Ford vs. Ram: Which Truck Brand Holds Up Better Long-Term?

The Short Answer

Both Ford and Ram build trucks capable of lasting 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. The differences come down to how each brand gets there — and what matters most to you as a driver and owner over the long haul.

Ford Trucks: Built for the Long Haul

Ford’s decision to move the F-150 to a military-grade, high-strength aluminum alloy body raised eyebrows when it launched — but over time it’s proven to be a smart long-term move. Aluminum doesn’t rust, which matters significantly for drivers in the Chicago area where road salt is a reality every winter. Less rust means fewer body repairs and lower maintenance costs over a 10-year ownership window.

Ford’s powertrains have also matured considerably. The 5.0L Coyote V8 is one of the most proven high-mileage truck engines on the road today, and the EcoBoost® lineup has shown strong longevity with regular maintenance. Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, now well into its production run, has been refined over successive model years.

Key long-term advantages for Ford trucks:

• Aluminum body — resists rust and corrosion, especially important in Midwest winters
• 5.0L Coyote V8 — consistently delivers high-mileage reliability
• Resale value — F-Series ranks among the best in the segment for 5-year resale
• F-250/F-350 Super Duty — a top choice for long-term heavy-duty work truck ownership

Ram Trucks: Comfort and Powertrain Strength

Ram has built a strong reputation for two things: ride quality and powertrain longevity. The Hemi V8 — available across the Ram 1500 and heavy-duty lineup — is one of the most battle-tested truck engines in the business. Hundreds of thousands of verified high-mileage Hemi trucks are on the road today, a testament to the engine’s durability when properly maintained.

The Ram 1500’s coil-spring rear suspension is another standout. While most competitors use traditional leaf springs, Ram’s coil setup absorbs load stress differently — delivering a smoother ride that also holds up well under long-term towing and hauling demands. Ram’s interiors have also improved dramatically in recent years, with cabin materials that hold up well over years of daily use.

Key long-term advantages for Ram trucks:

• Hemi V8 longevity — one of the most proven high-mileage truck engines available
• Coil-spring rear suspension — better ride comfort and long-term load absorption
• Ram Heavy Duty lineup — highly regarded for demanding, long-term work applications
• Interior durability — Laramie and Longhorn trims hold up well over years of use

Long-Term Cost of Ownership: What the Numbers Say

Over a 10-year ownership window, the Ford F-150 tends to hold a slight edge in total cost of ownership. The aluminum body is the primary driver — significantly reducing rust-related repairs that steel-body trucks can accumulate over time, particularly in high-salt environments like the Chicago area. Ford’s strong resale value also helps lower the effective cost of ownership when it’s time to trade in or sell.

Ram trucks are competitive on cost and have strong dealer and aftermarket parts availability. However, steel-body models driven in salted road environments may see higher corrosion-related maintenance costs over time. Both brands offer strong warranty coverage and widely available service networks.

Which Truck Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help narrow it down:

The best truck is the one that fits how you actually drive, work, and live — and our team at Napleton Ford of Oak Lawn can help you figure that out.