J.D. Power releases its U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study twice per year – once in the summer and once in the winter – as a way to measure customer satisfaction with the websites operated by automotive manufacturers and individual brands. Historically speaking, Ford has produced some very mixed results, with the past two versions of this study proving to be polar opposites, in fact. In the Summer 2025 version of the U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, that seesaw of sorts continued, too.
This time around, Ford website satisfaction improved from Summer 2024, when the brand landed in 16th place with a score of 701 points, near the bottom of the pack and below the segment average of 722 points. In the 2025 Winter version of the J.D. Power U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, Ford actually ranked first among all mass market manufacturers with a score of 719, beating its rivals and the segment mean of 692.
Though it couldn’t quite match that feat, Ford did manage to move way up the charts compared to the Summer 2024 study, at least – ranking seventh among its peers with a score of 716, which is also above the average of 708. Ford ranked behind only GMC, Ram, Dodge, Chevrolet, Jeep, and Subaru this time around, posting a big improvement versus its prior summer results.
This particular study is designed to measure customer satisfaction with automotive manufacturer websites when they’re shopping for a new vehicle by examining five key measures – visual appeal; navigation; speed; vehicle research; and research tools. This year’s study is based on the responses of 11,863 new-vehicle shoppers who are in the market to purchase a new vehicle within the next 12 months. Overall, it found that 32 percent of mainstream brand websites fail to meet basic needs in terms of design and speed, which had a large impact on overall satisfaction, it seems.
“Animations and auto-playing videos can enhance the appearance of automotive websites, but it comes at the cost of slower speed perceptions,” said Jon Sundberg, senior director of digital solutions at J.D. Power. “When comparing the presence of foundational elements across other J.D. Power website evaluation studies for wealth management, retirement plan and insurance, these vehicle manufacturer websites fall short. To help drive an increase in user satisfaction, automakers must start with the basic elements before enhancing the experience further.”
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I’ll add we special ordered (late April 24) and purchased an early 25 Explorer ST (8-5-24) and this vehicle has been perfect. Not one issue. Only thing done to it the Dealer came to our home with the Mobile Service Vehicle and did Oil change/Service in front of our home. The Mobile service was no more than if I took it into the dealership. They also took care of a recall on my F150 at the same time that I was not aware of. Otherwise now just coming up on 1 year and again the vehicle has not been back to the dealer. I have had many new vehicles and frankly cannot think of one that has been this good. The mobile service was something I was not aware of; the dealer actually called me and offered this. (Did not even buy from this dealer) Fords mobile service beats out Mercedes Roadside service I have now found.
Good job FORD.
When the Explorer came out in 1990 (2000 model). wife got her first one, then we did 2 year leases, Company cars, she had 5 of them, sold business and she wanted a Lexus RX300, I hated it and she was not happy either. After 6 months she went to car, in 2013 back to an Explorer, she passed away in 2016. I continued with my F150’s with exception of one 250. In 2022, last F150, in old age tough getting in and out! Platinum Explorer in 2024 and then in 2025 bit the bullet again for a 2025 Explorer ST and I am lovin it!
We have 3 Fords we bought new one is the 2008 gtcs then our 2015 fifty years anniversary edition GT and our 2020 Explorer Platinum V6 twin turbo all are great cars yes there were a few recalls air bags and rear camera now a seat belt latch but they run like a champ knock on wood ! Going to order a new Explorer or Lincoln Aviator soon .