Ford Reliability: Are Fords Reliable (2024)

Ford is one of the most recognizable brands, automotive or otherwise, in the United States today.

Founded in 1903, Ford Motor Co. revolutionized car manufacturing with the moving assembly line and improved the lives of those early assembly line workers, offering $5 a day for an 8-hour workday.

The Model A was introduced in 1903, with 1,708 autos manufactured that year. In 1908, the Model T got rolling. Other iconic and innovative Ford models followed, like the Ford Mustang, which first drove off the assembly line in 1964.

Ford also helped launch the U.S. market for SUVs, with the introduction of the Ford Explorer. In 2020, the car maker brought back an icon – the Ford Bronco, an SUV with the ruggedness of an F-series pickup and performance of a Mustang.

Today, the Blue Oval’s F-series pickup trucks, including the Ford F-150, have ranked among the best selling vehicles in the country for the last 39 years, and were the top selling pickups in the country for the 44th consecutive year in 2020.

It’s been said that Henry Ford put the world on wheels with the Model T, an affordable and durable automobile that more Americans could afford at a time when most cars were considered luxurious novelties. Ford Motor Co. continues to innovate today, while remaining true to its history of producing affordable cars that rank high in customer satisfaction.

If you’re thinking about buying a Ford, you’re probably considering its reliability.

According to the trusted non-profit Consumer Reports, Ford ranked 22 out of the 26 brands ranked, with a score of 38, just above Mini, which scored 37.

Mazda and Toyota ranked at the top of the list, with ratings of 83 and 74, with Lexus, Buick and Honda rounding out the top 5 most reliable brands. Ford’s luxury brand, Lincoln, ranked last with a score of 8.

Consumer Reports’ reliability data comes from its members’ Auto Reliability Surveys. The non-profit received surveys of 329,000 vehicles, detailing 2000 to 2020 models.

The surveys reported on any vehicle problems during the past 12 months that members considered serious because of cost, failure, safety or downtime, in any of 17 trouble spots. These trouble spots include minor and major engine and transmission issues, electrical system, brakes, paint and trim and in-car electronics.

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for a Ford is $775, which means it has above average ownership costs, compared to an average $652 annual repair cost for all car models.

There are a range of factors taken into consideration when giving a car model a reliability rating. These include:

• Industry standing: The reputation of the brand within the automotive industry.
• Coverage: This is based on the types of extended warranty plans available, including the coverage terms and other benefits like roadside assistance.
• Cost: Companies that provide lower coverage costs generally get a higher score here.
• Critical reception: The opinions of professional car critics is also a factor.
• Customer service: Determined by customer reviews, responsiveness and helpfulness ratings.

Ford’s reliability rating, explained

Ford Edge

Ford Mustang

Truly an American icon, the Ford Mustang offers a stable of powerful engines for drivers looking to a buy a modern muscle car. That includes the range-topping 760-horsepower Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, introduced in 2020.

Drivers will also love the quality cabin and ample trunk space. A drawback is a tiny backseat, but who cares with 760 horses under the hood?

Shop Ford Mustang

Start shopping for your next ride from EchoPark’s wide selection of used Ford trucks, SUVs and sedans. Many of EchoPark’s used Ford cars for sale are still under the original warranty, and you have the option of buying an extended protection plan, good for 5 years or 75,000 miles, for added peace of mind.