Four-Time Recognition of Achievement for Ford

Photo Source: Ford

This is the time of year when various organizations come out with the “Best of the Year” or “The Best Model of the Year.” For many buyers, when an organization with a long history in the car business comes out with its list of “best” vehicles, it is a way for them to find the right vehicle. To that end, following a year (2023) of testing nearly every new and redesigned vehicle available in the United States, Cox Automotive company Kelley Blue Book announced the winners of its 2024 Best Buy Awards. The tenth annual awards spotlight premier models in vehicle segments most new-car shoppers follow. The categories have evolved over the years to adapt to the dynamic automotive landscape. 

To clarify, the annual Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards are based on the evaluation of vehicle-related data that incorporates consumer reviews, pricing, ratings, the five-year cost-to-own information–including insurance, financing, depreciation, fuel, maintenance, fees, and taxes for new automobiles–along with vehicle sales information. 

The Influence of Kelley Blue Book

The Kelley Blue Book has long been a leading industry buying guide. Indeed, many automotive professionals turn to the Kelley Blue Book when they are appraising vehicles. Several buyers also turn to the Kelley Blue Book to search for new vehicles. Jason Allan, principal editor of vehicle reviews for Kelley Blue Book, describes the rapidly shifting automotive outlook, stating, “It’s a new era for car shoppers with remarkable strides being made in automotive technology, efficiency, safety, and design year after year.”

That said, Ford Motor Company managed to end the 2023 model year on a high note, receiving a total of four 2024 Kelley Blue Book awards for “Best Buy.” Not to mention, the accolades represent good news for the customer, as it seems that the brand’s quality has not dipped at all. Ford outnumbered any other manufacturer in awards received, a point of pride for the company. This year (2023), top honors from Kelley Blue Book go to the following Ford models:

• Best Compact Truck: 2024 Ford Maverick
• Best Full-Size Truck: 2024 Ford F-150
• Best Electric Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
• Best Full-Size SUV: 2024 Ford Expedition

Ford’s First-Rate Characteristics

It is unsurprising that the F-150 performed as well as it did, hitting 4.7 of five stars. The 2024 model year debuted in September 2023 and saw a host of mechanical and cosmetic improvements. Even the Lightning received largely positive reviews that praised the truck for its practicality and utility. Notably, this makes the F-150 the recipient of the Blue Book award for a full ten years in a row. 

The Expedition mirrors the merits of the F-150, having a shared platform. However, Kelley Blue Book notes the more domestic, comfortable feel as a positive as well. According to the experts, “Ford has tuned the suspension to make the ride quality much more comfortable than a truck.” Additionally, such remarkable ride quality and features go a long way to “bolster the enjoyment of a road trip.” In other words, if hauling a large family cross-country is on a driver’s bucket list, the Expedition is their vehicle, according to reviewers at Kelley.

Similarly, the Maverick earned glowing reviews from experts and customers, netting 4.5 of five stars. Critics adored the versatility of the unibody platform, feeling more like a car without sacrificing the utility factor. Coupled with the new hybrid powertrain, the Maverick is listed among experts’ favorites as a comfortable, practical, and efficient light-duty truck. After all, it took first place last year (2022) as well. This year (2023) only brought with it more new features and technology while remaining under $30,000 MSRP (Plus destination fee). The compact pickup truck rightfully earned its place in Ford’s lineup, and it seems Kelley Blue Book agrees.

If you find Ford’s achievements impressive, please come visit Sunrise Ford, where we are thrilled to help our customers. Are you looking for a new option to buy or lease? Take a look at our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles.