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Ford

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6.0

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 3rd, 2022

Ford is an American automaker founded in 1903. The company, which was founded by Henry Ford, is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford has become the world’s largest family-owned business. Its history of innovation includes the mass production of the Ford Model T via the assembly line. This shift helped make cars more affordable and shaped the future of transportation worldwide. 
 
With “something for everyone,” this Detroit Big 3 company offers cars, SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, including the F-Series, which is the company’s best-selling model and has been the best-selling truck in the United States for 40 years. Many commercial businesses choose Ford F-Series for their working vehicle fleets. 
 
Additionally, 1964’s introduction of the Mustang revolutionized the sports car industry. The ‘stang is the world's best-selling sports car, with over 10 million sold.
 
Read our expert review outlining the pros and cons of choosing a Ford car or skip to the Ford reviews below.

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The Good

  • Dependability
  • Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
  • Impressive Fuel Economy
  • Competitive Warranty and Maintenance Plans
  • Luxury Vehicle Options
  • Towing Capacity

Dependability

On the most recent JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Ford was below average, but several of its models were included in top-three lists for their segment, including: 

  • Compact SUV — Ford Escape
  • Large Heavy Duty Pickup — Ford Super Duty
  • Large Light Duty Pickup — Ford F-150
  • Large SUV — Ford Expedition
  • Large Car — Ford Taurus

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles    

Ford has made several hybrid and electric vehicles and is the world’s second-largest maker of hybrid cars. The company isn’t stopping there. It wants to make a $4.5 billion investment in electric vehicles by 2020 and has plans for a crossover with a 300-mile charge by the same year. 

Current sustainable offerings include the following: 

  • C-Max Hybrid
  • Fusion Hybrid
  • Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid)
  • Focus Electric

Impressive Fuel Economy

With a combined 42 mpg, the Ford Fusion Hybrid ranks in the top 10 cars with the best fuel economy by U.S. News and Reports. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is also known for its safety and reliability ratings. Other fuel-efficient vehicles include the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus. 
 
Ford uses advanced fuel economy technology to help consumers save money on gas. Ford Motor Company engineered the EcoBoost engine that maintains high power performance without sacrificing torque response rates. Hybrid and electric Ford vehicles also maintain high fuel efficiency.

Competitive Warranty and Maintenance Plans

Every new Ford car comes with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty that covers specific repairs and vehicle malfunctions for three years or up to 36,000 miles. Ford also offers special plans to make owning your vehicle more affordable. When you purchase an extended warranty or maintenance plan, you don’t have to worry about unexpected repair or routine maintenance costs. You can drive confidently knowing that your vehicle is up-to-date and travel-ready. 

Ford Extended Warranty 

Ford offers extended warranty options through its Ford Protect Program. Options include the PremiumCARE, ExtraCARE, and BaseCARE, and PowertrainCARE. The PremiumCARE plan covers repairs for eight years or 150,000 miles and over 1000 components. This is the only plan that covers the powertrain control and tracks air/fuel mix to maintain fuel economy. Ford’s PremiumCARE plan is one of the best extended warranty options available. 
 
Other Ford warranty plans cover specific components including the engine, transmission, and basic car systems. You can learn which plan is right for you by going onto the Ford Protect website and requesting a quote. Plans can be purchased anytime during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. 

Premium Maintenance Plan 

Ford offers a premium maintenance plan for new Ford drivers currently covered under the limited warranty. With the maintenance plan, take your car to any Lincoln or Ford dealer for servicing. The premium maintenance plan includes: 

  • Oil changes, tire rotations, multi-point inspections, and factory-required maintenance
  • Replacement of common “wear and tear” items
  • 100% transferable coverage 
  • $0 deductible for covered services 

Since the maintenance plan is transferable, you don’t lose your investment when you sell a Ford car. A maintenance plan allows you to increase the offer price because of the additional coverage. 

Luxury Vehicle Options

Ford offers luxury sedans, SUVs, Trucks, and sports cars. The Ford Mustang is the most popular sports car in the world featuring leather upholstery, nine-speaker sound system, driver’s seat memory setting, and heated seats. But, you don’t need to buy a sports car to get luxury vehicle add-ons. 
 
Other models such as the Ford Expedition and the Ford Explorer offer heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and other luxury options. Many consider the Ford F-450 Super Duty to be one of the most luxurious trucks on the road.  Ford helps drivers find the right balance between comfort and affordability by providing different trim and model options. 
 
Ford also owns the luxury car brand Lincoln. Lincoln lineup includes crossovers, SUVs, and sedans.

Towing Capacity

Ford has an impressive truck lineup with some of the highest towing capacities in the car industry. Ford’s F-series has been the best-selling pickup truck lineup for the last 43 years. The series includes the Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450. The Ford F-450 Super Duty can tow up to 24,000 lbs. This is one of the best towing capacities on the market. 

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The Bad

  • Satisfaction
  • Takata Recall

Satisfaction

Ford ranks among the lowest in the industry in terms customer satisfaction. On the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Report, Ford was in the bottom three auto brands, tied for next-to-last place. 

Takata Recall

Ford vehicles have been included in the Takata airbag recall, including 2005 to 2014 Ford Mustangs, 2004 to 2006 Ford Rangers, and 2005 to 2006 Ford GTs. As one of the biggest auto recalls ever, Ford isn’t the only car brand affected. If your car is among those listed, contact Ford customer service or visit the company's website for more information. 

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The Bottom Line

As one of America’s longest-standing auto manufacturers with an incredible history of innovation, Ford’s current standing with consumers is a bit of a conundrum. The company has good dependability ratings but still struggles with customer satisfaction. It may still be affected by the company's involvement in the 2008 financial crisis bailout, but Ford's innovative sustainable options and upcoming models, including a plug-in crossover with a 300-mile charge, may boost its image with American consumers. 
 
Read through our Ford reviews below to learn about real customer experiences with the brand. If you are ready to take the next steps towards owning a Ford, visit a local Ford dealership to test drive and discuss pricing options.

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Star Rating

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4.4

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418 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

2%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Verified Customer

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Lindsay Goodwin

I've had some recalls with Ford in the past but they always make it right. I got a settlement that was large enough to pay off half of a new vehicle immediately. The only reason they didn't get the full stars is because of some glitchy technical issues with the navigation and touch screen. Other then that I will continue to buy Ford because they always fix their mistakes and take accountability as well as make it right. I have a 2015 vehicle so maybe some of these glitches have been fixed. I also just purchased a new navigation SD card so that may fix the problems as well. Very minimal complaints, my vehicle runs like a champ especially for long trips.

6 years ago

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Zac Cannon Long Beach, MS

I drove a 1995 Ford Ranger from 2003-2007. We loved the truck so much we kept it within the family for many years. The only draw back of the truck was the fact that it only got about 12 MPG on the Highway. The engine worked like new from the time my grandmother got the truck in 1996 until the time we donated it to a family company in the mid 2010s.

6 years ago

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Carol Sauers

I have been a Ford customer for 12 years now. I have owned 4 trucks and have been pleased with each purchase. The Ford dealership here in GA knows me well. They take time to help me with each purchase, question, issue I have and service calls. I would buy from them again if I needed to.

7 years ago

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Ruth Stark

Awesome!! Never had any oroblem with them. I have had to ford suv's- both have been awesome! Had the 1999ford exployer sport fir about 15 years abd had clise to 300000 miles on it. Now i have a 2012 edge- have had it now over 7 tears with about 180000 miles on it - still going strong!!

7 years ago

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Vicki Almeter

We have had nothing but good results in deapling with Ford, from the sales people to the service department. They all know their product and can answer any question you may have. Always friendly and courteous, we have absolutely no complaints. We love our Ford Edge

7 years ago

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Patricia M Waddell

I am impressed with the quality of my 2014 Escape, I recently had to use a rental car (Toyota) and it made me really appreciate my Ford. I also have my car financed through Ford and the process was easy unlike previous experiences with financing.

7 years ago

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Jim ODay

McRee Ford in Dickinson,TX has excellent sales and service. Free loaner if you purchased your vehicle there and need service. The only bad thing is their quick lane has been so busy and the wait has been way too long for me to keep getting my oil changed there.

7 years ago

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Leonard Thompson Show Low, AZ

I have owned a ford truck for years now and have been pleased by the quality of this vehicle. I like the look and am overall happy with how well it has continued to run throughout the years. I have had many compliments on how “pretty” and “powerful” my truck looks. I feel safe in it and am thankful to have a reliable vehicle. The company has quality service anytime I have needed a part or have taken in for a few minor maintenance needs. It has always been a quick fix. The company truly cares about customer service.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Eban Beltran Arlington, TX

We currently own a Ford cargo van and have been very impressed with how it’s held up. I know some people have a lot of problems with vehicles but it seems like a lot of manufacturers reliability is just model specific. It pays to do your research as even the best brands can have a few years of lower quality or come out with models that aren’t as great.

5 years ago

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Amanie Crosbie ,

We currently own 2 Ford vehicles, a 2012 Ford 250 Heavy Duty truck and a 2018 Ford Explorer Sport. We did trade in a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited for the current Explorer we had because we loved it so much. I have the app on my phone which is so user friendly and convenient to use. It keeps me updated on service alerts, oil life as well as parking information and quick start options. I am already looking to upgrade to an Expedition for my next vehicle.

5 years ago

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Amy Barrus Sandy, UT

We have had many Fords over the years. We currently drive a Ford Expedition max and a Ford F-150 XLT. They both have a comfortable and smooth ride and both are very reliable. We have not had problems with them so far. The back-up camera on the expedition occasionally had a glitch for a short amount of time, however we have a great extended protection plan that Ford offers. We will be able to get that checked and so far have had any smaller problems checked out and quickly fixed.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Dave_ Layton, UT

My father has owned a Ford F-150 he purchased in 1986 till now. I have used this vehicle many times and am impressed with the durability and versatility of the vehicle. I used it to tow a trencher without any issues. Our family has used the vehicle on multiple trips to multiple states Including towing our boat and has been very reliable. I will be purchasing a Ford when I get a new truck.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Nicole Jones Sandy, UT

I currently drive a Ford Explorer and am loving it. I get a new car every few years and before I purchased this vehicle, I was going back and forth between the Explorer, Highlander and Pilot. I am beyond glad I went with Ford. It's safe, luxurious, reliable, and my local Ford dealer always provides the best service and maintenance. Would purchase again in a heartbeat.

6 years ago

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Cathy Sewall Potts Camp, MS

I was raised on Chevy but as soon as I had kids, I got the Ford Expedition and fell in love! That truck changed my entire life’s way of thinking! It could carry a ton of kids comfortably, it could pull any of our boats or cars with ease! It was great on gas! I only ever had one complaint and that’s if gas was low, you couldn’t park on a hill or it wouldn’t start, lol, because it couldn’t reach the gas at other end of tank! Anyway since then I have own a few fords, and they ALL were great vehicles! Definitely will buy more before my time is done here!

6 years ago

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kristin Gneiting Pleasant Grove, UT

I have bought a few different cars from Ford including a Ford Focus and two Expeditions. The Focus was for a daughter going to school and it got great gas mileage and she was able to make the long trips to school without worrying about her car. The Expeditions were great, because of their room, dependability, four wheel drive, and it looked great.

7 years ago

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Diane

50,000 mile maintenance. They showed me what needed replacement and why it needed to be replaced. They gave me a ride home and several hours later when it was finished they came and got me.

6 years ago

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Brittany Wilkinson Herriman, UT

My husband and I bought a Ford F350 last year. We have been happy with it. I love that it is reliable and we can pull our camper, boat, trailers for moving, etc. Our family of 6 can fit in it comfortably. We love our truck.

6 years ago

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Chris F Harriman, TN

Ford makes durable work trucks. I know everyone and manufactures are all about electronics, but it would be my preference to have more of the "under-the-hood" be less electronic and more tough parts like they were originally. Sure, have powere window and seats but not everyhing else having sensoes.

7 years ago

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Joyce Hands

I love all my Ford cars, trucks, and minivans I have owned throughout the years. I just love the quality of the car and the ease in handling the cars. Their customer service is great.

7 years ago

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Fred Reynolds

Their cars have improved a lot as have all brands. We still rembewr made in Am erica but we know about globilization. Mostly we have been buying Fords because the other American owned car brands are poorly made. Over the years we have had a lot of Ford cars and we drove them untill we could not fix them anymore after 150,000 miles or more. .

7 years ago

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Craig Knowles

Owned four Expeditions, all operated in harsh conditions at high altitude in the Rockies. Five miles of bad road between home and highway. One transmission replacement under basic warranty.

7 years ago

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Retired

The vehicles are very reliable, I have never had a major breakdown with Ford. Normal wear n tear maintenance starts at about 100 thousand miles. Don't expect to get that if you don't maintain your vehicle.

7 years ago

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Dan Mackintosh

I really like the variety, the engineering and dependability of Ford. I have owned several Fords through the years and presently drive a Ford Explorer that is as dependable and sturdy as they come.

7 years ago

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Carnan Fort Collins, CO

We love Ford trucks and would highly recommend them to others. We have a 2005 F150 that has gone through all of our kids as their vehicle to drive to school - safe on snowy roads, etc. and it has been a reliable hauler of stuff and people. We would definitely consider replacing this vehicle with another F150 down the road.

4 years ago

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Lisa Williams Jacksonville, FL

I’ve had my car for a good 3 years and the previous owner used the car as a high way car and left a lot of mileage. I thought the car would have been broken down on me but it’s still here and is still able to take me where I need to go.

4 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

I love that Ford installed their new mechanism of autostart to protect the environment more! Whenever you come to a stop like at a stoplight, the engine turns off to prevent pollution. As well as Fords are reliable vehicles and my family has been using them for years!

4 years ago

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Gabe Burton Riverton, UT

I've been driving my 2010 Ford Fusion for 5 years it has over 500k miles on it. I have never had an issue with my car. I love it, it's a cute blue and just the right size for me. Repairs are usually not too expensive and it rarely needs them anyways. I commute to work every day, it's about 30 minutes, and my gas mileage is still on par with other cars. I buy gas about every 2 weeks.

5 years ago

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Madisen Cluff Los Angeles, CA

During my last two years of highschool I drove a ford truck. I operated great even though I bought it second had from someone who had owned it for 5 years. It was a great vehicle and came in handy when I needed a car to go camping. It handled off roading and going over rough terrain very well!

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Beth Knight Nakhon Sawan, 60

I’ve had my Ford F-150 for 5 years now and still love it just as much as when I first got it. It’s withheld the daily wear and tear and still looks great. I’ve had no issues with the function of the truck and haven’t needed any repairs

5 years ago

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Joannetta Jarman Secaucus, NJ

We like ford. The cars they make now are so great and solid. Much better than when we first had one in the 70's. They are good at truly modernizing. We have a ford flex for getting around quickly and we love the quality of it.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Alexa Cooper Provo, UT

My whole family is die hard Ford supportive. The engines last forever if you take care of them and most of their cars are just great! I drive a diesel Ford excursion now from 2000 and it still has a LOT of life left in it. It has over 370K miles on it and it’s just like my mobile home. I can drive that car like an extension of my arm, I’m grateful for all the family roads trip memories we have in that thing.

5 years ago

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Brad H Gilbert, AZ

My father owned Ford cars while I was growing up and I owned a Ford Maverick. Overall I think that Ford is a great company and builds good cars. My father would routinely put over 100,000 miles on his car before he would get a new car. I really liked the look of the Ford Mustang that my father owned. I liked the look of my Ford Maverick as well. Both of these cars really handled well on the highway with a lot of power under the hood. I think they are also reliable cars with good gas mileage.

5 years ago

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Mat A Rancho Cordova, CA

Ford is the leading truck in the construction world today. I own an F350 Ford Platinum and I wouldn’t buy anything else. I pull my boat, trailer, and many heavy things and I never have to worry about not having enough power. My next truck will be a Ford...built tough! Yes

5 years ago

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Tiauna Anderson Salt Lake City, UT

My husband and I bought our Ford F150 to tow our boat and we absolutely love it! The storage cab in the back has come in handy on more than one occasion and we have also had great service anytime we've had an oil change at our dealership. I highly recommend any truck from Ford!

6 years ago

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Brysen223 Garland, UT

Ford makes pretty good vehicles overall, a dive mostly driven their trucks and stuff. I believe Ford is the best truck maker for power, but reliability, they’re a little bit shaky on. We once owned a truck that started shaking violently one day on the freeway, which isn’t something a truck is supposed to do, but it had a lot of power and could pull almost anything

6 years ago

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Tyler Jenkins Hattiesburg, MS

I love Ford. Every car I’ve had since high school has been a Ford. My first car Was a 1995 Mustang GT and it still runs perfectly fine today. Now I’m really satisfied with my current car which is a 2016 Ford Fusion. I’ve had no problems with Ford.

6 years ago

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take7 Sandy, UT

Had the explorer. It was used. It was a nice car but it was hard to repair when it needed it. Got very costly and seemed to always need to fix something. Finally ended up having to fix the transmission and that was way more than the car. Not worth it. Maybe it was the mechanic trying to do everything even if it wasn't necessary. I never know exactly but I want my car to run smoothly. The car itself was nice and spacious and ran very well when it was.

6 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

I have owned two Fords in my lifetime and have been very happy with both of them. Both the SUV Explorer and Expedition have been fabulous vehicles. They both have been good on gas mileage, ruggedness, and reliability. I sold the Explorer and the retained value was pretty good. I highly recommend Fords !

6 years ago

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

My husband and I have owned 3 Ford vehicles in the past 20 years and for the most part, they have served us well. We were treated well by the sales staff at each of the dealerships where we purchased our vehicles. Though our Explorer had a few mechanical issues, I have not been turned off from the brand. We currently drive an Expedition, room enough for our family. :)

6 years ago

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Mike Wilson Baytown, TX

I have been a FORD owners for over 20 years now. I have consistently had quality vehicles from FORD. We have had very little mechanical issues and every vehicle has been kept with high mileage. Will buy a Ford again and again.

6 years ago

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Morganwhiting Salt Lake City, UT

I got a Ford Explorer when I turned sixteen. I now drive a Ford Expedition el. I am looking at trading it in for the ford max. It’s the best big suv for the price. It is also super reliable. I have never had any issues. All I do is get oil changes and new tires. Nothing ever breaks.

6 years ago

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Aunt Cathy Bay Saint Louis, MS

When you buy a Ford dump truck for the company business what does that say? In 40 yrs, we've only owned vehicles that weren't Fords, yet owned a ford as a 2nd car. Yet with horrible wind sounds in the car and not the best paint jobs, we still stick with Ford. Hubs will NEVER let the 2000 F-250 Diesel with over 300,000 mile go. He said they screwed up by changing the engine in 2001..

6 years ago

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Ramone Raiford Tallahassee, FL

I have been a ford customer for 3 years now. Anytime my car needs service the dealership gets it down at an affordable price in a timely fashion. The employees always offer their warmest smiles and make me feel like they care about me. This is why you must shop with Ford

6 years ago

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Sara Lageman Lageman

Out of all the different Ford vehicles we have had we have only had that was not a good vehicle. That motor was known to have issues so we kind of knew it was coming. All in all we love our Fords and will keep buying them forever!

6 years ago

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AK Riverton, UT

Finally driving my dream truck, the Ford F-150! It is awesome. However, I took my truck to the dealership for routine maintenance and recall repairs. It was in the shop for a few days. When I got it back, there was a big crack on the spedometer area. Ugh! They claim there was no work done on that area, but it wasn't there before it was brought in. So frustrating.

6 years ago

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Landon Edwards Pleasant Grove, UT

Ford is the only company that I will drive. They have great quality for a great price, When I purchased my truck it had an airbag recall Ford wouldn't stop telling me to go to the dealership and get it repaired. after the repairs my truck was in amazing condition.

6 years ago

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Lauraine Pleasant Grove, UT

I know we've all heard the acronyms for Ford (fix or repair daily, or found on road dead) but they're all so full of it. We've had my dad's 2000 Ford ranger for almost 20 years now and we've only had to make minimal repairs. I LOVE Ford and the quality of the cars!

6 years ago

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Ted Johnson Pleasant Grove, UT

I have owned many Ford's over the years. I have owned a Ford Focus, an Expedition, pickup trucks, and a Tarus. Each time I have been blown away by the technology, the ease of ownership, with little extra costs. They haven't given me any unexpected problems.

7 years ago

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Haley Baldwin

I absolutely love Ford. I’ve had my car for three years now. Every time I’ve had an issue with it, Fords customer service has been great assisting me with it. The price was affordable for me, as a student, which I appreciate. The warranty on my car is also nice and helps me feel better if anything were to go wrong.

7 years ago

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DJ Forest Grove, OR

Reliable vehicles and easy maintenance have been the hallmark of my Ford experience. The Escape has been the model with which I am most familiar, and it has performed extremely well over the last several years of heavy use and travel.

7 years ago