Since its founding in 1903, Ford has been a leader in reliable, powerful automotive manufacturing. You can generally expect a Ford to last around 200,000 miles or 13 years.
Ford rated 10th in J.D. Power's 2020 vehicle dependability study, above both the industry standard and competitors like Ram, Dodge, and Jeep.
And while their models are “Built Ford Tough”, not all are equal. Licensed broker and
car insurancecomparison shopping app
Jerryhas put together everything you need to know about Ford longevity: which models last longest, which break down prematurely, and how you can keep your Ford on the road. We'll also show you the easiest way to lower your
Ford insurance costs.RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
Find insurance savings (100% Free)
Are Fords reliable?
In short: Yes.
Ford vehicles are renowned for their responsive handling, comfortable ride, and sturdy feel. The Ford brand is known for producing high-performance EcoBoost engines, and their trucks and SUVs are among the best in the business.
The larger size of Ford models can mean higher-than-average maintenance costs, though. But, if you’re able to put the time and effort into maintaining your car, a Ford can have a longer lifespan than its competitors.
How many miles can a Ford last?
Ford vehicles have an average lifespan of approximately 200,000 miles.
According to Ford drivers, their vehicles last from 150,000 to 250,000 miles. That second number, though, should not be taken as a fixed deadline! It is not uncommon for a Ford to live far past the 250,000-mile milestone if the vehicle is properly maintained.
How many years can a Ford last?
A Ford's average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. When compared to the industry average of 11 years, Ford performs pretty well versus its competitors.
Newer models will tend to last longer than older Fords, thanks in part to the higher-quality materials used in their production. Without proper upkeep and maintenance, your Ford may show signs of decline before it reaches 150,000 miles—so keep that in mind if you want your car on the road for as long as possible!
Key Takeaway Depending on the age, model, and condition of your car, your Ford might last up to 250,000 miles or 15 years—or even longer!
MORE:
The top 10 cheapest trucks to insureThe most reliable Ford models
In terms of dependability, Ford narrowly beat its competitors, sitting just above the industry standard. But, which vehicles in Ford's impressive fleet are the most reliable?
The reliability of a vehicle is determined by the following factors:
Rate of recalls
Mechanical problems
Maintenance expenses
Using that criteria, we're evaluating each Ford's total reliability and cost of ownership by combining
J.D. Power’s
Quality & Reliability ratings with
Edmunds.com’s
True Cost to Own® projections. Let's have a look at the details.
Ford Ranger
2021 starting price: $26,015
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
The Ford
Rangeris a capable midsize pickup and one of the newest on the market, debuting in 2019. It’s also the most reliable vehicle by the brand—and it was ranked the #1 Best Midsize Pickup by J.D. Power in 2021. The amount of severe, frequent repairs is below average, so it’s uncommon for Rangers to require major repairs regularly.
F-250
2021 starting price: $35,925
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100
More sizeable than the Ranger, the
F-250was ranked the #3 Best Large Heavy Duty Pickup of 2021 by J.D. Power. The F-250 definitely lives up to its “Super Duty truck” title, providing impressive capabilities and a lot of versatility.
Ford Bronco
2021 starting price: $28,710
True cost to own (5 years): $46,298
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
One of Ford’s most recognizable models, the 2021
Broncowas ranked #2 on J.D. Power’s Best Small SUVs list. It’s also one of the safest models offered by the brand, earning the highest possible ratings and the
Top Safety Pick+
award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
MORE:
The 5 characteristics of a reliable car insurance companyThe least reliable Ford models
Not every Ford can last as long as a Ranger, though. There are two standouts among Ford's less reliable vehicles: the Expedition and the Mustang Mach-E.
Expedition
2021 starting price: $52,290
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 75/100
The
Expeditionhas been involved in several recalls, with a total of 35 throughout the history of the model, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the most severe issues seen in Expeditions revolve around spark plug issues, which can lead to engine misfires and loss of power.
Mustang Mach-E
2021 starting price: $71,095
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 60/100
Though it’s only been in production since 2020, this electric crossover has already seen four recalls. Most recently, thousands of
Mach-Eswere recalled due to issues with the glass in roofs and windshields—they weren’t properly fitted, leading to possible leaks and detachment.
Key Takeaway The Ranger is likely the most reliable Ford, while the Expedition and Mustang Mach-E suffer from more frequent issues and recalls.
How to make your Ford last longer
The owner is ultimately the most important factor in determining how long a vehicle will last. If you have the money, time, and motivation, you can help your Ford last longer than the typical car by following these tips:
Follow a
routine maintenance scheduleto keep your car running smoothly
Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components.
Plan regular inspections to catch any unexpected problems.
Keep your car clean to protect against wear and tear from weather.
Drive carefully to avoid incidents that could shorten the life of your vehicle.
MORE:
How to make your car last longerHow to find affordable Ford insurance
Insurance is essential for safeguarding your vehicle, but it also raises the total cost of ownership—particularly for heavy-duty cars, like Fords. Fortunately, car insurance comparison expert Jerry can help you get the best affordable Ford insurance coverage in seconds!
It’s this simple: download the
Jerryapp or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from 50-plus top insurance companies and as a
licensed broker, Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one.
You can even use insurance add-ons like
towing and labor coverageand OEM coverage to extend the life of your car!
The best part? The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings (100% Free)
FAQs
As an automotive enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of Ford vehicles, it's evident that the information provided in the article aligns with my in-depth knowledge of the brand. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article and elaborate on them further:
1. Ford's Reputation for Reliability:
- Longevity: Ford has a longstanding reputation for producing reliable vehicles. The article mentions that Ford vehicles can generally last around 200,000 miles or 13 years.
- J.D. Power's Ranking: In the 2020 J.D. Power vehicle dependability study, Ford secured the 10th position, surpassing both the industry standard and competitors like Ram, Dodge, and Jeep.
2. Lifespan of Ford Vehicles:
- Mileage: On average, Ford vehicles have a lifespan of approximately 200,000 miles. Some Ford drivers report their vehicles lasting between 150,000 and 250,000 miles, emphasizing the potential for longevity with proper maintenance.
- Years: A Ford's average lifespan is noted to be between 12 and 15 years, outperforming the industry average of 11 years.
3. Factors Influencing Ford Longevity:
- Maintenance: Proper upkeep and maintenance are emphasized as crucial for extending the lifespan of a Ford vehicle.
- Quality of Materials: Newer models are expected to last longer due in part to the use of higher-quality materials in production.
4. Most Reliable Ford Models:
- Evaluation Criteria: The reliability of Ford models is determined by factors such as the rate of recalls, mechanical problems, and maintenance expenses.
- Top Picks: The Ford Ranger, F-250, and Ford Bronco are highlighted as some of the most reliable models based on J.D. Power's Quality & Reliability ratings and Edmunds.com’s True Cost to Own® projections.
5. Less Reliable Ford Models:
- Expedition: The Expedition is noted as one of the less reliable models, with a history of recalls, particularly related to spark plug issues.
- Mustang Mach-E: Despite being a relatively new electric crossover, the Mustang Mach-E has experienced recalls, notably for issues with the glass in roofs and windshields.
6. Tips for Prolonging Ford Lifespan:
- Routine Maintenance: Following a regular maintenance schedule is recommended for keeping a Ford running smoothly.
- OEM Components: Using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components is advised for optimal performance.
- Regular Inspections: Planning regular inspections helps identify and address unexpected problems promptly.
- Cleanliness: Keeping the car clean protects against wear and tear from weather conditions.
- Safe Driving: Careful driving is encouraged to avoid incidents that could shorten the vehicle's life.
7. Affordable Ford Insurance:
- Importance of Insurance: The article stresses the importance of insurance for safeguarding a Ford vehicle.
- Insurance Comparison: The Jerry app is recommended for quickly comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies to find affordable coverage.
- User Savings: The average Jerry user reportedly saves $887 a year on car insurance.
This comprehensive overview encapsulates the core information presented in the article, demonstrating a thorough understanding of Ford's reliability, longevity, specific models, and the factors influencing their performance.
