At AmesCars, we’ve helped thousands of Iowans find vehicles that truly match their lifestyles — and Ford consistently ranks among the top choices. With a deep legacy of American engineering, Ford offers the kind of reliability, durability, and adaptability that Ames drivers appreciate.
Whether you’re hauling equipment outside Boone or commuting to Iowa State University, Ford vehicles have proven their worth in Iowa’s demanding conditions. Models like the F-150 and Explorer have become staples across Story County, not just for their utility, but because they’re built to last.
Local drivers also value Ford’s balance of performance and value. Resale rates are strong, especially on models with AWD or Ford’s advanced EcoBoost engines. We’ve also noticed that Ford’s blend of rugged capability and family-friendly features makes them ideal for Ames-area households.
And with many Ford models offering advanced safety systems, infotainment options, and winter-handling technology, it’s no surprise they continue to lead our used vehicle sales year after year.
Top Used Ford Models in Ames (With Buyer Profiles & Inventory Tips)
At AmesCars, we maintain a carefully selected inventory of used Ford vehicles tailored to the needs of drivers throughout Ames and surrounding communities. These are the top picks our customers return for again and again:
Ford F-150
Best for: Contractors, rural homeowners, snow drivers
Why it shines: As Iowa’s most popular truck, the F-150 delivers proven 4WD performance, towing power, and year-round dependability. Most of our used F-150s come with tow packages, upgraded tires, and documented service records.
Ford Escape
Best for: Commuters, college staff, new families
Why it shines: Compact yet capable, the Escape offers solid gas mileage with available AWD. Buyers love it for trips between Ames and Des Moines and its easy maneuvering around Campustown.
Ford Explorer
Best for: Large families, coaches, Iowa winters
Why it shines: Three rows of seating, AWD handling, and generous cargo room make the Explorer perfect for sports parents and rural drivers alike. Many of our buyers in Huxley and Nevada favor this model for its versatility.
Ford Edge
Best for: Young professionals, small families, retirees
Why it shines: The Edge bridges the gap between a sedan and full-size SUV. With good ground clearance and available AWD, it handles snowy roads with ease.
Ford Fusion
Best for: Students, daily drivers, fuel-conscious shoppers
Why it shines: Known for its balance of style, fuel economy, and affordability, the Fusion is especially popular with ISU faculty and Ames commuters.
“We usually stock these Fords in the $13,000–$28,000 range, most with under 75,000 miles. Every unit is fully inspected and backed by a clean title and vehicle history report.”
Looking for Efficiency? Consider These Ford Hybrids and EVs
At AmesCars, we’ve seen a growing interest in efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles — especially among Ames professionals and faculty at Iowa State. That’s where Ford’s hybrid and electric options stand out.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ideal for in-town driving, the Fusion Hybrid offers up to 43 MPG city. It's a top pick for buyers looking to reduce fuel expenses without switching fully to electric. We often help customers commuting from Gilbert or north Ames find one that fits their routine perfectly.
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Escape Hybrid blends SUV functionality with hybrid economy. Available AWD makes it a strong performer during Iowa winters. It’s a common request from buyers balancing kid-hauling with sustainability.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
For those ready to go electric, the Mach-E is Ford’s EV answer to the future. While still rare on used lots, we’re beginning to see some enter the pre-owned market. The Mach-E offers up to 300 miles of range and loads of tech features that make it as smart as it is sleek.
"One of our recent customers was spending over $250/month on gas commuting to Altoona. After switching to a used Fusion Hybrid from AmesCars, they cut that bill in half. It’s a game changer for high-mileage drivers."
Ford Features That Make a Difference in Iowa
At AmesCars, we don’t just sell Fords — we help our customers understand why specific features matter for their Iowa lifestyles. Ford vehicles are well-equipped with technology and engineering advantages that deliver real benefits across Ames and the surrounding region.
EcoBoost Engines: These turbocharged engines balance power and fuel efficiency, giving Iowa drivers strong performance even when hauling or driving in hilly areas.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) & Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Key for winter traction, especially on snowy county roads or unpaved rural routes. Found on models like the Explorer, Escape, and F-150.
FordPass Connect: Standard on many models from 2018 onward, this allows remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle health tracking — all from a mobile app.
Ford Co-Pilot360: A suite of advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking — perfect for families and commuters alike.
These features aren’t just buzzwords — they directly impact safety, comfort, and performance during Iowa’s unpredictable winters and summer road trips.
How Fords Perform on Ames Roads & Rural Iowa Terrains
From snowy intersections near ISU to muddy backroads around Boone, our customers rely on their Fords to get through every season. That’s why performance on Iowa roads is a major consideration in every used Ford we sell.
Winter Readiness: The AWD Explorer and 4WD F-150 are top picks for snow-covered roads and icy hills. We’ve had many buyers return to AmesCars after harsh winters to thank us for recommending a winter-ready model.
Gravel Roads & Potholes: Ford’s suspension tuning on trucks and SUVs like the Edge and Escape handles rural road abuse better than most crossovers we’ve seen.
Fuel Economy for Commuters: Fusion and Fusion Hybrid drivers commuting from Ames to Des Moines often report highway fuel economy of 34–43 MPG depending on trim.
“My F-150 from AmesCars powered through three winters on gravel roads near Story City. The 4WD and ground clearance gave me total confidence year-round.” — Darrell H., customer
Whether you’re heading into Campustown or out to a farm in Maxwell, Ford vehicles offer the balance of ruggedness and comfort Ames drivers need.
How Ford Compares to Chevy, Toyota, Jeep in Ames
We often work with buyers comparing Ford to other major brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, and Jeep. While every driver has unique needs, here’s how Ford stacks up where it counts:
Brand | Strengths | Best Models for Ames Drivers |
Ford | Workhorse trucks, AWD SUVs, smart tech | F-150, Explorer, Escape |
Chevy | Strong value, winter-ready sedans, Volt | Silverado, Equinox, Volt |
Toyota | Longevity, hybrid efficiency | RAV4 Hybrid, Camry, Corolla |
Jeep | Off-road ability, rugged appeal | Cherokee, Grand Cherokee |
Maintenance Costs: Ford and Chevy are often more affordable to repair than imports. Our service department sees quicker part availability for Fords compared to Jeeps or Toyotas.
Technology & Features: FordPass and Co-Pilot360 are comparable or better than Toyota’s Safety Sense in real-world use.
Used Inventory & Pricing: We see more selection and lower-mileage Fords than Jeeps in Ames — making them easier to match to your budget and needs.
At AmesCars, we always walk you through all your options — even if you’re cross-shopping — because finding the right vehicle should never be about brand loyalty, but about lifestyle fit.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Ford in Ames
At AmesCars, we encourage every customer to ask smart questions and look beyond the surface before buying a used Ford. Whether you're eyeing a Fusion, F-150, or Explorer, these are the key things we recommend inspecting:
1. Vehicle History & Title Status
Accident reports: Ask for a Carfax or AutoCheck. Look for clean titles and no major accident history.
Ownership history: Fewer owners and consistent registration in dry states (like Iowa) is a plus.
Service records: Consistent oil changes and timely maintenance tell you the vehicle has been well cared for.
At AmesCars, we provide all this documentation up front — no guesswork, no surprises.
2. Mileage Guidelines by Model Type
F-150s: We consider under 125,000 miles ideal — especially if there’s proof of oil changes, brake work, and tire replacement.
SUVs (Escape, Explorer): Under 100,000 miles is a sweet spot for price and longevity.
Sedans (Fusion): Look for examples under 85,000 miles. Hybrids should also show battery health scores.
3. Iowa-Specific Wear and Tear
Iowa’s climate can be tough on vehicles. Here’s what to check:
Rust: Inspect wheel wells, brake lines, and undercarriage for salt damage.
Tires: Uneven wear or mismatched brands can hint at suspension or alignment issues.
Battery: Cold winters shorten battery life. We test ours before they ever go on the lot.
4. Test Drive Essentials
We encourage you to test:
Transmission shifts (especially on EcoBoost engines)
Brake feel and noise
Climate control and electronics (for possible shorts)
AWD/4WD engagement if equipped
"One thing we love to see is a Ford with detailed service records. It shows the previous owner cared — and that’s a big green flag for us and our customers."
Why AmesCars is Ames' #1 Destination for Used Fords
When you buy a used Ford, you're buying the ownership experience that comes with it. That’s why so many Ames drivers choose AmesCars for their next Ford.
A Carefully Vetted Ford Inventory
We only stock the Fords we believe in:
No salvage titles or flood-damaged vehicles
Multi-point inspections and reconditioning
Clean, Iowa-ready trucks and SUVs
Models like the Escape and Explorer are tested on the same streets and county roads our customers drive every day.
Honest, Transparent Dealership Values
We’re locally owned, not part of a national chain. That means:
Transparent pricing — no games or mystery fees
Pressure-free sales staff focused on helping, not selling
In-house financing with trusted local lenders
“I got my Explorer here during an end-of-winter sale and the experience was just easy. Everyone was honest, helpful, and they even gave me a fair value for my trade-in.” — Tara K., Ames, IA
After-Sale Support You Can Count On
When you drive off our lot, we stay with you:
Title and registration help
Access to our service department for repairs
Trade-in evaluations if you upgrade later
Our reputation is built on service, not just sales. That’s why we’ve grown to become one of Ames’ highest-rated independent dealerships.
Common Ford Questions from Ames Buyers (FAQ)
We get asked a lot of smart questions by Ames-area buyers — and we’re happy to answer them. Here are some of the most common:
Are used Ford Fusions good cars?
Yes — especially 2015–2019 models. Fusions offer good fuel economy, modern tech, and a solid driving experience. They’ve been top sellers with Iowa State commuters and young professionals.
How many miles is too many for a used F-150?
It depends on use and maintenance. A well-maintained F-150 can run well past 200,000 miles. We often recommend looking for trucks under 125,000 miles with documented maintenance.
Are Ford SUVs good in snow?
Yes — especially AWD models like the Escape, Edge, and Explorer. Iowa buyers often upgrade to winter tires as well for maximum safety.
What is FordPass Connect?
FordPass is a remote access app that allows you to start your car, lock/unlock it, and check diagnostics. It’s standard on many late-model used Fords.
Should I buy from a dealer or private seller?
Dealers like AmesCars offer:
Private sales can be cheaper but come with more risk and no post-sale support.
Have a question not answered here? Call us at (515) 233-9900 or stop by 100 E Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010. We’re happy to help you navigate your used Ford buying journey.
Ready to Find Your Ford?
Whether you’re shopping for your first Fusion, a family Explorer, or a work-ready F-150, we’re ready to help you find it. At AmesCars, we take pride in matching real Iowans with reliable, road-tested Fords every day.
Browse our inventory online
Call us at (515) 233-9900
Visit us just minutes from Iowa State University at 100 E Lincoln Way, Ames, IA
At AmesCars, we don’t just sell used Fords — we help you drive home with confidence.
Want to learn more before you buy? Check out Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Car in Ames for expert tips and insider advice.
