Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2019 Ford Taurus is shown after viewing certified Fords for sale.

Great Ford Vehicles You Can Find Certified

If you’ve never bought a used car before, you might feel a little wary. If you’re not sure about getting a used car, but don’t have the budget for a brand new one, maybe take the time to check out a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) model. Buying CPO from a well-known brand like Ford is a great way to get the assurances of a new vehicle with pricing more in line with a used model. CPO is the perfect blend of both worlds.

What makes finding a certified Ford for sale different from going with a regular used car for sale? Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with far more assurances, including inspections and warranties (which vary depending on the level of certification). If you are worried about the quality of your used vehicle, we suggest looking for something that is Gold Certified because the vehicle will be less than six years old, have fewer than 80,000 miles, pass a 172-point inspection, and come with the longest warranties. If that’s not enough to take the worry out of buying a used vehicle, consider the other great benefits, like 24/7 roadside assistance and a full vehicle history report.

So, what are some great Ford models that you can find on the Certified Pre-Owned lot? We’ve picked out a few of our favorites, and you might be pleasantly surprised to see some discontinued models that are still going strong on this list. Whether it’s great tech, fuel efficiency, or performance, when it comes to Ford, the large selection makes it easy for drivers to pick up a great vehicle without having to buy brand new. So whether you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get into a vehicle with the latest gadgets or want a certified reliable car for your new teen driver, Ford’s CPO models offer plenty of options to choose from.

A red 2020 Ford Fusion is shown driving on a city street.

The Fusion (Gold Certified: 2017-2020)

The Ford Fusion was sadly discontinued in 2020, but it’s still possible to pick up a great CPO model without a hefty price tag. This compact sedan offers a modern style and a roomy cabin that comfortably seats up to five. The Fusion offers drivers 16 cu.ft. of rear cargo space, a great amount of room compared to other sedans in its class. The Fusion’s affordability and reliability make this car a winner for drivers looking for a practical, comfy daily ride.

If you’re looking to get a little more out of a Fusion, consider looking for one of the top trim levels to unlock features like leather seats, an advanced stereo system, and a voice-activated navigation system. The Fusion also excels in the safety area, making it a great vehicle for a family or young driver. The Ford Fusion Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite is standard on the 2020 model, giving drivers access to the latest safety features like the Lane-Keeping System with Cross-Traffic Alert.

In short, the Fusion makes a great everyday ride that offers drivers Ford’s great engineering and style, plus a whole range of safety and tech features, all without breaking the bank. It isn’t available as a new model anymore, which means buying the Fusion as a Certified Pre-Owned model is the closest you are going to get to that new car smell.

The Taurus (Gold Certified: 2017-2019)

Looking for a sedan that offers a little more space? The Taurus is a step up in size from sedans like the Fusion. Another great model lost because of the SUV craze; the Taurus was discontinued in the U.S. Market in 2019 after 34 years in production. Don’t be fooled, the Taurus, like other Ford sedans (besides the Mustang), was discontinued simply because of the way the car market is moving, with the future being dominated by crossovers and SUVs as opposed. This only means that you are going to want to snatch up one of the CPO Taurus models to still have this excellently built sedan.

The budget-friendly Taurus offers a great, easy ride with responsive steering and smooth handling, making it the perfect everyday vehicle. Its spacious interior fits up to five passengers comfortably and delivers a large cargo space of 20.1 cu.ft., so drivers will have no problem hauling groceries, gear, and whatever else their day demands. Even used, this model includes excellent features like the SYNC system that allows drivers to seamlessly link their smartphones with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to access their playlists, receive or send messages, or get real-time directions. Drivers that opt for higher trim levels unlock features like keyless entry or dual-zone automatic climate control, plus several additional safety features.

A black 2019 Ford F-150 is shown driving on an open road.

The F-150 (Gold Certified: 2017-2022)

The F-150 is still going strong in the market, but depending on which model you want, it can get expensive to try to buy a new model. Considered one of the most popular trucks ever, it’s no surprise the Ford F-150 makes a great option if you’re thinking about a Certified Pre-Owned truck. In production since the mid-1970s, the F-150 makes it simple for drivers to go from work to play without slowing down. The truck’s wide range of performance and comfort features make it a great multipurpose vehicle. The F-150 leads the pack when it comes to offering things like great fuel efficiency and low maintenance and repair costs. So if value is what you’re after, the F-150 offers all you need and then some.

The F-150 is an interesting one to look for in the CPO market because you can shop from two different generations. 2017-2020 models are from the eight generation of the model, while the 2021 and 2022 models reflect the current generation. The F-150 gives drivers the latest tech, plus the high performance, power, and reliability they want out of a truck. The aluminum body keeps the truck light, helping deliver superb fuel economy, something that can be tough to get when it comes to full-size trucks. The F-150 offers drivers a choice of engines that range from a 3.3L V6 to a 5.0L V8. If you are a diesel fan, you’ll need to find a CPO model from 2021 or previous because it is not offered in the 2022 model.

The F-150 not only delivers when it comes to comfort, but it offers a wide range of standard driver assist technology features to keep drivers and their passengers safe every time they get behind the wheel. From a Blind-Spot Information System to Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, the F-150 has you covered. The F-150 delivers on beauty, brains, and brawn, so it’s really a no-brainer if you’re in the market for a real deal.

Choose CPO for Extra Peace of Mind

When you are looking at used vehicles, a Certified Pre-Owned model can give you the comfort and peace of mind you’re after. That assurance gets even better when you choose a Gold Certified Ford model because you know you are getting a reliable vehicle from a brand that has earned its favorable reputation. Not only are you getting a great piece of machinery, but with Ford’s extra assurance from its CPO program, you know you’ll be taken care of down the road.

Not just any vehicle can qualify as a Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. With fewer miles, age restrictions, and a strict inspection to weed out any potential issues, you can feel assured that your vehicle is as close to new as possible and not likely to break down on you anytime soon. CPO is the best way to access some top-of-the-line features and get the Ford of your dreams without paying the high sticker price of a new model.