cars also reported that Ford continues to expand its global footprint through its luxury brand Lincoln and a joint venture with China’s Changan Automobile. At the same time, the automaker is increasing its presence in motorsports, including its upcoming return to Formula 1.
Time magazine attributed Ford’s ranking to its alignment with American identity and its focus on producing vehicles accessible to the mass market. The publication also cited Ford’s investments in future mobility, including self-driving technology and efforts to make electric vehicles more affordable.
Commenting on the recognition, Ford executive chair Bill Ford said the company is committed to ensuring that the future of transportation is built by American workers for American families.
The top 10 companies on Time’s “America’s Most Iconic Companies 2026” list, as cited by Newest Cars, are:
- Ford Motor Company
- Apple
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Walmart
- Amazon
- McDonald’s
- General Motors
- Microsoft
- Google
- Nike
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