What is still more reliable than a Ford?
Yes. On average, Toyota and Lexus vehicles are considered more reliable than Ford across major reliability surveys, with Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru also ranking highly in recent years, according to the latest reliability rankings through 2024–2025.
Why reliability stands out in the auto industry
Reliability in the automotive world is measured by a mix of long-term owner experiences, manufacturer quality controls, and independent testing. Surveys from Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and other industry analysts weigh factors such as defect frequency, maintenance costs, and the severity of issues reported by owners. The field is dynamic: a brand can rise or fall from year to year based on new designs, manufacturing changes, and recall history.
Key players that consistently outpace Ford on average
Before the list, a note: The brands below routinely score higher than Ford in broad reliability metrics across multiple surveys, though individual models and model years vary.
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Honda
- Mazda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Subaru
These brands have built reputations for durable powertrains, fewer in-warranty problems, and lower maintenance costs over the long term, contributing to higher overall reliability averages compared with Ford in many recent cycles.
Model-by-model reality: Ford vs. the field
Reliability is not uniform across an automaker’s lineup. Some Ford models perform well in reliability tests, while others have faced more questions from owners and reviewers. For example, Ford’s trucks and work-oriented models often rank solidly for durability, whereas certain crossover and SUV lines have shown more variability in dependability ratings in some years. The takeaway is that brand reputation should be weighed against model- and year-specific reliability data.
How to compare reliability for your next purchase
To make an informed decision, consult current, model-specific reliability scores for the exact year you’re considering, and weigh them against ownership costs, warranty coverage, and maintenance history. Use multiple reputable sources to get a balanced view.
- Consumer Reports reliability scores and predicted reliability ratings
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rankings
- Owner satisfaction and long-term ownership surveys
In practice, the most reliable choice depends on your budget, vehicle type, and the specific model/year you’re evaluating. Always verify with up-to-date, model-specific data.
Summary
Across recent years and multiple independent sources, several brands outperform Ford on average when it comes to reliability. Toyota and Lexus lead the pack, with Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru also delivering strong dependability in many segments. However, reliability varies by model and year, so prospective buyers should review current, model-specific data and consider total ownership costs in their decision.
What car is ranked #1 in reliability?
Subaru Tops Reliability
Subaru has ascended to the top of our brand rankings, supplanting Lexus and Toyota, which have traded the two top spots for many years.
What lasts longer, Toyota or Ford?
Toyota Wins More Reliability Awards Than Ford – J.D. Power
For comparison, Ford managed to earn just a single model-specific victory in the J.D. Power VDS. Toyota continues to outperform Ford in terms of reliability.
What car brand is the longest lasting?
Toyota
(iSeeCars) – Toyota is the top-ranked brand in terms...
Which car is better than Ford?
Toyota is ranked among the five most reliable car brands in 2022, according to the J.D. Power reliability survey . Ford failed to place even within the top 10. Japanese cars are a perfect example of long-term, guaranteed quality, and maximum performance.
