When you’re buying a car, reliability matters — with cars these days more expensive than ever, finding one that will last is a key concern. Toyota has built a strong reputation for reliability over the years, and for good reason, but Ford has stepped up its game big time.
The truth is that today’s Ford vehicles are built differently. They’re engineered for quality and durability, meaning the gap isn’t just closing — often, Ford is leading the pack. So, why are Ford cars reliable? And when it comes to Ford versus Toyota, why are so many smart buyers choosing the blue oval? Let our team at John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken take you through the facts.
Historical Reliability
Toyota made its name in the U.S. in the 80s and 90s. Back then, American cars had some consistency problems. This created a perception that still lingers for a lot of people, but things have changed — over the last 10 years, Ford has transformed its approach to quality, completely reinventing its engineering and manufacturing standards. The results speak for themselves.
Recent studies show Ford vehicles scoring above the industry average in reliability rankings. Toyota still makes dependable cars, but it’s had its share of problems, too, with several major recalls affecting millions of Toyota vehicles.
Build Quality and Engineering
“Built Ford Tough” isn’t just a catchy slogan — it’s how these vehicles are made. Ford engineers use advanced materials science to gives their cars and trucks a real edge.
Take the F-Series trucks. Ford turned to high-strength aluminum alloy, which other brands were slow to adopt, allowing engineers to make these trucks more durable while cutting weight. It’s this kind of smart engineering that explains why Ford’s reliability has improved so much. While Toyota plays it safe with small improvements, Ford makes bold moves that pay off in the long run, creating vehicles that stay reliable year after year. You can check out our entire lineup of Built Ford Tough cars, trucks, and SUVs in our inventory of new vehicles.
Durability Testing
What happens before a car hits our lot is critical in making sure it’s ready for you to drive it home. Ford’s testing program is seriously intense, pushing vehicles to limits far beyond normal driving.
At its Michigan proving grounds, Ford subjects its vehicles to brutal conditions. The Silver Creek test track compresses 10 years of suspension stress into just days, and testing goes on in temperatures ranging from 40 below zero to 120 degrees. Before it gets to you, Ford makes sure your vehicle can handle far more than the streets of Conshohocken have got in store for it.
Toyota tests its vehicles too — but not quite like this. We think this explains why Ford owners report so few unexpected issues. Their cars were built to handle much more than daily driving will ever throw at them.
Longevity and Maintenance
Want to know about true reliability? Look at vehicles with over 100,000 miles on the clock. A huge number of Ford F-150 trucks sold in the last 20 years are still going strong despite the mileage they’ve racked up — that matches or beats Toyota’s famous longevity.
Maintenance costs tell an interesting story, too. Toyota used to have a clear advantage here, but that’s not true anymore, with 5-year maintenance costs between similar models, such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, now almost identical.
We see customers trading in Fords with 200,000 miles or more that still run smoothly. That’s real proof that these vehicles last and that those drastic tests aren’t for nothing — when it comes to extreme conditions, Ford’s engineering makes the difference.
Technology Reliability
Cars today are rolling computers, where tech reliability matters just as much as the durability of mechanical parts. Ford’s SYNC system has become one of the most stable and user-friendly systems around, with a longer development background than Toyota’s Entune. Ford also jumped on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration earlier than Toyota, showing its commitment to keeping you connected.
This matters because you interact with these systems every day. Ford aggressively updates its software, too, giving you a tech experience that actually improves over time instead of feeling outdated after a few years.
Customer Satisfaction
Engineering specs only tell part of the story — when it comes to reliability, owner experiences reveal the truth. Recent J.D. Power studies show Ford vehicles score higher than Toyota in initial quality.
Even more telling are the long-term responses. Our customers often tell us how surprised they are by their Ford’s reliability — they expected good but got great. This real-world feedback confirms that Ford reliability is the real deal.
Protection You Can Count On
Ford stands behind their vehicles with comprehensive warranty coverage. Every new Ford comes with a solid 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection plan.
Need more coverage? Ford offers optional protection plans that extend up to 8 years or 150,000 miles. Their roadside assistance runs 5 years or 60,000 miles, giving you peace of mind wherever you drive.
Ford’s extended service plans, called Ford Protect, are tailored to your needs. Select the plan that is right for you when buying your new Ford.
Make the Reliable Choice With John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken
The reliability gap between Ford and Toyota hasn’t just narrowed — in many important ways, Ford has taken the lead. Through dedicated engineering, extensive testing, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Ford vehicles now offer the dependable performance that today’s drivers demand. Your new Ford is even more affordable than you think. Check in with our finance team to get pre-qualified with an online application.
To experience this reliability revolution firsthand, visit us at John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken. Contact us today to schedule a visit or test-drive and ask our service technicians about the improvements they’ve witnessed in Ford reliability over the years.
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