Ford vs. Toyota Reliability: A Detailed Comparison

Ford vs Toyota Reliability

In this post, we're comparing Ford and Toyota to see which brand is more reliable.

We'll look at how long their cars typically last, what kind of maintenance issues they face, and what actual car owners have to say about them.

By focusing on these practical aspects, we aim to give you a clear idea of whether Ford or Toyota is the better choice for you when it comes to a reliable car.

Ready for a straightforward, no-frills comparison?

Let’s find your perfect car match together.

Ford Vs. Toyota Reliability

FeaturesFordToyota
Design
Emphasizes Performance
Emphasizes Functionality
Repair and Maintenance Cost
Costlier
Cheaper
Durability
Ford cars can last up to 200,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 10 -13 years.
Toyota cars can last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 13-17 years.
Technology
Great
Great
Engine
Superb: All about Performance and Efficiency
Less Speed and Power, Overengineered for durability and reliability.
Gas Mileage
Great
Great
Safety
High Safety Ratings
Higher Safety Ratings

How Ford and Toyotas Compare to Other Brands

Make
Average Annual Maintenance Cost
JD Power Reliability Rating
Ford
Approximately $775
249
Toyota
$400 to $600
168
Mitsubishi
Around $535
167
Honda
$400 to $500
205
Chevy
Around $650
162
Lexus
$700 to $800
133
Genesis
$900 to $1,000
144
Kia
$450 to $550
152

Annual Maintenance Cost Comparison

Ford
Average Annual Maintenance Cost
Toyota
Average Annual Maintenance Cost
Focus
$775
Corolla
$441
Fusion
$775
Camry
$441
Escape
$600
RAV4
$429

Common Maintenance Costs Comparison

Maintenance Item
Ford 
Toyota
Oil Changes
$30 to $70 (conventional) / $60 to $120 (synthetic)
$45 to $75 (conventional) / $65 to $125 (synthetic)
Tire Rotation
$20 to $50 (rotation) 
$25 to $50
Brake Inspection
Free to $50 (inspection) / $150 to $300 per axle (pad replacement) / $200 to $400 per axle (rotor replacement)
Free to $50 (inspection) / $150 to $300 per axle (pad replacement) / $200 to $400 per axle (rotor replacement)
Battery Service
$100 to $250 (replacement)
$120 to $250 (replacement)
Fluid Checks and Top-Ups
Minor, but up to $80 to $250 for transmission fluid change
Minor, but up to $90 to $200 for transmission fluid change
Air and Cabin Filter Replacement
$20 to $50 (air filter) / $30 to $70 (cabin filter)
$20 to $45 (air filter) / $30 to $70 (cabin filter)
Spark Plugs Replacement
$100 to $300
$100 to $300
Cooling System Service
$100 to $200
$90 to $150
Transmission Service
$150 to $400
$150 to $300
Exhaust System Inspection
Minor for inspection / $100 to $1,000+ for repairs
Minor for inspection / $100 to $1,000+ for repairs
Software Updates
Free under warranty / $50 to $200 out-of-warranty
Free under warranty / $50 to $150 out-of-warranty
Wheel Alignment
$50 to $120
$60 to $120

Which Is Better: Ford or Toyota?

It is difficult to place any of these cars above the other. This is because their reliability is enviable. Although Ford is an American car brand, and Toyota a Japanese brand, the differences in the reliability of these cars go beyond their country of origin.

The truth is that Toyota is more reliable than Ford. According to Repairpal, Toyota has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0, ranking 8th out of 32 car brands. This is unlike Ford, which is ranked 21st out of 32 car brands, with a rating of 3.5/5.0.

The 2021 JD Power dependability survey rates Ford 2/5, with Toyota earning 4/5 reliability. This is a downgrade from the 5/5 Toyota and Ford’s 3/5 score for 2017. In a survey conducted between Ford and Toyota cars, we found out that 100 Ford cars recorded 130 problems. This is a more problematic scale than Toyota, which has 98 problems per 100 vehicles.

The engineering philosophies of Toyota cars make them produce more durable cars that last longer than Ford with fewer problem margins. The argument of “faster driving” is dependent on the driver.

Although Toyota engines are not overburdened with the need to deliver a burst of power, there are Toyota cars that outperform Ford in terms of speed.

The popularity of these two car brands makes it easier to fix them when a problem arises. You shouldn’t experience difficulty getting the spare parts for these cars.

Ford and Toyota have great safety features, but Toyota has more cars earning high safety ratings. The differences are not much, but it is important to cite them.

Design

When it comes to design, you should expect the best from Ford. Toyota is too focused on making durable cars that they place less emphasis on the beauty of their cars. From Toyota cars, you are assured of better build quality.

Unlike Ford cars, your Toyota has fewer chances to leak oil after 100,000 miles. This greatly depends on your driving conditions. The Toyota brand beats many car manufacturers, including Ford, by not releasing untested technologies and systems. Until it is tested and proven, it won’t be released.

Toyota’s designs emphasize functionality and durability, the ability of its engines and parts to last till the end of the world. Ford doesn’t guarantee such strength, but they are attractive and all about performance.

This doesn’t mean that Ford’s designs are not durable; we are only implying that Toyota has better engineering and design philosophies.

Toyota employs the total quality management system, Jidoka, and kaizen engineering principles. These systems ensure that proper supervision is sustained, a customer-first approach, and automation is blended with human expertise and sustainability.

As a Toyota user, you are assured of systems you can rely on for zero chances of frequent breakdowns and high efficiency.

The Toyota brand is not the type of company that struggles to be the first to release a technology. The choice between Toyota and Ford designs is if you are looking for a performance car or a functional car that will handle your daily trips without any worries.

Winner: Toyota

Repair and Maintenance Cost

It is cheaper to maintain a Toyota car than a Ford. The average annual cost of repairing/maintaining a Toyota car is $441. This is cheaper than the average $652 cost for repairing all car models.

With Ford, you will spend an annual average of $775. This is not only costlier than the average cost of all models but more expensive than what it costs to maintain a Toyota.

The repair and maintenance cost for Ford cars varies for different models and production years. For instance, it is cheaper to maintain a Ford Escape than a Ford Endeavor.

You must understand that with a Toyota car, you will visit the mechanic less than you will do with a Ford. With Ford, you have a 0.3 chance of minor repairs and a 15% chance of major repairs. This is higher than what is obtainable from Toyota. While with Toyota, you have a 0.3 chance for minor repairs and a 12% chance of major repairs.

Winner: Toyota

Durability

Ford and Toyota offer the same warranty coverage. However, there are differences in the standard of durability achieved by both brands. It is normal to believe that both Toyota and Ford can last up to 200,000 miles or more, but when it comes to longevity with fewer breakdowns, Toyota wins.

Toyota employs robust engines that are more durable. Ford optimizes its cars for performance, better driving experience, and traction. You will expect a Toyota car to handle rough conditions more than a Ford can.

As a matter of fact, Toyota trucks (Hilux) are the favorite brand of terrorists and revolutionaries. Not kidding!

These cars were the best for enforcement and intimidation based on their strength. You’ll find more Toyota cars with humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross, and United Nations missions.

There are arguments that a Toyota car can travel to the far ends of the world without breaking down.

Winner: Toyota

Safety and Technology

Toyota and Ford cars are equipped with an array of technology, as can be seen in each of their models. However, Toyota beats Ford in the provision of reliable technology and high ratings.

From Euro Ncap ratings, IIHS, and NHTSA, there are more Toyota cars earning high safety stars and ratings than Ford cars.

This is all thanks to the Toyota safety sense technology package. Ford also has a safety technology package, the copilot 360 technology, but not as defined as what is obtainable by Toyota.

When you mention cars with the best driver assistance systems, you will find Ford and Toyota cars on that list. Toyota edges forward as they have more cars with safety awards, and the technology of Toyota is thoroughly tested before release.

Winner: Toyota

Engine and Performance

Ford engines are fine-tuned for speed, power, and extreme performance. The Ford Powerstroke engine is one of the best engines in existence that beats Duramax or even Cummins engines.

You think of Ford when you want better drive handling and road grip. Horsepower, torque, and strength are some features that it delivers better than Toyotas.

However, Toyota steps up to the competition by producing more durable engines. Although they are not as fast as Ford’s, your Toyota engine will rarely break down as a Ford engine will. You get improved driving mechanics, more stability, and amazing handling.

You shouldn’t expect extreme speed and power from the Toyota engine, as the Toyota brand believes that the more an engine is stressed, the greater the chance of it spoiling.

Winner: Both

Gas Mileage

There are slight differences in the gas mileage achieved from both cars. Toyota and Ford are designed to give you high-level fuel efficiency that you can rely on. Both cars don’t adopt a fuel-saving technology as seen in Mazda and Honda, but you can expect the best from them.

The peculiarities and differences lie in the models they offer. For instance, the Toyota Corolla returns 28/37 mpg city and highway, and the Ford Focus returns 26/36 mpg city/highway. This is just as the Toyota Tundra returns a better fuel economy than the F-150.

You will get great fuel economy from the Ford explorer, Ecosport, Bronco sport, Fusion, Fiesta, and Escape, but there are better fuel ratings from Toyota Corolla and Camry. Even the Toyota Prius beats the Ford Fusion Hybrid in fuel economy.

Winner: Toyota

Verdict

Choosing between the reliability of Ford and Toyota depends on your needs and preferences. The Toyota brand symbolizes functionality and durability, while Ford emphasizes performance and speed.

The cheaper cost of ownership can also guide you in choosing which of the cars fits your budget. It all boils down to why you need a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ford cars as reliable as Toyota?

Ford cars are reliable, but not as reliable as Toyota. Toyota cars are more reliable than Ford cars in certain categories; fuel economy, engine strength, durability, and safety ratings. Toyota also has a higher overall reliability rating than Ford cars.

Is Ford or Toyota cheaper?

Ford cars are more expensive than Toyota cars. In fact, Toyota is one of the cheapest cars to own in the industry. This goes beyond the cost of purchase. The overall cost of ownership of Toyota cars is way cheaper than what is obtainable from Ford.

Which lasts longer: Toyota or Ford?

Both Toyota and Ford have the same lifespan. You can expect your Toyota car to last up to 200,000 miles, just as a Ford will.