Ford posted one of the strongest gains in the latest J.D. Power APEAL Study, improving by 11 points to reach a score of 849 and moving from 12th to ninth place. The result placed the automaker well above the industry average of 839 as the gap between premium and mainstream brands continued to narrow.
Ford Rises Above the Industry Average
According to the newly published J.D. Power analysis, Porsche, Mini, and BMW led the overall rankings, while Ford recorded one of the most notable improvements among mainstream brands.
Ford’s score increased by 11 points to 849 on the Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Index, lifting the company from 12th to ninth place. The industry average for the study was 839.
The APEAL Study measures how owners feel about their vehicles after 90 days of ownership, when the initial excitement of buying a new car has begun to fade. The research surveyed 78,514 owners of new 2026 model-year vehicles, asking them to evaluate 37 vehicle attributes ranging from ease of entering the driver’s seat to the feeling of exhilaration during acceleration.
Quality Efforts Continue Across the Brand
Ford continues to face large recalls, which still place the company at the top of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s charts. At the same time, the report says the automaker is showing improvement across multiple areas.
The company also offers a dealer-installed upgrade program designed for aftermarket enthusiasts, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles without voiding the factory warranty. The program eliminates the need for owners to install upgrades themselves or rely on third-party installers that could potentially cause damage.
According to the report, Ford’s willingness to provide modifications that significantly increase horsepower reflects confidence in the quality of its vehicles. The latest APEAL Study is presented as additional evidence of the company’s improving image.
Initial Quality Recognition Adds to Ford’s Momentum
The report also highlights Ford’s performance in the 2026 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, where the automaker ranked as the highest-quality mass-market brand for the first time in 16 years.
Ford has introduced measures including daily engine teardowns and other extreme durability tests. While those efforts have required significant investment, the study notes that the recent awards indicate those investments are producing results.
Ford Mustang and Super Duty Earn Category Honors
The Ford Mustang was recognized as the most appealing vehicle in the Sporty Car category for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the Ford Super Duty earned the top position in the Large Heavy-Duty Pickup category for the third straight year.
Overall, Ford secured four top-three finishes across 10 award categories, including its two category victories.
Customer Satisfaction Remains Strong
With recognition in both the Initial Quality Study and the APEAL Study, which evaluates owner satisfaction after three months of regular use, Ford continues to show gains in customer perception. The latest results indicate that owners remain satisfied with the current Ford ownership experience as the company’s next generation of vehicles continues to be developed.
