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Shopping cars within 250 mi of your nearest EchoPark.
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Published January 24, 2022
Ford or Chevrolet
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Whether it’s a reliable road car or a new pickup truck – there are two classic American brands to choose from. But which is best, Ford or Chevrolet?
We’ll break down the similarities and differences, as well as compare models of cars and trucks to help you make an informed decision.
From reliability, performance and design, we’ll objectively discuss which brand comes out on top in each arena in the battle between Ford vs Chevy.
Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, this classic manufacturer is the second-largest family-owned business in the world.
The company has made some of the most iconic American road, luxury and sports vehicles of the last century, including the Ford Thunderbird, the popular Ford Mustang and the reliable F-Series.
Known for reliability, craftsmanship and artful engineering, Ford is considered a strong all-rounder brand. With cars fit for the road, dirt and NASCAR track – there’s a Ford model out there for you.
Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet. The brand’s most iconic model is undoubtedly the classic Corvette, which was first released in 1953, and continues to be one of the most renowned cars in American automotive history. Chevrolet is also known as the brand that introduced the first SUV, the Chevrolet Suburban, to the world.
Chevrolet is renowned for its consistency across all its models, along with producing long-lasting and reliable cars.
When comparing reliability ratings across Ford and Chevrolet cars, on average, Chevy tends to come out on top.
The brand’s pickups, sedans, and SUVs are some of the top picks when it comes to reliability. Models like the Malibu and the Bolt have 5/5 reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, while the Impala sits at a respectable 4/5.
Ford’s reliability ratings, while still high, generally sit a little lower across the board. Models like the classic Mustang, sporty Fusion and the hardy Ranger pickup both have good reliability scores at 4/5 with respectable warranties.
However, the Explorer and Escape aren’t as strong and may require more upkeep than their Chevrolet contemporaries.
When it comes to safety, Ford just about edges it. Ford vehicles include a host of safety technology – namely CoPilot 360 advanced driver-assist features. These include automatic braking and high beams and lane departure prevention systems.
Chevrolet has similar safety features across most of its modern vehicles, including parking assist, automatic high beams and rear cameras, packaged as Chevy Safety Assist.
The main difference when looking at performance in the two brands comes from the V6 and EcoBoost engines used in most Ford models, while Chevrolet still favors the less fuel efficient V8.
If you’re looking for a high-performing Chevrolet model, however, the three C’s – Corvette, Colorado and Camaro, are some of the brand’s top-rated vehicles.
Here, the two brands are quite evenly matched, with both companies releasing both highly regarded models.
Chevrolet, for example, boasts an attractive range of SUVs, including the Suburban, and its iconic Corvette, which feature attractive interior paneling and sleek dashboards.
Ford’s SUVs are often rated highly in terms of interior and exterior design, with the rugged Expedition and Explorer proving to be buyer favorites.
The classic Mustang also continues to rate highly in terms of style, with its smooth exterior and sleek black dashboard proving Ford still has an eye for design.
Both brands rank pretty equally in terms of variety. Ford and Chevrolet are known for catering to all types of drivers, with both companies making popular and reliable models across:
While each make and model has its own ratings across different sectors, and its own interior and exterior features that differentiate the two brands, the range of vehicles are generally matched.
Ford tends to cater towards a wider range of budgets, with its larger car and SUV models usually coming in at a little cheaper than the Chevrolet alternatives.
The Chevrolet Equinox has a lower average starting price of around $27,000 (compared to around $33,000 for the Explorer) but does pack less punch in the performance department. The Equinox has a 1.5-liter turbo I-4 engine, compared to the Ford Explorer’s 2.3-liter turbo I-4.
The Equinox also has a slightly worse fuel economy of 25 MPG, compared to 28 MPG for the Explorer. The Explorer is better suited to a large family, as it seats seven, rather than Equinox’s five.
Two iconic silhouettes, the Mustang and Camaro are Ford and Chevy at their best. Beautiful aesthetics and powerful performance combine with both of these models, which share similar starting costs, between $25,000 and $27,000.
The Mustang offers slightly stronger fuel economy, with a blended 27 MPG, compared to the Camaro’s 23 MPG. Both models have rear-wheel drive and contain a host of luxurious features.
The Ford Mustang of 2021 features a 5.0-Liter Ti-VCT V8 Engine with 6-Speed Manual Transmission and 460 horsepower. The Camaro is equally powerful, with the top trim of the 2021 model housing a Supercharged 6.2-Liter LT4 V8 engine, boasting 650 horsepower.
Two more affordable options perfect for commuting, the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Malibu offer impressive fuel economy with a more modest range of features.
The Ford Fiesta is cheaper than the Malibu, available for around $15,000, compared to $23,000. This lower price point does mean less features, although standard cruise control, brake assist and tire pressure monitoring are all included.
In comparison, the Malibu includes a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Where the Ford Fiesta excels is fuel economy – this is by far the cheapest to run of the two models. A blended average of 53 MPG is leagues ahead of the Malibu’s 32 MPG, offering incredible longevity every time you fill up at the pump.
Explore our wide range of Fords and Chevrolets at EchoPark to discover the car that’s best for you today.
