How Long Do Fords Last?
Fords have an average lifespan of 200,000 miles or 13 years—and the swift, powerful Ranger may be the most reliable Ford on the market.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Are Fords reliable?
- The most reliable Ford models
- The least reliable Ford models
- How to make your Ford last longer
- How to find affordable Ford insurance
- FAQs
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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 insurance
comparison shopping app Jerry
has 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.
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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!
The 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
Ranger
is 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-250
was 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
Bronco
was 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).The 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
Expedition
has 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-Es
were 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:
- 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 longer
How 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
Jerry
app 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 coverage
and OEM coverage to extend the life of your car! The best part? The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
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FAQs
What is a high mileage for a Ford?
Although Fords can live far beyond 200,000 miles with careful care, most dealers consider any car with more than 100,000 miles to be a "high-mileage" Ford. This obviously isn't a strict rule: in rare situations, mileages as low as 75,000 may be considered high.
Are Fords expensive to maintain?
A Ford's maintenance costs are higher than other comparable brands (like Dodge and Chevy). When repair and maintenance expenses are added together, Ford drivers spend approximately $775 each year on their vehicles.
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