Are GM cars more reliable than Ford?
Reliability isn’t determined by brand alone. In today’s data, Ford and GM both offer dependable models and models with higher repair needs; the answer depends on the specific vehicle and model year you’re considering.
How reliability is measured
To understand brand comparisons, it’s essential to know how experts assess reliability and dependability across models.
Major reliability surveys and what they cover
- Consumer Reports evaluates predicted reliability for models based on owner-reported problems and long-term dependability, providing both model-level and overall brand insights.
- J.D. Power tracks quality and reliability through studies such as initial quality and long-term dependability, incorporating manufacturer data and consumer feedback.
- Other outlets (for example, U.S. News & World Report and Car and Driver) summarize or synthesize CR and J.D. Power data and may add their own testing results; these are helpful for context but are not primary reliability sources.
The takeaway from these sources is that reliability varies widely by model and generation. A blanket statement about an entire brand being more reliable than another is rarely accurate.
Brand-level patterns in recent years
Across model lines, Ford and GM exhibit a mix of strong performers and models with reliability concerns. The landscape changes with each new generation and redesign, so year-by-year comparisons matter more than broad brand-wide judgments.
Important caveats for buyers
- Some Ford models (notably in the truck and large SUV categories) have historically earned strong reliability signals in certain years, while others in the lineup show average results.
- GM’s mainstream lineup (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick) includes models with solid reliability alongside others that have had mixed results; Cadillac tends to sit higher in some reliability assessments, but findings can vary by year.
- Overall, reliability tends to be driven by the individual model, its design generation, maintenance history, and how well the model has aged—not by brand alone.
In practice, buyers benefit most from looking at model-specific reliability data for the exact year and trim they’re considering, rather than relying on brand-wide impressions.
How to compare reliability for a specific purchase
If you’re deciding between GM and Ford for a particular vehicle, use a structured comparison to get a clear read on expected trouble-free ownership.
- Check model-specific reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for the exact year and configuration you’re eyeing.
- Review long-term dependability scores from J.D. Power for the same model and year to gauge durability over time.
- Factor in recall history and repair costs for common issues reported by owners of that model and year.
- Read owner forums and consumer reviews for practical, day-to-day reliability experiences (not just dealer anecdotes).
- Consider warranty coverage and maintenance plans that can affect ownership experience and cost over the first several years.
By focusing on model- and year-specific data, you’ll arrive at a more accurate assessment of which brand—or which particular model—will deliver the reliability you value most.
Practical takeaways for buyers
The current reliability landscape shows that neither GM nor Ford holds an outright, universal advantage. For shoppers, the most reliable path is to evaluate the exact model year you plan to buy, compare model-by-model data from top reliability sources, and weigh maintenance expectations and total ownership costs. A careful, data-driven approach yields clearer guidance than brand-name assumptions.
Summary
In short, GM cars are not categorically more reliable than Ford, and Ford isn’t categorically more reliable than GM. Reliability is highly model- and year-specific, influenced by design generations, manufacturing choices, and how well a vehicle is maintained. For the most accurate assessment, compare the exact model-year you’re considering across reputable reliability surveys, and weigh ongoing maintenance costs and recall history alongside owner experiences. This approach helps buyers identify genuinely dependable options within either brand.
