Used Ford Vs. Used Chevy Trucks: Longevity, Costs & Reliability

On this page, we're not only comparing Ford vs. Chevy trucks to see which lasts longer and is more dependable. Here at Bill Luke Santan, we're also offering you the chance to park your favorites side by side and find your winner. Both brands are household staples, and both lineups feature light-duty, heavy-duty, and electric options. Let's dive into F-150 vs. Silverado reliability to see which models deserve a spot in your driveway in Arizona.

What Makes Ford & Chevrolet Trucks Dependable?

Multiple factors work together to determine how long-lasting Ford vs. Chevy trucks can be. Some people mistakenly believe that, when comparing Ford vs. Chevy, reliability is equal to the number of recalls a vehicle faces, but this isn't necessarily true. Yes, both brands have a higher-than-average number of recalls,⁷ but these alerts often reflect each manufacturer's commitment to sorting out issues with their products. By addressing potential issues early, Ford and Chevy can fix consumer-reported issues before they cause more complex problems.

Long-term dependability is primarily determined by a model's engine and transmission, specifically how their design and parts affect mechanical performance. This line of thinking is especially true when comparing trucks, since these vehicles need to reliably haul and tow heavy equipment. To truly compare Ford vs. Chevy trucks, let's take a closer look at each brand's hallmark quality: powertrains and structural engineering.

Proven Ford Powertrains

Since 2011, the F-150 has maintained high used Ford truck reliability thanks to the brand's iconic 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote engine. This tried-and-true naturally aspirated setup features twin-independent variable camshaft timing and, in more recent years, dual fuel injection. The V-8 Coyote is favored for its high performance, towing, and durability. Though this engine has had a handful of generational updates, it continues to set the standard for light-duty powertrains.

Ford F-250 engines really hit their stride in 2016 with the introduction of the 6.2-liter gas V-8 and 6.7-liter diesel V-8 configurations. The gas-powered design, made of cast-iron block and aluminum heads, quickly earned a reputation for being reliable and low-maintenance, often lasting more than 300,000 miles.⁸ Its diesel counterpart, with its DEF system and massive low-end torque, offered a life expectancy of 300,000 to 400,000 miles or more.⁸

Solid Chevy Engineering

Used Chevy truck reliability isn't usually determined by powertrains; instead, Chevrolet pickups and heavy-duty haulers last for hundreds of thousands of miles because of their high concentrations of steel. While both brands mold hoods and doors from aluminum to reduce weight, the Ford F-150 and F-250 also come with aluminum bodies and beds. In stark contrast, the bulk of Chevrolet truck bodies and beds are made of high-strength steel.

Steel beds offer higher tensile strength to handle heavy loads and industrial-level wear and tear far better than aluminum. Whether you're hauling materials for your small business or bringing along camping equipment for a family vacation, a steel Chevy bed gives you top performance. Even the cab safety cages of Chevy trucks are created with seven different grades of steel. In 2019, Chevrolet increased the strength of each Silverado frame by 10%, giving the lineup even better rigidity.

Stand-Out Model Years for Ford & Chevrolet Truck Reliability

The following recommendations are not just from our dealership's personal experience; Consumer Reports keeps thorough records of vehicles' performance, recalls, and road tests to assign each truck an overall reliability rating. We've compiled the model years with the best results so you can make a confident choice.

• Used Ford F-150: 2000-2025²
• Used Ford F-250: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2024, 2025³
• Used Ford F-150 Lightning: 2025⁵
• Used Chevy Silverado 1500: 2011-2016, 2018, 2022, 2025¹
• Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD: 2011-2014, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2023⁴
• Used Chevrolet Silverado EV: No available data⁶

Settling the Great Debate of Ford vs. Chevy Trucks

If you click away from this page with only one fact, we hope it's the knowledge that deciding the age-old question of "Ford vs. Chevy: Which lasts longer?" isn't straightforward. Dealerships that promote one over the other likely have a personal stake in the game; at Bill Luke Santan, we specialize in pre-owned vehicles from almost every automaker, which means you can count on us to deliver unbiased reviews.

Feel free to keep exploring Ford vs. Chevy trucks in our online inventory, or visit our store in Arizona for a tour and test drive of your favorite picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lasts longer: Ford or Chevy trucks?

There is no definitive answer as to whether Ford or Chevy trucks last longer. Both brands have legacies of well-built vehicles. Ford F-150 trucks are widely lauded for their V-8 engines; Chevrolet has long relied on steel bodies and beds that hold up better against wear and tear. No matter which brand you choose, you'll get the most reliable performance by scheduling regular service.

Is a used Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado more reliable?

A used Ford F-150 has higher Consumer Reports reliability ratings in more model years than its counterpart, the Chevy Silverado 1500.^1,2 However, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD has earned higher dependability scores across more model years than the Ford F-250. Ask the Bill Luke Santan sales team for a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ for a more accurate prediction of a specific automobile's longevity.

Are Chevy trucks cheaper to maintain than Ford trucks?

According to RepairPal.com, a Ford F-150 typically costs $788 per year to maintain,⁹ while a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 costs an average of $714 annually.¹⁰ In short, these trucks are pretty evenly matched. The best way to keep your truck's long-term repair fees as low as possible is by keeping up with oil changes, tire rotations, and other multipoint maintenance.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/silverado-1500/2025/reliability/

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2025/overview/

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-250/2025/reliability/

⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/silverado-2500hd/2025/reliability/

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150-lightning/2025/reliability/

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/silverado-ev/2025/reliability/

⁷Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://carbuzz.com/brand-most-recalls-automotive/#:~:text=Ford%20Still%20Holds%20First%20Place%20By%20Volume&text=While%20Ford%20comes%20in%20second,the%20top%20ten%20real%20quick.&text=Honda%20(American%20Honda%20Motor%20Co.),-80%2C165%2C207&text=Nissan%20North%20America%2C%20Inc.,-43%2C626%2C141&text=Volkswagen%20Group%20of%20America%20Inc.&text=BMW%2C%20Daimler%2C%20and%20Mercedes%2D,like%20any%20other%20auto%20part.

⁸Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://hillbillyautosupply.com/2011-2016-ford-super-duty-engine-guide-unmatched-towing-power/#:~:text=Ford's%203rd%2Dgeneration%20Super%20Duty,Power%20Stroke%20Turbo%2DDiesel%20V8

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/ford/f-150

¹⁰Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/chevrolet/silverado-1500