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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Steve Botos

I have a Ford F-150. Delivers great power. I have an Ecoboost model. Only downside is when it was new mileage was better even though it has been tuned up mileage didn't improve. Went from 21 mpg highway to 16 over time.

6 years ago

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Julia Carey

I don't like the trunk, the dashboard, and the windows. I bump my head on the windows, bump my knee on the dashboard, and can't lift anything heavy out of the trunk. This is supposed to be a hatchback.

7 years ago

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Ron Scholz

I was sent a notification that the truck might develop a problem in cold weather. They will only fix it if it devlops that problem. Why not fix the problem before it becomes a problem?

7 years ago

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The Bean Spiller Provo, UT

We have a Ford Focus and it's fairly reliable. Definitely feels more complicated than some other cars I've used when it comes to repairs. Their trucks are much better than their cars, so if you're looking for a reliable truck, the F-150 is a great option

5 years ago

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TTeep Smithfield, UT

We own a Ford Explorer now. Overall it's been decent, and in the past we have liked Ford, but it seems like things are going a little more downhill than they were in the past. I hope they swing back to good ole USA company some day.

5 years ago

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LBishop Logan, UT

We bought a new Ford. We had a great Salesman and experience being a somewhat new car from the dealership. They had it cleaned and detailed after we bought it. They included weathertec mats which was nice since we were gonna buy them anyways.

5 years ago

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Ryan Harpenau Fayetteville, AR

I currently have a 2006 F-150 and it has been a great truck. The interior stains easily and I had to pay a hefty amount to fix something that was broken with it, but other than that it has been great. I use it all the time to help people move, and I would say that the bed could be bigger but it worked most of the time.

5 years ago

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Seth Boudoin Dallas, TX

Extremely durable and excellent for towing long hauls. Amazing gas mileage to get you where you need to go and safely. My dads F-150 is one of the safest vehicles I ride in and has a great feature of 4 wheel drive for rough places.

6 years ago

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Bill Nelson Midvale, UT

We owned a Escort in the past. Needed the four door version to accommodate the loading of a car seat. It had a four cylinder engine, which was under powered for the size of the car. Other than that it was a good little starter car for our young family.

6 years ago

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Mike Ika West Valley City, UT

My first car was a 1988 Ford Mustang 5.0. This car was so much fun to drive. I had no issues with the car. I put over 200,000 miles on the car and finally got rid of it in 2005 after a car crash. Great quality car with no bad experiences. The only reason for not giving 5 stars is because now, buying a Ford is a little too expensive.

6 years ago

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Jeremy Webb Covington, LA

Over my years I’ve had 2 vehicles that have been Ford and I have never been let down. Any recall that was brought up was fixed with no questions. Unfortunately I couldn’t keep the vehicles as long as I wanted because of growing family and other things but I appreciate the time I did have with Ford and hope to go back to them very soon!

6 years ago

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Katherine Racine Covington, LA

Overall these brands seem to hold their value. Drove my Flex for 9 years, 200,000 miles. Bought a 2014 Focus as a first car for my daughter. Currently also own a 2014 Escape and 2018 F-150 XLT. What can I say? We like our Fords!

6 years ago

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Mickey Mangum Long Beach, MS

I have owned a for F-150 since 2015. It has proven to be the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. There have been no issues related to the manufacturing or quality of the vehicle. I now have 70,000 miles on it and it runs like it has since the day I purchased it. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a full sized pickup truck.

6 years ago

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Rischelle Mikkelson American Fork, UT

We had a Ford Explorer and felt it was a reliable car for the first few years that we had it. When it was 5 years old, it started to have some significant problems with sensors and the transmission. After paying for a new transmission, then the flood of repairs started. After 6 months of repair after repair, we decided to get rid of it.

7 years ago

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Ben Crisp Temecula, CA

I currently drive a Ford that’s been passed down my family for almost 15 years. It’s gotten us almost 250,000 miles with not many problems. And it’s still going strong. Ford is one of the best brands out there for dependability efficiency.

7 years ago

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Sierra Beck Herriman, UT

My family car is a Ford Expedition and out experience with Ford has been great. We bought from a dealer and got a warranty and if had been great. An expensive fix of an window turned out to cost very little utilizing the warranty.

7 years ago

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Holly Schafer Forest Grove, OR

Ford has great customer service from the day you walk into the store to the day your car dies. They take care of you and help you find good mechanics or their mechanics to fix your car. I have never felt pressured by anyone to buy something I didn’t want or fix something I didn’t have to have fixed.

7 years ago

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Marissa Redwood Falls, MN

I've driven several Ford cars and they have all been smooth rides. I feel like they are a good quality car for the price. I particularly like the 2013 Ford Fusion (It's the one I've driven most)--the seats really hug you and are comfortable.

7 years ago

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Grant Lofgreen Provo, UT

Bought a Focus ST. Love pretty much everything about it except the SYNC system. Bluetooth integration is not straightforward and controls are not overly intuitive. Car has run like a dream and has been a pleasure to own. No mechanical issues.

7 years ago

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Anne Sainsbury Payson, UT

So I have to be honest here, I grew up not liking Ford, but for no good reason. It wasn't until 3 weeks ago when my fiance and I borrowed a Ford truck for a day (for moving purposes) that my mind changed! I loved being so high up on the road, and I loved how safe I felt. Definitely a great car for service purposes, and very reliable.

7 years ago

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Christina Kaysville, UT

We have a owned a couple Ford vehicles and have been somewhat pleased. We usually end up putting a lot of money into the vehicles after about 10 years.

7 years ago

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Elaine Novello

Once the car has been traded back to take OFF their call list t renew insurance. Easy to schedule maintanance and you have a comfortable place to read or watch tv.

7 years ago

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Erna Valcin Tallahassee, FL

Our family car is ford expedition and it has been 20 years since we purchased it. This is the most long-lasting car I have seen considering the mileage it has endured over time. Great car for longevity!

5 years ago Edited November 10, 2021

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Ramona Kiffing Pompano Beach, FL

I enjoy the customer service at all the Ford dealerships that I have been to. They made car buying very simple and easy for me and the continued customer service I experience when I go to service my car is immaculate.

5 years ago

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Daniel Snow Redmond, WA

Love Fords. Own an F150 and will buy more cars from them in the future. Great balance of quality, price, style, and features. Only reason I don’t give 5 stars is because their dealerships are very annoying to work with.

5 years ago

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Trent Ewing Chicago, IL

I absolutely love my F-150! And although I really haven’t had any issues with it(which I love), the few times I’ve taken it to a Ford dealership I’ve been pleased! Great truck!!

5 years ago

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Jennifer Ashby Lehi, UT

My family has owned multiple Ford’s. They have been great cars that seem to last a long time. I have felt safe while driving them. There have been some issues, but mostly when they have been old with accidents, ect.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Lilly Logan, UT

I really like our Ford truck. My favorite feature is the code lock system on the drivers side door. We love this for when we don’t want to carry keys because we are getting in the water.

5 years ago

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Mallory Evans Park City, UT

When I was exploring for a new car, I received great customer service from Ford employees that answered any questions I had. They have great options and I have many friends and family that love their Fords.

6 years ago

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Brayden Ibert Houston, TX

I owned a Ford F150 loved my truck. The comfort great and service was even better. The dealerships were always helpful whether I was there for and upgrade or a tuneup or whatever the case maybe.

6 years ago

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Karen Torino Tallahassee, FL

Ford makes cars that can last but will eventually require quite the work. A ford explorer from 2004 kept breaking down and cost me thousands to repair. But even then, it lasted a while.

6 years ago

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russbayles West Valley City, UT

Loved my F-150. Never had issues and I think the look of the new fords is better than any truck. That’s the first thing people see so I feel it’s important. Their performance speaks for itself.

6 years ago

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Braylyn Linford Nampa, ID

I have owned a Taurus for the last 13 years overall the car has been a good car. I have also owned 2 F250 and loved both of them. They just feel sturdy built well and they performed real well.

6 years ago

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Tyler Wagner Eagle Mountain, UT

I wouldn't trade my F150 for another truck...well unless it was for a new F350 powerstroke. My friends that get in the back are always impressed with how much leg room they have.

6 years ago

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Randy Rhodes Pleasant Grove, UT

My first Ford was a 3013 F150 eco boost. Love the power and roominess as I am 6’ 6”. Pulls my boat great. Some air conditioning ducts for the back passengers would be nice.

6 years ago

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Michael Mills Ashland, VA

I have owned a Ford product for nearly 30 years and have been happy from the beginning. I recommend getting to know a good mechanic as the newer the vehicle the more you will rely on them.

6 years ago

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Daphne Brown Riverton, UT

I have loved my vehicles and appreciate the variety. The quality is getting better but I have a couple vehicle that needed a few repairs. The resell value is getting better over time as the quality improves.

6 years ago

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Alyssa Boren American Fork, UT

My Ford truck has lasted for a very long time and it has stayed in great condition the whole time. I haven't had many problems with it and I love how safe I feel when I drive it.

7 years ago