Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2015 Ford Mustang drives past an industrial building

5 Great Used Fords to Keep in Mind for 2019

With the start of the new year, many people will begin to think about making a fresh start with a new vehicle. Many will determine that a used car or truck is right for them. If you’re one of these people, you may have even made a New Year’s resolution to get a great deal or to finally buy a car that will turn heads on the road. If you’re thinking about getting a great used car in 2019, a used Ford car or truck might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Ford Motor Company is a great, all-American automaker which currently is the fifth largest auto company in terms of sales worldwide. Founded all the way back in 1903, the company is based in Dearborn, Michigan and has remained a family-held company since its start. Ford was one of the few companies to weather the Great Depression in the 1930s successfully and remains a profitable company to this day. This is because of its longstanding commitment to creating an excellent product that Americans can rely on to be dependable, affordable, and safe for their families.

Used Ford vehicles are a hot commodity for many drivers. With Ford’s extensive history of long-lasting vehicles, it’s no wonder that many used models of Ford cars and trucks continue to be seen on the road. Though Ford is often associated with trucks, they also produce a great line-up of compact cars and hatchbacks, large sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. These are some top models and years for each of these categories. If you’re looking for a used Ford car or truck, definitely check these out.

Compact Car/Hatchback – The 2010 Ford Focus

The 2010 Ford Focus is a compact car which comes in a hatchback version for drivers who have a lot to haul and lead an active lifestyle. This family vehicle has been popular over the years with 160k new versions sold in the U.S. in 2017 alone. If you’re looking for a used model, take a look at the Ford Focus from 2010. In 2010, the Ford Focus was scored highly by U.S. News and World Report, an unbiased source of research and statistics on cars of all varieties. With an overall score of 8.3 and a Total Cost of Ownership score of 9.6, the 2010 Ford Focus rocked the compact car world.

This car is known for its nimble handling and for receiving excellent fuel economy. The 2010 model gets about 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, making it a great choice among small used cars. Though it only comes with Front Wheel Drive, the 2010 Ford focus can seat five people in a pinch. Some passengers have reported wanting more leg room in the coupe version, but for a used compact car, the Focus checks a lot of boxes.

Large Sedan – The 2011 Ford Taurus

The 2011 Ford Taurus is a large sedan that has scored #2 for Most Affordable Large Car by U.S. News and World Report for that model year. Overall, it’s ranked an outstanding 9.1 and even receives a 9.5 for interior quality. It was also named U.S. News’ 2011 Best Family Sedan for the Money due to its good performance, high safety scores, and comfortable interior. For a vehicle which is by no means priced for luxury, a 2011 used Ford Taurus certainly has a lot to offer.

This family car is available with either All Wheel Drive or Front Wheel Drive. Depending on which is chosen, the 2011 Ford Taurus is expected to get between 17-18 mpg city and 25-28 mpg highway respectively. Technology is a huge selling point for this vehicle, though manufactured in 2011, this model can come with Ford’s Sync infotainment package. The attractive cabin and balanced ride will make any used Ford shopper a happy driver.

SUV – The 2016 Ford Escape

The 2016 Ford Escape is a compact SUV which can often be found certified pre-owned at used Ford dealerships with few miles on it. Though not a very old used car, the 2016 Ford Escape is highly rated and worth a look. With an overall score of 8.3, it also scored highly with the critics with a Critic’s rating of 9.0. The Ford Escape comes available with either Four Wheel Drive or Front Wheel Drive and gets approximately 21-23 mpg city and 28-32 mpg highway respectively.

This SUV is a great choice for families valuing practicality and cost. The two-row SUV seats 5 with plenty of backroom space and comes with the SYNC 3 infotainment system which was new for Ford vehicles in 2016. The 2016 Ford Escape is known for having sporty handling and for its turbocharged engines reaching between 168 and 240 horsepower.

A used Ford F-150 parked in an empty lot on a rainy day

Truck – The 2015 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is a hallmark of American roads and hard workers. Often when someone thinks of a used Ford vehicle, they think of the F-150 first. If you’re not in the market for a new version of this icon truck, the 2015 Ford F-150 might be exactly what you’re after. This truck received an overall score of 8.7 on U.S. News and World Report, though the critics disagreed, giving it a whopping 9.7 score overall. Safety is also high on the list of features for the 2015 F-150 with another score of 9.7. The Ford F-150 scored #1 in 2015 Full-Size Pickup Trucks as well. Not only will you be able to haul just about anything you wanted, but you’ll also be able to haul it safely and in style.

If fuel economy is something you’re worried about, you can relax with the 2015 Ford F-150. This truck gets an amazing 15-19 mpg city and 21-26 mpg highway. These numbers vary depending on the engine type equipped, of which there are four options. These include either: a base V6, one of two turbocharged V6 engines, or a V8 engine. Depending on the engine choice, the 2015 Ford F-150 is capable of getting between 282-385 horsepower with Front Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive Equipped.

Sports Car – 2011 Ford Mustang

Just because you’re looking for a used car doesn’t mean you need to compensate on style and performance. A used Ford Mustang might be exactly what you’re in the market for. The 2011 Ford Mustang is particularly interesting for potential buyers due to its affordable price tag and Overall Score of 8.8. The 2011 Ford Mustang comes as either a convertible or a standard sports car, so you can ride the streets in style!

The 2011 Ford Mustang is a great option for anyone who’s looking for a powerful base engine with nimble handling. This particular Mustang also has one of the highest safety scores in the class, keeping you safe even while your heart pounds with adrenaline. This sports car comes with Rear Wheel Drive and has roughly 305 horsepower. You can sit with up to 3 of your friends in the 2011 Mustang, and you won’t have to worry about stopping too often for gas because this Mustang gets 19 mpg city and 29-31 mpg highway.

Why Look for a Used Ford?

Many of us want a car or truck that will be reliable, powerful, and have great fuel economy, but not necessarily want to go all out on a brand-new vehicle. If you’re in the market for a used car in 2019, a used Ford might meet, and even exceed, all of your expectations! So make that resolution to find a great deal on a used Ford or to get the sports car you’ve always dreamed of!