Over the years, Ford has gone through several ups and downs. As a manufacturer, they have always offered great value-for-money vehicles. Unfortunately, that value often does not correlate with the vehicles' longevity.
The kind of value they usually offer is spec, performance, and affordability. Big on fun, but also big on repair bills. So, finding a model that is actually reliable is actually pretty rare, even though they are one of the most prolific manufacturers in the world. Their current model lineup includes some of the biggest sellers worldwide, but unlike Toyota, nobody expects them to be reliable. These are 10 models that break that trend, and prove even one of the least reliable brands can still make reliable cars.
10 Ranger
Ford fans in the U.S. waited for the return of the Ranger nameplate for several years, but it came back missing a key ingredient.
The global Ranger has run on diesel for a full generation now, and those diesel powertrains have proven incredibly reliable over the last decade. It powered the Ranger to the top of sales charts all over the world and customer feedback remains largely positive.
9 Mondeo
After the Sierra failed to ever live up to their expectations, Ford needed a new midsize car that would take the fight to the increasing competition in Europe.
It was initially met with heavy criticism, but after a much needed mid-cycle refresh it became one of Ford’s biggest success stories. It remains one of the most reliable Euro Fords ever produced, although the Contour never really caught on in the U.S. it set several sales records over in Europe.
8 Bantam
This South African market Ford pickup was based on the 5th generation Fiesta. It also got the robust Rocam engine which proved to be incredibly reliable.
Although production ceased over a decade ago it is still a fan favorite among small business owners and dirt bike enthusiasts. Ford tried and failed to fill the gap in the market with the Ranger, but there is still strong global demand for small pickups like this, and much is expected of the new Maverick.
7 Fiesta
Although the latest Fiesta proved to be underwhelming in terms of sales, it is still the best version of the car.
It went out of production in the U.S. some years ago now but in Europe and the rest of the world it is still available. There is no denying that small cars like the Fiesta are on their way out though, with crossovers fast becoming the new entry level vehicle of choice among consumers.
6 Mustang
Almost counterintuitively the Mustang sports car has one of the best reliability ratings. It is largely down to its proven mechanicals.
With the 2.3 liter EcoBoost and the venerable 5.0 liter V8 having been in production for several years now, there are only so many things that can go wrong.
5 F-250
Over the years the F-250 has become one of the most popular workhorses in the U.S. It is a refreshingly simple vehicle in base trim and that is exactly where you will get the best reliability.
Designed essentially as a tool, this pickup is more or less devoid of any creature comforts. Less equipment, fewer problems.
4 Transit
In a world where simple is best, nothing gets as simple as an old Transit. It became the default van of choice throughout Europe thanks largely to its reliability.
It comes in a pretty wide range of specification, but it is the simple workhorse that effectively changed the automotive landscape with so many businesses and fleet operators alike opting for the Transit.
3 Falcon
No, not that one. The BA Falcon made in Australia is arguably one of the most reliable cars ever made, let alone Fords.
Equipped with the famous Barra inline 6 these cars will go on forever with minimal maintenance. Base models are still fairly potent too, with over 240 horsepower on tap.
2 Crown Victoria
It is for good reason that the U.S. government and fleet operators chose to use these cars as their default vehicles. They are discreet, reliable and actually pretty powerful.
Underneath the understated oh-so-90s body lies the ultra-reliable Modular V8, which can pretty much make as little or as much power as you desire, depending on the application.
1 Fairmont
If you were to ask a child to draw a silhouette of a car, they would most likely draw the Fairmont. Although it has now faded away into oblivion it was once one of the most popular cars in the U.S.
The malaise era made certain that these cars stayed unnaturally reliable thanks to the fact that they were in such a mild state of tune. The inline 6 was only making 90 horsepower and the Windsor V8 a paltry 140 horsepower. Comfy, boxy cruiser anyone?
Sources: Car Complaints, Car Magazine