Since 1903, as one of America's most famous automotive brands with numerous longstanding nameplates, Ford should know how to build cars that stand the test of time. Yet, the company continues to struggle in reliability rankings against mostly foreign competitors, with a significant number of recalls across its extensive product line.The natural question to ask is if there are any Ford cars reliable to consider purchasing in used condition. In fact, despite their less-than-stellar track record for durability, there are many Ford cars and trucks on the roadways with 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. With cars and trucks like the Mustang and Bronco that have undergone dramatic transformations over the course of their 50+ year histories, it seems like an impossible mission to decide on which Ford vehicle is the most reliable.Like other manufacturers, Ford is in a constant cat-and-mouse game to address problems that arise during certain model years for a car, only to find different issues present themselves in later years. Whether a buyer is looking for a sedan, truck, SUV, or sports car, with the wealth of information available about Ford cars, it's possible to make an informed decision about which used cars are likely to last the longest. The following 10 used Ford cars offer a wide selection of performance, price, and size, and are the most likely to test the limits of any odometer.
10 2010 Explorer ($8,000)
Undeterred by the failure of the Ford Bronco II, Ford remained determined to introduce a successful smaller SUV to the market when the Explorer debuted in 1991. Although the Explorer shared the same frame as the Bronco II, adding two doors made a world of difference to consumers looking for a more practical SUV.The 2010 and 2011 Ford Explorers are consistently recommended by drivers as the most reliable and best values among used Ford SUV options on the market. The 2010 Explorer was the last to offer a V8 engine, and Ford corrected many of the transmission issues that plagued earlier generations.
9 2012 Escape ($8,500)
With Honda and Toyota selling popular CUVs in the early 2000s, Ford needed a compact crossover to counter the sales of its foreign competitors. Ford had already invested in the Mazda brand, so it made a lot of sense that the first Ford Escape in 2000 was essentially a Mazda Tribute in disguise.Unfortunately, between 2005 and 2013, there are many older Ford Escape years to avoid when looking for a good deal on one in the used car market. The 2012 Escape is remarkably void of the ignition, braking, and electrical issues of other model years, with users at Edmunds rating it highly for its automatic parking and available hybrid version.
8 2017 Fiesta ($10,300)
Known as the famous European supermini, Henry Ford II himself gave the green light to sell the Fiesta across most of the globe in 1976. Despite offering a solution to record-high gas prices, the budget-friendly Fiesta only sold for a few years before its American run ended in 1980.Manufactured and sold in huge numbers across Europe, the Fiesta finally returned to North America in 2011. A used Ford Fiesta makes a perfect starter car for young drivers, and the 2017 model was highly rated for its responsive handling and tech features like an updated infotainment system not standard at its price point.
7 2011 Mustang ($11,000)
For some used car shoppers, practicality isn't their first concern while browsing the second-hand marketplace. The Mustang, America's iconic pony car, is surprisingly reliable as a daily driver, especially with certain model years. The 2011 Mustang came with numerous improvements from previous models, including V6 and V8 engines that increased its horsepower dramatically, as well as a revised suspension for a smoother and quieter ride.With a more modern look, the 2011 Mustang achieved a 4.8/5 rating at Cars.com, with all-around high marks for performance and reliability. Base models in good condition sell for as low as $11,000 and this affordable muscle car is one of the best values among any used Ford car.
6 2017 Focus ($12,500)
When introduced in 1998, the compact Ford Focus had the tall task of replacing the incredibly successful Escort in the European market. The Focus was quick to rack up awards for its surprisingly spacious interior and comfortable ride, and was then introduced to the North American market in 2000.The Focus is an enticing option on the used car market as an affordable yet surprisingly peppy small sedan or hatchback. Issues with its clunky PowerShift transmission led to poor reviews with models from 2012 to 2016. The 2017 Ford Focus saw improved ratings in reliability, with users at Cars.com scoring it an overall 4.6/5.
5 2009 F-150 ($12,500)
The Ford F-150 pickup truck has achieved the rank of the best-selling American vehicle an astonishing 41 times. The Ford F-100 appeared as one of the first vehicles Ford manufactured in the post-WWII era, but it was not until 1975 that the F-150 became an upgraded model with increased power and payload capacity.In 2011, the F-150 was the first to offer a Ford EcoBoost V6 engine as an option, which rivaled the power of a V8 but nevertheless disappointed V8 fanatics. As a result, used truck buyers may gravitate toward the 2009 version which only included traditional V8 engines. The 2009 F-150 was rated the number one full-sized pickup truck by US News & World Report, with critics praising its revamped interior and enhanced towing capabilities.
4 2017 Taurus ($15,000)
There is perhaps no car that better represents the rise and fall of the modern American sedan than the Ford Taurus. Introduced in 1985, the Taurus took aim at foreign sedans that were dominating the marketplace, and the car with its rounded styling and advanced interior controls was an instant success, with over a million sold by 1989.Canceled in 2006 as it struggled against SUVs and more compact foreign cars, the Taurus would not remain off the market for long. Sadly, the Taurus was once again discontinued in 2019, but the last Ford Taurus is one of the best editions in the history of the car, praised for having a quiet and comfortable ride.
3 2020 EcoSport ($16,500)
The Ford EcoSport is a product of Ford's attempts to battle Volkswagen for dominance in Brazil in the early 2000s. Based on the Ford Fiesta, the EcoSport offered a more economical alternative to the pricey cars that the company was selling in South America.The EcoSport did not arrive at U.S. dealerships until 2018, and its reception was less than positive, with drivers reporting noisy brakes that would lock up. However, by 2020, Ford addressed these safety concerns and the subcompact SUV enjoys a 4.4/5 user rating at Kelley Blue Book.
2 1992 Bronco ($18,000)
With a valid claim that it's the world's oldest SUV, the Ford Bronco began as an answer to the Jeep CJ of the mid to late 1960s. The early Bronco was a rare off-road vehicle marketed to the masses, and initial sales exceeded expectations.Following Ford's disastrous introduction of the downsized Ford Bronco II in 1984, the fifth generation of the SUV got off to another interesting start in 1992 with O.J. Simpson making it a notorious getaway vehicle. Bad press aside, the 1992 Bronco addressed the safety problems of earlier versions with more rugged construction, anti-lock brakes, and airbags. Earning a 4.8/5 score in reliability at Kelley Blue Book, you can still find 1992 Broncos with well over 150,000 miles on the road today.
1 2019 Flex ($20,000)
With its large and boxy exterior, there is no mistaking a Ford Flex if you come across one on the roadways. The Flex's appearance is easier to understand since in 2009, Ford was trying to make an effective transition from station wagons and minivans.One of the best years to look for this used Ford SUV is 2019, as its problematic EcoBoost timing chain is not the issue that it was with earlier models. Considering its turbocharged V6 engine and solid reliability scores, the 2019 Flex was one of the best values in its class.