Is Ford safer than Chevy?
When it comes to choosing a vehicle, safety is often one of the most important factors for buyers. Ford and Chevrolet, two of the most iconic American car manufacturers, have long been compared in terms of performance, reliability, and safety. In this article, we’ll explore whether Ford vehicles are safer than Chevy vehicles by examining key safety features, crash test ratings, and overall reliability.
Crash Test Ratings: A Key Indicator of Safety
Crash test ratings are one of the most reliable ways to assess a vehicle's safety. Both Ford and Chevy vehicles are regularly tested by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These tests evaluate how well vehicles protect occupants in various crash scenarios.
- Ford: Many Ford models, such as the Ford F-150 and Ford Explorer, consistently receive high safety ratings. For example, the Ford F-150 has been awarded a 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA in recent years.
- Chevy: Chevrolet vehicles, like the Chevy Silverado and Chevy Equinox, also perform well in crash tests. The Chevy Equinox, for instance, has been recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
Both brands have strong safety records, but specific models may vary in their performance. It’s important to compare individual vehicles rather than generalizing across the entire brand.
Advanced Safety Features
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers. Both Ford and Chevy have invested heavily in these features, but there are some differences worth noting.
- Ford Co-Pilot360: Ford offers its Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features are standard on many Ford models.
- Chevy Safety Assist: Chevrolet provides a similar package called Chevy Safety Assist, which includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, these features are not always standard and may require an upgrade.
Ford’s commitment to making advanced safety features standard on more models gives it a slight edge in this category.
Reliability and Long-Term Safety
Safety isn’t just about crash tests and features—it’s also about reliability. A vehicle that breaks down frequently or has mechanical issues can pose safety risks over time. Both Ford and Chevy have a reputation for building durable vehicles, but there are some differences in reliability rankings.
- Ford: Ford vehicles are known for their robust build quality, particularly in their trucks and SUVs. However, some models have faced criticism for issues with transmissions and electronics.
- Chevy: Chevrolet vehicles are also reliable, with a strong focus on durability in their trucks and family SUVs. Chevy has slightly fewer reported issues with electronics compared to Ford.
Both brands are reliable, but individual models and maintenance history play a significant role in long-term safety.
Conclusion: Which Brand is Safer?
Ultimately, the question of whether Ford is safer than Chevy depends on the specific models being compared. Both brands offer vehicles with excellent safety ratings and advanced features, but Ford’s commitment to making safety features standard on more models gives it a slight advantage. That said, Chevy’s vehicles are equally competitive, particularly in terms of reliability and crash test performance.
When choosing between Ford and Chevy, it’s essential to research the safety ratings and features of the specific model you’re considering. At Kevin’s Autos, we always recommend test-driving vehicles and consulting with a trusted mechanic to ensure you’re making the safest choice for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fords built to last?
Ford's approach to manufacturing ensures that their vehicles are built to last. Each model undergoes rigorous testing to meet high durability standards, giving you confidence that your car will stand the test of time, whether buying a new car or opting for a certified pre-owned vehicle from Ford.
Is Toyota or Ford safer?
Safety. Ford and Toyota both have an average U.S. News safety score of 9.3 out of 10, as calculated from the brands' 2017 models. Ford had a low score of 8.5 for the C-Max Energi and a high score of 9.7 for the Mustang and F-150. Toyota had a low score of 8.5 for the 4Runner and a high score of 10 for the Prius Prime.
Who has more recalls, Ford or GM?
Ford and Chrysler currently lead all manufacturers in the number of issued recalls for consumer vehicles in 2024, with 51 vehicle recalls each. BMW (26), General Motors (22), Mercedes (21), and Hyundai (20) are the other manufacturers that have had at least 20 recalls at this point in the year.
Do Fords last longer than Chevy?
Chevy trucks can last longer than Ford trucks. As such, purchasing a Chevy truck may allow you to get more use out of the truck. When it comes to gas mileage, value results are extremely close, but with Chevy taking the win. The 2022 Chevy Silverado has a fuel economy of 26 combined mpg.
Who has more recalls Ford or Chevy?
Ford
Ford Issues the Most Car Recalls Annually
No car manufacturer is immune to recalls, but Ford has statistically been the company that has the most recalls annually. They've ranked highest for vehicle recalls for several years, including 2022, with a whopping 8.6 million cars recalled in total.
Who is more reliable, Ford or Chevy?
While Ford and Chevy both score points with advanced infotainment and safety features, Ford pulls ahead in overall predicted reliability and resale value.
Is Ford or GM doing better?
Ford's stock is now down 18% in 2024, while General Motors (GM) has risen by 43.8%. The S&P 500 SPX has risen 27.2% this year.
Is GM or Ford more reliable?
To answer today would have to take the past 3 years of customer surveys on quality and reliability. GM is ranked higher than Ford. Both have improved significantly in the past ten years. Currently, Cadillac, GMC, and Fusion rank lower than industry average.
What is a better buy GM or Ford?
However, GM's lower long-term debt-to-capitalization ratio compared to Ford provides it with greater financial flexibility. Ford has a high dividend yield of more than 5%, way better than the S&P 500's yield of 1.19% on average.
What are the most reliable car brands?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
