Each year, Consumer Reports analyzes maintenance and repair costs across the automotive industry using data collected from its annual member surveys. These rankings provide valuable insight into what vehicle ownership really costs over time, beyond the initial purchase price. In its latest 2025 report, Ford once again ranked among the more affordable brands to own and maintain in the United States.

According to Consumer Reports, Ford posted an average maintenance and repair cost of $1,150 (United States dollars) during the first one to five years of ownership. Over the six-to-ten-year period, Ford’s average cost came in at $6,350. While Ford slipped slightly to eighth place overall compared to last year’s rankings, its long-term costs remain competitive with many mainstream and luxury rivals.

Consumer Reports emphasizes that maintenance and repair expenses tend to rise as vehicles age, particularly after factory warranties expire. However, the organization also found that costs vary widely by brand, sometimes by thousands of dollars over a ten-year ownership period. Ford’s continued placement near the top of the rankings highlights its ability to keep long-term ownership expenses relatively manageable.

One interesting takeaway from the 2025 report is that domestic brands performed especially well compared to many foreign competitors, including in the luxury segment. Consumer Reports noted that domestic automakers often benefit from lower parts costs, which can translate to more affordable repairs when issues arise. Those savings ultimately benefit owners over the lifespan of the vehicle.

For shoppers comparing vehicles, this data reinforces the importance of looking beyond upfront pricing alone. Long-term maintenance and repair costs play a major role in total cost of ownership, and Ford’s consistent performance in Consumer Reports rankings shows that it remains a smart choice for drivers looking to balance capability, features, and affordability over time.