Reliability, value, safety, and resale value are some of the keys to buying a new or used car. Business Insider named Ford in the top 10 most reliable car brands for 2020. With this in mind, the search was on to find the most reliable used Ford vehicle. 

Ford Trucks

If classic trucks are your forte, there is no shortage of reliable Fords available. Visit a classic auto show, and there is a good likelihood that you will find a Ford truck among the crows. 

One fan favorite for colletors and hot-rodders alike is the 1956 Ford F-Series. While most vehicles depreciate in value, this particular truck retailed at $1,611, yet a restored version today will run you around $65,000, a 4,034% increase in value. Another universal favorite is the classic Ford Pickup like the 1970 Ford Ranger. 

Staying with the Ford Truck theme, the best used small truck is still the Ford Ranger. Many thought 2011 was the last year for the Ranger, and it was also considered its best year by many. But by popular demand, the Ford Ranger made a return to the American market in 2019. 

What if you don’t want a truck?

If a truck is not the market you are looking for, there are plenty of other reliable used Ford vehicles still on the market. The top reliable used Ford Sedan originally appeared on Consumer Reports’ Best Used Cars list multiple years. For reliability, the 2012 and 2013, are the strongest while 2008-2009 and 2011 are a close second. Cars.com gives both the 2012 and 2013 Ford Fusions 4.4 and 4.1-star reviews, respectively.  

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion gets high marks for having responsive handling a firm controlled ride, and excellent fuel economy in the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, or 3.0-liter V6 or hybrid engine. For even more economy, the Ford Fusion Hybrid was added in 2010. If you’re looking for the most recent version, the 2013 Ford Fusion was completely redesigned. 

Ford Explorer

For reliability and ruggedness, nothing beats the Ford Explorer. As a staple in the SUV line up since its introduction in 1991. Motortrend notes, “the first-generation Explorer sold more than 300,000 units per year — outselling the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer by a significant margin — and more than 400,000 units a year by the end of the second generation. Ford sold more Explorers than all import SUVs combined.”  

In 2011, the fifth edition Explorer packed a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 255 lb-ft mated to a six-speed automatic and was available in front- or all-wheel drive. 2011 is still thought by many to be one of the best model years for reliability. This model is worthy of serious consideration for anyone in the market for a used SUV. 

The bottom line, picking only one reliable used or new Ford, is not easy.