Ford Logo

Ford

star star star star star_half

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.

thumb_up

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. 

thumb_down

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. 

gavel

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.

View Best Car Brands

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

4.4

star star star star star_half

418 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

2%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_half

Quality

star star star star star_half

Service

star star star star star_half

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_half
cancel
info
star star star star_border star_border

John Burnside Colorado Springs, CO

Purchased a F250 Superduty diesel new some years ago and was not overly impressed. The engine was great the truck had several little issues that I had to pay to get fixed. Quality seemed to be lacking as was attention to detail. Wold it at 100K miles and went with a Dodge. Ford just can't seem to keep on top of their quality control.

7 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Steve Ashby , AZ

I have a 2016 Ford Explorer right now and I'm 3 out of 5 stars happy with it...it's just OK. It is comfortable and has been reliable, but we've had several recalls and the roof rack is a perpetual problem, not just on my car but on all Explorers. I have several friends with them and we all have the same problem with the Chrome and Ford won't do anything about it. Obviously a flaw and should be fixed. I'll try Ford again but I'll be picky.

5 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Jennifer Smith Salt Lake City, UT

My husband and I had a Ford F150 for about 15 years. It was a wonderful truck and it lasted forever. We were able to use it for so many different things and it was so convenient. One thing I loved about this vehicle is that it did not have too many problems. Over the first 10 years it ran really well. I will say that with time it started having issues and it was expensive to fix. I would say that Ford is a good brand and that the cars are good but that you should not plan to use them for more than 10 years. The amount you pay in repairs can eventually add up to the downpayment of a new car.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Dre35 West Valley City, UT

We enjoyed working with Ford when we purchased our last vehicle. The only complaint I have is that when we bought our vehicle, they covered our oil changes for a year, and I wish we could have got the coverage for premium oil, instead of the basic oil.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Summer Porter Managua, MN

I recently sold my Ford 1995 Explorer. While it was an older car and most definitely had its malfunctions, it still ran. While I have heard great things about the newer makes, I would be extra cautious when buying an older model because the repairs are not only necessary, but pricey and pretty consistent.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

I have enjoyed my Ford automobiles and found them to be dependable and a good value. I particularly like the fact that they have been in the automobile business many years and have prospered when others have dropped out of the market. That speaks to their dependability!

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Ron Thurgood Denver, CO

We have enjoyed the 2005 F150 that we have owned. Driving the vehicle has been good. Not as happy as it has gotten older we have had quite items come up on the front end of the vehicle.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Tammy West Valley City, UT

Ford knows how to make a great truck but when it comes to their cars they don’t feel solid. They shake and feel like they’re about to fall apart when driven at freeway speeds.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Yolanda Briganti Riverton, UT

We had a Ford Taurus for 1 year. The transmission went out at 160,000 miles. It had the most problems of any car I've ever owned. I've owned 13 cars and not sure I would buy a Ford again.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Logan Hudson Norcross, GA

I owned a Ford Focus for a fee years before I switched to Honda. And the car always seemed to be breaking down. The customer service never helped all that much and it was very expensive to replace parts.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Quinn Johnson South Jordan, UT

2014 Ford Focus has had so many recalls. Prices are usually lofty in my opinion for what you get. Their customer service and dealership maintenance is slow and often disrespectful.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Roberson Salt Lake City, UT

I currently drive a 1998 Ford Taurus with 180,000 miles. For the age of the car it is in fantastic shape cosmetically inside and outside, as well as the inner workings of the car.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Mason Henrie Pleasant Grove, UT

I just bought a brand new 2017 F-150 and the alternator went out a week after I drove if off the lot. Took it back to the dealer and they had a warranty on it, it has been a great truck ever since.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

bailey jo Orem, UT

I owned a Ford Explorer Sports Trac and it was a solid car/truck. It was a little top heavy and didn't get very good gas mileage but drove pretty well and didn't need too many repairs.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Tracy Hill Draper, UT

I am personally not the biggest fan of Ford. Every ford car we have owned seemed to require a lot more work than other cars. It really added up to keep having to get work done on our cars

7 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Joseph Greenberg

Loved my Mustang but had to let it go after Ford announced ceasing manufacture and support for V6. Service deteriorated over last couple of years.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Karen Torino Tallahassee, FL

It could be because the car is from 2004, but the Ford I would drive had a lot of issues with the motor. It would get fixed, and soon enough another issue would show up.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Cam McClellan Magna, UT

I owned a Ford Probe back in the day. It was a good car for me. I never had a problem with it for the few years I owned it (it was used) and was reliable.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Shawk Parson

they're good overall with some great special yet costly models and many so-so affordable ones just as well ...

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Tagg Ogden, UT

Ford is the pioneer of the car. I have owned a few in my life. Their trucks are amazing, their cars are lacking style and performance.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Linda Hays Layton, UT

The Ford Fusion I owned had continuous recalls. It handles well. I didn’t always get great customer service. It depended on the dealer I went to.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Kittie Jane Speer

Salesman was iffy, finance man terrible, would never buy there again or refer anyone to them

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Yanesezah Fenelon Delray Beach, FL

I think Ford makes reliable and affordable cars, however, I believe some of their car parts are cheaply made.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Zharia Allums Tallahassee, FL

I like my Ford Fusion 2017, but lately there have been a lot of problems, specially with my batter and sensory system.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Opi Logan, UT

Transmission went out on a F150 and cost $7000 to repair. This shouldn’t happen on a 4 year old truck. Disappointed!

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Dayna Riverton, UT

Ford trucks are really nice and quality, I wish I could say the same for their cars but they aren’t as amazing.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Mary Haring Sandy, UT

We bought a used Ford truck F150 and it’s just ok. It shakes a lot going 80mph or faster and has other issues.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Janice Genes Hurricane, UT

I bought a new Bronco II in 1985. And I also bought a warranty . That vehical breakdown every other month.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Susanna Collins Long Beach, MS

My car is 10 years old, it is pre owned. I have to do a lot of repairs on it. But it’s pretty chill

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Taylor Larson Nakhon Sawan, 60

My experience with Ford has been unreliable and I've had to get my car fixed often.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Rylie Crandall Nakhon Sawan, 60

Every time I've owned a car from this company, the cars have needed to be fixed more regularly.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Lacey Antee Pensacola, FL

The customer service is ok. I have had to go to the shop multiple times. Unreliable.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Jami Lucas Eagle Mountain, UT

My husband drive a truck and it was constantly having problems. We finally sold it.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Lori Fletcher Saratoga Springs, UT

Ford customer service is always genuine and awesome, but their quality of cars have gone down.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Kayla Bountiful, UT

Good vehicles trustworthy but a little on the expensive side, especially their trucks

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

dmc11 St Louis, MO

Not bad not great. Affordable cars, but already have received multiple recalls .j

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Missy Ryan West Jordan, UT

My Ford Focus has given me consistent problems and failures, but, it's somehow still running.

6 years ago