J.D. Power’s recently released 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study has thus far brought about some bad news for Ford Motor Company, as the Ford brand fell all the way from 16th place last year to 29th place after owners suffered a serious uptick in problems over the past year. The automaker’s luxury arm, Lincoln, didn’t fare any better, as it plummeted to a next-to-last ranking of 31st place this year. However, the 2023 U.S. Dependability Study wasn’t all bad news for The Blue Oval, as the Ford Fusion managed to squeeze out a third-place ranking in the mid-size car category.
The Ford Fusion ranked behind only the Kia Optima and Chevy Malibu in the mid-size ranks in this year’s study in what represents yet another accolade for the discontinued sedan. As such, the Fusion remains a solid target for those in the market for a reliable used vehicle that won’t break the bank – but it’s also a solid get for dealers, too.
“The used-vehicle market has helped sustain dealers’ profitability in the past couple of years, but they need to know which vehicles to have on their lots,” said Jonathan Banks, vice president and general manager of vehicle valuations at J.D. Power. “Having vehicles with strong dependability scores will nurture a positive brand perception and drive foot traffic.”
The 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on the responses of 30,062 original owners of 2020 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. It examines how 2020 model-year vehicles are currently performing in terms of quality, component replacement, and appeal and intends to help automotive manufacturers design and build better vehicles to stand the test of time and promote higher resale value. This year’s study covers 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories – climate; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; infotainment; interior; powertrain; and seats.
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Comments
This car is much better than any of the boring cookie cutter SUV´s and crossovers Ford produces today. Ford should have kept at least this sedan (and the Continental or the MKZ for Lincoln) instead of letting a whole market segment go. Toyota, MB, Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot, GM, Tesla, Volvo, Dodge and the whole Ford competitors are the ones that will result benefited of Ford blindness. Not everybody likes SUV´s or crossovers or is willing to buy one no matter what.
I’m on my 3rd Fusion, and REALLY wish Ford would bring back at least that sedan. Comfortable as all get-out, and I have never had any major issues with any of them- and I have had both the 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost!
Nice accolade! Lends credence to the old adage, “they build ‘‘em like they used to”.
Too bad Ford/Lincoln decided that everyone must drive a truck or SUV. Shame on them. Maybe they should stop listening to Youtube morons.
Sure, Ford makes its product planning and market segmentation plan based on YouTube because it has no market analysis department.
Obvs.
If you are referencing my comment, it’s based on an article on here a week or two ago. Some guy on Youtube who was saying it was smart for Ford to drop all cars and be SUV/truck only. Then a later article where Ford’s top guy commented on the Youtube article agreeing with it. That’s where my reference to Youtube came from.
Great News!! On my way to order a new’24. Um, wait!?? But? whatthe! Oh, that’s right, can’t get a new one. What was I thinking that I’m buying any new Ford?? Later dears….. AND later RWDF…….
My Fusion energi plug in hybrid was one of the best, most reliable and pleasure to drive vehicles I have ever owned.
Once again Ford shows an inability to address a problem. Abandoning the car market in the US is plain short sighted. US buyers have an illogical knee jerk reaction to gas prices. Come the next temporary surg to $5, they rush to dealers trading in the SUVs. But it won’t be to Ford because they only sell SUVs and trucks.
40 years in the dealership business I’ve lived through that a few times. This time Ford will have nothing to sell them.
The Ford Fusion has been my dream car for years… However…No Hybrid/EV (keep that for others not for me)! LOL …I wish Ford would have kept making them….Either a 6cylinder AWD Sport or 6 cyl. Titanium (and go back to the traditional gear select…no dial thingy)
FORD THE BEST NEVER REST!!!!
These studies always leave me with the question, how do you know if only the people with problems responded? The ones with few or no problems can’t be bothered to respond which of course skews the results.
“Ford has a Better Idea” Remember that ad campain? Fords better idea now is cancel it. No cars ( except the Mustang) and soon they will drop the Escape. I know I am a boomer but I’ve been a brand loyal Ford guy, where will I go next.