Ford's 2024 sales are up… but what's really going on?

The original post was deleted, but let’s talk about Ford’s 2024 results. Sales are up, but there’s chatter about ongoing quality issues and recalls. What’s your take?

Summary: Sales rose 4% in 2024, mostly driven by a 7% increase in truck sales. Lincoln SUVs saw a huge 28% jump in demand year-over-year. But quality issues and recalls still haunt Ford. Stellantis actually surpassed Ford to become the most recalled automaker this year.

@Flynn
I’ve been looking into Mustangs because dealers are offering crazy discounts. You can find a $45k Mustang GT for $37k.

Ira said:
@Flynn
I’ve been looking into Mustangs because dealers are offering crazy discounts. You can find a $45k Mustang GT for $37k.

That’s a steal! At that price, it’s hard to pass up.

@Flynn
It’s closer to what Mustangs used to cost. I got a 2020 GT for $35k new. Ford jacked up the prices, and now sales are struggling. GTs are awesome in the $40k range, but at $50k+ there are better options.

@Zane
Considering inflation has been up about 25% over the last five years, a GT for $37k is definitely a great deal.

Jamie said:
@Zane
Considering inflation has been up about 25% over the last five years, a GT for $37k is definitely a great deal.

Agreed. At $37k, it’s back to being affordable for the average person.

@Zane
What better options are there in the $50k range? Maybe the Nissan Z, but good luck finding one for that price. And for V8 fans like me, the GT is still unmatched in its class.

@Flynn
Here’s an example.

Ira said:
@Flynn
Here’s an example.

It’s $37.8k plus a $1k dealer processing fee.

@Joss
Still under $40k for a manual V8 muscle car. You’re looking at $65k+ for similar performance from German cars.

Ira said:
@Flynn
I’ve been looking into Mustangs because dealers are offering crazy discounts. You can find a $45k Mustang GT for $37k.

A coworker got a base model V8 for $29k years ago, but times have definitely changed.

Ira said:
@Flynn
I’ve been looking into Mustangs because dealers are offering crazy discounts. You can find a $45k Mustang GT for $37k.

Not seeing those deals in my area. Anything with a V8 is super popular here.

Ira said:
@Flynn
I’ve been looking into Mustangs because dealers are offering crazy discounts. You can find a $45k Mustang GT for $37k.

Wow, that’s an amazing deal.

@Flynn
I’m honestly surprised Lincoln demand has grown so much.

Tatum said:
@Flynn
I’m honestly surprised Lincoln demand has grown so much.

Same here. You don’t really see Lincoln buyers active on forums either.

Tatum said:
@Flynn
I’m honestly surprised Lincoln demand has grown so much.

The refreshed Aviator and redesigned Nautilus are helping a lot. Perception goes a long way, even if the underlying quality hasn’t changed much.

Tatum said:
@Flynn
I’m honestly surprised Lincoln demand has grown so much.

I wonder if it’s just bouncing back from a bad year. Year-over-year growth can be misleading.

Tan said:

Tatum said:
@Flynn
I’m honestly surprised Lincoln demand has grown so much.

I wonder if it’s just bouncing back from a bad year. Year-over-year growth can be misleading.

Maybe. Did they launch any new models recently?

@Flynn
Yep, the Nautilus got a redesign, and the Aviator had a refresh.