Are Fords Good Cars?

Fords rank in the middle of the road when it comes to reliability. To be fair, the brand hosts a variety of nameplates, many of which are slowly fading as the automotive world favors compact and mid-size SUVs (such as the Ford Edge and Ford Escape) over hatchbacks and sedans (like the Ford Fusion and Focus). However, the Blue Oval has made several strides toward the future, most recently with the Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck and a slew of alternative-fuel and reliable cars. 

If you own one or more of the following cars, you may not need to know how to check the warranty on a car. Did your Ford make the list?  

Ranger

It might be telling that this list of reliable Fords includes several trucks and one SUV. However, the fact is that the Ranger nameplate has stood by the Ford name in the light-duty pickup ring for generations. Once a cramped and small platform, the Ranger’s bones grow for the newest rendition, competing against the likes of the GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado twins. 

F-Series Trucks

This list wouldn’t be complete without the F-Series truck lineup, from the F-150 and F-250 to the F-350 and up. Powerhouses in their own right, these trucks have proudly built America from the ground up and stand as one of the most reliable Ford models to date. The F-Series lineup remains one of Ford’s greatest successes, and the Lightning confidently accepts custody of that torch. 

Maverick

Slotted just below the Ranger as a small-but-mighty truck, the Maverick is to the small pickup world what the F-Series is for full-size pickups. Creature comforts may be slim on this variant, but the possibilities are endless. As time passes, the Maverick will surely earn its place among the many Ford giants. 

Explorer 

Trusted by policemen and women nationwide, the Ford Explorer showcases a powerhouse of capability, ruggedness, and technological advances. The robust frame and extensive cargo space make it a favorite among busy moms, while turbocharged models help dads feel less like they’re driving a minivan. Albeit with a few dodgy years amongst its own long history, the Explorer remains a mainstay among Ford’s lineup. 

Unfortunately, there’s no one measurement for reliability. Instead, the following sources can help us shed light on how reliable Fords are and where the car manufacturer might be lacking:

• Dependability awards from J.D. Power 
• Safety ratings from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 
• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own
• Reliability ratings and reported problems from RepairPal
• Fuel efficiency ratings from The U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov

In comparing data from these sources, potential Ford buyers can better understand the issues associated with the particular model they’re interested in and how they can spot a better deal on the dealership lot or via a private party sale. Keep reading to learn more about Ford’s reliability ratings. 

If you’re looking into buying a Ford, the following ratings can help you determine which models may work as the best car for your needs. You can tell a lot about a vehicle by its fuel efficiency ratings, average repair costs, safety features and ratings, cost of ownership, and dependability ratings.  

1. Dependability 

J.D. Power granted four Ford models awards in 2022. The 2022 Ford Ranger ranked for the highest quality in the midsize pickup lineup, while the 2019 Mustang beat out rivals for the most dependable midsize sporty car. The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport was awarded best performance small SUV. Last but not least, the 2022 Ford Super Duty F-250 SRW won for best performance among large heavy-duty pickups. 

2. Safety features and ratings

It’s easiest to see how Ford prioritizes the safety of its passengers with ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The IIHS ranked several nameplates among its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ rankings, including the following:

• 2022 to 2023 Bronco Sport
• 2022 Escape 
• 2022 to 2023 Explorer
• 2022 to 2023 Mustang Mach-E
• 2022 to 2023 F-150

The NHTSA also ranked the following models with five out of five overall stars: 

• 2023 Bronco Sport
• 2023 Escape
• 2023 Explorer
• 2023 F-150  

Each model only has a handful of recalls and complaints. All four models performed above average in Front Driver Side and Front Passenger Side testing, with only the 2023 F-150 losing a star in the Front Driver Side test.  

3. Cost of ownership

Four Blue Oval models, including the Bronco, Maverick, Ranger, and Lightning, paved the way for low ownership costs. The Bronco ranks high for off-road SUV, the Maverick for the compact pickup truck segment, and the Lightning for the electric pickup lineup. The Ranger also ranks for Midsize Pickup Truck. 

4. Average repair costs

According to RepairPal, Ford ranks 3.5 out of 5 and 21 out of 32 brands. The average Ford repair costs $775, which is well above the average across all vehicle segments ($652). Most Fords visit the shop 0.3 times yearly versus 0.4 for all models. However, 15% of all repairs are severe, 3% higher than the average among all car models. 

5. Fuel efficiency 

Ford does reasonably well when it comes to fuel efficiency ratings. The Mustang Mach-E, Escape, and Lightning models surpass their respective segments' typical miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings. The 2023 Mach-E RWD model reaches 103 MPGe combined miles, while the F-150 Lightning achieves 70 MPGe combined.

Similar to the question if Nissans or Volkswagens are reliable, potential Ford buyers can answer the question of reliability for the Blue Oval by investigating the most common problems. Below are many issues that past and present Ford owners have experienced. 

1. Engine problems 

Several models had engine problems at one point, most notably the V8-model Explorers that would eject spark plugs like automotive missiles from the engine bay. Misfires, rough idle, blown head gaskets, and loud drivetrains plague many Ford owners. Carbon deposits on the inlet manifold can also cause issues. Ford recalled 2013 and 2014 Fusions for engine fires as well. 

2. Transmission 

To say ghouls frequently visit Ford’s transmissions is an understatement for some owners. Shaky, jerky, and lurching transmissions can actually move the car forward after coming to a stop. Owners have also reported leaking half shafts in Fusion models and roll pins with issues on F-150 variants. 

3. Oil leaks

While oil leaks can be persistent on Fords, they’re not as prevalent as other brands. Ford engines that overheat tend to develop cracked blocks and fail prematurely. Oil starvation can do severe damage to an engine if left unchecked, regardless of model year or nameplate. 

4. Paint defects and rust

Several F-150 models of late have been susceptible to bubbling, peeling paint, and corrosion. In some cases, the paint can warp and distort in texture, leaving owners with cosmetic damages that are costly to fix. Indeed, a complete paint job can cost thousands of dollars and hours spent in the shop. 

Ford's reliability ratings rank it in the middle of the pack. Like Chevy, Honda, Jeep, Hyundai, or Tesla reliability ratings, the pros and cons tend to match in many facets. While Fords can’t compare to the luxury of more high-class sedans, trucks, and SUVs, that’s not to say they lack a bevy of customizable features. Indeed, Ford matches automotive giants like General Motors (GM) and Dodge in checking the appropriate boxes for jack-of-all-trades. Whether Ford propels itself forward as a dominating domestic brand or falls victim to conditions within the automotive market remains to be seen.