Are Ford Mavericks Worth It?

I’ve been considering a Ford Maverick for a while now. I don’t necessarily need a new vehicle and am enjoying the freedom of not having a car payment, but I feel like a Maverick might be more practical for my lifestyle compared to my Fusion.

My main hesitation comes from the negative posts I’ve seen about recalls, rust, and other issues. I know people are more likely to leave reviews when they’ve had a bad experience, but are these trucks really as bad as they sometimes sound? What’s the honest experience of long-term owners? Are they worth the investment?

The negatives you see online are amplified. People don’t often post to say ‘everything is fine.’ I’ve had my ‘23 Lariat Hybrid for just under a year, and I absolutely love it. It’s practical, gets better MPG than my old Sonata, and the bed is incredibly versatile.

That said, it’s a budget truck. Materials are cheap, and the technology is a bit dated compared to other vehicles. I wouldn’t pay more than $36k for it, but if you can get it at MSRP or close, it’s well worth it.

@Riley
Thanks for the detailed response! I don’t need a new car urgently, so I’ll probably hold off for now and focus on upgrading my wife’s car instead. I do still want a Maverick in the future, though—it seems like a great fit for small jobs and daily use.

I moved from a Honda Element to a Maverick and couldn’t be happier. Better MPG, more versatile, and a smoother ride. It fits my daily commute and light hauling needs perfectly.

Mavericks are awesome, but if you don’t need a new car, I’d recommend sticking with what you have for now. Not having a car payment is a nice perk that’s hard to give up. When the time comes, though, the Maverick would be a solid choice.

If your Fusion is still running well and you don’t absolutely need a truck bed, I’d say keep it. The Maverick is great, but it doesn’t sound like a ‘must-have’ for your current situation.

I’ve got a ‘24 EcoBoost XLT FX4 with 8k miles and no issues so far. Most of the recalls I’ve heard about are with the hybrids. If you’re leaning toward the EcoBoost, I think you’ll be happy with it.

I absolutely love my Maverick and think it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. It’s the perfect mix of utility and comfort. The plastic interior gets a bad rap, but I haven’t had any issues with it, and it’s exceeded my expectations in every other way.

Online reviews always skew negative because people are more likely to post when they have a problem. I’ve owned vehicles with lots of complaints online but never had major issues with them personally. If the Maverick meets your needs, don’t let the online negativity scare you away.

I went from a ‘11 Focus to a ‘24 Hybrid Maverick. I didn’t need a new car, but I love it and don’t regret the switch. That said, if you’re not 100% sure about it yet, I’d wait a bit and see if the desire sticks. Impulse-buying a new vehicle might not be the best move if it’s not urgent.

The Maverick is incredibly practical. It’s perfect for Home Depot runs, road trips, and light hauling. I’ve loved mine, and it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. If it fits your budget, I highly recommend it.

If you’re not in a rush, I’d suggest waiting for the 2025 refresh. It’s rumored to have some solid upgrades, including a larger infotainment screen. If the current model doesn’t feel worth it to you, the new one might be a better fit.