When you’re shopping for a used vehicle, it makes sense to stick with a brand you trust. Used models can require more upkeep than new ones, so you want to make sure you’re getting something that was constructed well in the first place and won’t need a bunch of extra maintenance as it ages. If you’re a fan of American automakers, you might want to consider finding a used Ford for sale near you. Ford’s lineup has included a variety of quality cars, trucks, and SUVs over the years, and it’s not hard to find affordable options in the brand’s selection of used vehicles. Today, we’re going to take a look at five models that are worth keeping an eye out for during your search.
#1 – F-Series
The Ford F-Series isn’t just the bestselling pickup truck in the United States—it has been the bestselling model, period, for several decades. You don’t get that kind of long-lasting popularity if you’re not building a quality vehicle. If you’re in the market for a full-size pickup truck, then you can count on this one to hang onto its value since it has such a great reputation and a lot of fans. You don’t have to take my word for it—the F-Series has won the Kelly Blue Book Resale Value Award three times in the past ten years. In addition to the light-duty F-150, this series also includes heavy-duty models like the F-250 and F-350, as well as the all-electric F-150 Lightning. Trim levels include affordable entry-level work trucks, luxurious models with rich cabins, and off-road-oriented variants that run the gamut from somewhat rugged to massively powerful and fully equipped.
Stick with the 2015 model year or newer when shopping for a used truck to take advantage of the F-150’s aluminum body, which makes it more lightweight and efficient. However, it still has a high-strength steel frame to make it strong and capable. If you want something with more modern styling and tech, you can further limit your search to the 2021 model year and newer. The 2021 redesign not only updated the powertrain lineup and infotainment system but also earned the truck the honor of a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
#2 – Explorer
If you need a vehicle that seats more than five people but don’t want to spring for a bulky, full-size SUV or a minivan, then the Explorer is a smart pick. This three-row midsize SUV is a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle with a spacious cabin and solid driving dynamics. It’s a good choice for families and drivers who need a lot of cargo room. In addition to more mainstream trims, you can also keep an eye out for specific models like those with hybrid powertrains or off-road capability.
Sticking to the 2020 model year or newer is a smart call when shopping for a used Explorer. It marked the rollover to a new generation with better agility and a quieter cabin, both of which come in handy whether you’re looking for a family car, an errand workhorse, or a road trip vehicle. The 2020 model was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which is something most family shoppers are looking for.
#3 – Mustang
Some drivers need a truck that can tow and haul cargo or an SUV that can carry plenty of passengers. Others see driving less as a means to an end and more as a fun activity in and of itself. If that describes you, then a sports car like the Mustang is a great choice. This performance model can get pretty pricey in the upper trim levels, so buying used is a great way to get behind the wheel of a well-appointed model without paying an arm and a leg. Since the Mustang is beloved by automotive enthusiasts, you won’t have a hard time finding a model that’s been well cared for by its previous owners.
The Mustang is a nameplate with a long legacy that has been held to high standards for years, so there are plenty of great model years to choose from. Sticking to the 2015 model year (a redesign year that brought fresh styling and new powertrain options) and newer is a good call for most drivers, but if you know how to maintain an older car, you can also get a lot out of a more vintage option. One thing to keep an eye out for with the Mustang is special editions. For example, the 2019 lineup featured a Bullitt model inspired by a Mustang driven onscreen by Steve McQueen.
#4 – Fusion
One nice thing about shopping for a used model is that you can consider options that aren’t available in the current model year. If you go to a Ford dealership looking for a new car (not a truck or SUV, but an actual car) that’s geared toward commuters or families, you’re going to be disappointed. But dig into the back catalog, and you can find great options like the tiny Fiesta hatchback, spacious Taurus sedan, and efficient C-Max hybrid. Here, we’re going to highlight the Fusion, a midsize sedan that has a variety of powertrains to choose from, a comfortable cabin, and attractive styling that still holds up years after the end of its production run.
The most recent generation of the Fusion started with the 2013 model year and ended with the 2020 model year. Not only did the stylish refresh make the 2013 model look more refined than the 2012 Fusion, but it also raised its IIHS rating from Top Safety Pick to Top Safety Pick+. If you want a more modern infotainment system, though, you should limit your options to the more narrow window of 2017-2020 since these models use SYNC 3 software instead of MyFord Touch, making them more in line with what modern drivers expect.
#5 – Bronco
Some people turn to used vehicles not primarily because of cost but because they enjoy retro styling. Of course, driving decades-old vehicles can mean sacrificing safety and spending a lot of time and money on upkeep. If you want something that offers the best of both worlds, consider the Bronco. When Ford revived this classic off-road SUV, it loaded the model up with plenty of modern features, from basic infotainment offerings to off-road specific goodies like a low-speed cruise control designed for use on the trails and camera views that help you see low-lying obstacles, but dressed the Bronco up in a distinctly retro design. In the years since its return to production, the automaker has only leaned harder into the old-school vibes, giving the Bronco special editions that are heavily inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. Heck, the Bronco even continues to offer a manual transmission as of the 2025 model year, something that’s becoming rarer and rarer in the modern era and is a big draw for a certain generation of automotive enthusiasts.
You’ll definitely want to stick to the latest run of the Bronco since the previous generation ended in 1996. The revival launched for the 2021 model year, so as long as you choose something from this century, you should be good to go. Aim for the 2023 model year or newer if you’re looking for the popular Heritage Edition, which has bright white accents and unique interior trim. Since the Bronco won a 2025 Kelley Blue Book Resale Value Award, you can expect it to hold onto its value and leave you sitting pretty when you’re ready to trade it in down the road.
