Dodge vs Ford: Reliability Guide 101
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
A lot of drivers and car enthusiasts usually make the mistake of limiting the reliability of Dodge and Ford to the trucks in their lineup. Ford and Dodge's reliability goes beyond what they offer in their trucks but the entirety of every car in their lineup.
To make it simple, Dodge is more reliable than Ford. Ford beats Dodge with higher safety ratings, but Dodge takes the lead with higher reliability ratings, cheaper repair and maintenance costs, better engine performance, and more power. Gas mileage is relative on both brands, just as warranty coverage.
You must understand that the reliability of Dodge and Ford greatly varies on the different models that they produce.
From small cars, midsize cars, full-size cars, sports cars, compact SUVs, midsize, large SUVs, and trucks, this blog post covers a detailed comparison of Dodge’s and Ford’s reliability.
Table of Contents
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
| Features | Dodge | Ford |
| Design | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Engine and Performance | ||
| Safety | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Technology | ||
| Durability |
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: Which Is Better?
It is very hard to give a one-for-all verdict on the reliability of Dodge and Ford. This might come as you expected, but the truth is that Dodge is more reliable than Ford. Although Ford has a more versatile lineup, there are also Dodge vehicles that cut across different categories.
Dodge has a better overall reliability standard, and higher ratings than what is obtainable on Ford, although this can vary on different models from both brands.
For instance, you might end up finding out that the Ford F-150 is just as reliable as Dodge, although in most cases, you will get more towing capacity from the F-150. This might be the same when comparing Ford Focus and Dodge Dart.
According to RepairPal, Dodge has a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0, ranking 19th out of 32 car brands. However, Ford takes a fallout by ranking 21st with a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0.
It isn't a different case as Ford falls behind Dodge on the 2022 US Vehicle Dependability Study, ranking just two places above the industry average, with Dodge taking the 8th position with 166 problems per 100 vehicles.
On the 2022 consumer reports reliability survey, Ford ranks 18th out of 24 car brands. Dodge isn't on the list due to insufficient data or low model count.
Ford's versatility in its model gives it an edge over Dodge. Still, considering Dodge's cheaper repair and maintenance cost, you are getting vehicles that will cost you little or nothing to keep them running.
Aside from the benefits of repair and maintenance costs, Dodge found a way to always beat Ford with better engine performance and gas mileage. It's always assumed that most brands sacrifice fuel efficiency in the bid to achieve superb engine performance.
This is not the same case as Dodge. Dodge offers better engine performance and still beats Ford's with better fuel economy that you can rely on. One of the peculiar differences between Dodge and Ford is their warranty coverage.
Ford features a 1-year/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, a 3-year/60,000-mile manufacturer, and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
On the other hand, Dodge offers a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.
Ford has an advantage over Dodge with its extended 100,000-mile warranty. In terms of design, both Dodge and Ford adopt different philosophies, impacting the type of designs found in their vehicles. However, no matter which brand you go for, you are sure to get impressive build quality.
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: Design
When it comes to design, Dodge and Ford have very different styles. These styles are evident in the different cars that they produce. Ford adopts a kinetic design philosophy, emphasizing the need for dynamism in its vehicles to keep them alive and moving even when they are at rest.
This is characterized by the use of bold lines, full surfaces, and design elements that visualizes energy in motion.
On the other hand, Dodge's design philosophy varies depending on the model that it is building.
For instance, the 2023 Dodge Hornet features a provocative design philosophy.
With the use of sleek lines, muscular proportions, and assertive accents, Dodge's design philosophy has more emphasis on bold frames and muscle styling without compromising performance and distinction.
This is visible in the use of Brembo brake calipers, premium leather-trimmed seats, large grilles, and engaging technology.
A direct comparison of Ford and Dodge designs should reveal to you that both brands have appealing designs that are structured to capture the needs of their users and target audience.
This includes the integration of aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency.
Winner: Both
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: Engine and Performance
Dodge is known for its powerful engines. These engines are way better than what's obtainable on Ford vehicles. The Dodge boasts of its HEMI engines that can deliver up to 797 horsepower.
The Hemi engine is just restricted to Dodge trucks but is also available on the Dodge Challenger.
Ford isn't left out in the battle of engines, as they have the EcoBoost engine to boast of.
Aside from the awesomeness of the Hemi and EcoBoost engines, Dodge offers better engines across the different models available in its lineup.
For instance, the 2019 Dodge Charger offers a whopping 707 HP compared to the Ford 2019 Taurus, which delivers only 365hp. Although when both cars are stepped down to the 3.6L V6 engine on Dodge and 3.5L V6 on Ford, you'll get 292Hp on Dodge and 288hp on Ford.
Winner: Dodge
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: Gas Mileage
It's usually rare to achieve superb engine performance without compromising fuel efficiency. Dodge tends to do that easily. The Dodge brand offers amazing vehicles that create a perfect balance of speed and fuel economy.
However, this varies on the different categories of models offered by both brands. For instance, there are no arguments that Ford EcoBoost engines are fuel efficient and they can compete with Dodge's Hemi engines.
In the case of gas mileage amongst Dodge and Ford vehicles, you will get 19/30 MPG from the 2023 Dodge Charger. This is better compared to the 2019 Ford Taurus, which returns 18/26 MPG for city and highway, respectively.
The 2018 Ford Focus records 24/34 MPG, while the 2016 Dodge Dart records 28/40 mpg. The list is endless as Dodge keeps offering more fuel-efficient systems than Ford.
Winner: Dodge
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: Safety and Technology
Ford has a great advantage over Dodge when it comes to safety. There are seven Ford vehicles earning the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (+) Award. This is an impressive feat compared to Dodge, which doesn't have any cars on the list.
Ford adopts the use of its amazing Ford’s Driver Assist technology, Co-Pilot360.
This safety technology features;
- Lane-keeping system
- Blue cruise
- Blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert
- Evasive steering assist
- Pre-collision assist with AEB
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Rearview camera
- Hill descent control
And lots more.
The availability of these features varies greatly depending on the model and trim level that you choose.
As for technology, you are getting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and touchscreen displays, and for Ford, you are getting Ford's SYNC 3 system.
Winner: Ford
Dodge vs. Ford Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
When it comes to repair and maintenance costs, it is cheaper to repair and maintain a Dodge than a Ford.
According to RepairPal, a Dodge's average annual repair cost is $634, while that of a Ford is $775. The cost of repairing Dodge vehicles isn't just cheaper than Ford's, but it also falls below the average cost of repairing all car models.
The tendency to visit the repair shop is also slightly better on Dodge than on Ford. You'll get a 0.2% chance of visiting the repair shop and a 15% probability of severe damages on Dodge vehicles. Dodge gets the same 15% probability but a 0.3 chance of visiting the repair shop.
Winner: Dodge
Conclusion
It is obvious that Dodge is more reliable than Ford, but you must understand that your choice depends on your needs and preferences. Aside from the increased reliability of Dodge vehicles, you can go for them if you have needs for speed and power.
Ford's enhanced warranty coverage is quite enticing, but Dodge's cheaper repair and maintenance cost is a better choice to make.
It is important to remind you that the reliability of Ford and Dodge cars ain't the same on all models, especially for their trucks. Let your choice align with your needs and preferences.
