A rivalry as famed as Red Sox versus Yankees is Chevy versus Ford. Today, escaping the war of these renowned automotive brands is nearly impossible since their rivalry is publicized across billboards, advertisements, and today, all over social media networks, especially in the form of memes. It is rare not finding yourself in need of picking sides at some point. When researching Certified Pre-Owned cars for your next vehicle, this is one of those moments you will find yourself bringing the century-old rivalry home to decide on which side you belong. Getting to know the brands, the rivalry, and what each has to offer may help you in your decision.
The Battle of the Brands Beginning
As one of the most epic rivalries known in the automotive industry, you may wonder where it all began. Nowadays, the battle primarily exists between Chevy and Ford trucks and sports cars. However, the rivalry started many years ago, during a time in history when the world was just beginning to get on wheels.
Ford History
Before the Ford F150 pickup and the Mustang, Ford was known for its Model T. The title for the first self-propelled automobile may belong to the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen; however, the Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, changed history when it produced one of the first cars available to the masses. The affordable 1908 Model T made car travel a possibility for middle-class Americans and was the beginning of the automobile industry we know today. Ford may have led the industry for a few years, but the reign only lasted until the 1920s when a bold William Durant decided to go up against a brand that, at the time, was unreachable by its competitors.
Chevy History
In 1911, after being fired from General Motors (GM), its founder, William Durant, decided to regroup with others and venture back into the car manufacturing industry. He decided to name the company after his partner, Louis Chevrolet, primarily for advertisement purposes since he was a racecar driver. Their first vehicle, the Series C Classic Six, entered the market as a stylish and comfortable well made but more expensive 6-cylinder option as opposed to its 4-cylinder competitor, the Ford Model T. Although sales were strong, Durant wanted to develop more affordable options as well. Chevy models that followed went in this direction with value in mind as durable 4-cylinder engine cars.
Louis Chevrolet and Durant differed in opinion regarding the company’s products and direction, so they parted ways in 1915, with Durant buying out Chevrolet’s interest in the company. The Chevrolet company continued its success leading Durant to buy a large share of GM in 1916, making Chevy a division of GM. By 1917, Durant was ready to take on the automotive market’s leader, Ford Motor Company and its Model T. By 1925, GM surpassed Ford in total income and kept the lead until 1986. In 1927 Ford shut down for six months with the production of its new contender, the Model A, allowing Chevy’s sales to surpass that of Ford’s for the first time, and they have been battling for the number one spot ever since.
Where to Start When Choosing Between Chevy and Ford
You cannot choose your side based on history alone. Both Chevy and Ford have been going back and forth on being in the lead for sales, models, statistics between similar models, and even in brand loyalty for over a century. Choosing between the two will require more in-depth research beyond the history of the two brands and their rivalry. When looking through Certified Pre-Owned cars, one of the main components you need to research when choosing between a Chevy and a Ford is their Certified Pre-Owned programs. You want to buy not only the best brand for you and your needs and preferences, but you want the best benefits with your pre-owned purchase.
Ford Blue Advantage
As you swipe through the available pre-owned Ford models, you have to look past the shells of the vehicles. Look beyond their design, whether a car, SUV, or truck, and look past their features like interior composition and engine statistics. The benefits that come with that purchase of yours are what should matter since history has already taught you how competitive and comparable Chevy and Ford models are with each other. With the Ford Blue Advantage program, you can expect to feel confident in your purchase.
With Ford Blue Advantage, there are two levels of certification: Gold Certified and Blue Certified. The primary difference between the two is that Gold vehicles are up to 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles, while Blue vehicles can be up to 10 years old with less than 120,000 miles. With this age and mileage difference comes a difference in ownership benefits as well.
Each certification level offers a thorough inspection with reconditioning, warranties, roadside assistance, a CARFAX vehicle history report, and a SiriusXM Satellite Radio All-Access trial subscription. With the Blue Certified vehicles, the inspection to become certified is not as in-depth as that for the Gold certification. The complimentary roadside assistance jumps from 90 days with Blue to 7 years for those with the Gold certification. The manufacturer’s Comprehensive Limited Warranty is not even for as long as with the Gold vehicles, nor is there a manufacturer powertrain warranty. Each dealership may have different warranty coverages, but when it comes to those from the manufacturer, Gold outshines the Blue. Overall, the Gold Certified vehicles seem to deliver you more for longer.
GM Certified Pre-Owned Benefits
With in-depth research on Chevy models, you will find that the GM Certified Pre-Owned program is a little more straightforward than that you will find from Ford. There are no levels to choose from. With Chevy, you will have less to research and compare during your car-buying journey, making the decision process that much easier for you. You get one Certified Pre-Owned program that offers you great benefits for the long haul.
Similar to Ford, when you buy a Chevy Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you will get a vehicle that has passed a 172-point inspection. This inspection includes routine maintenance inspections of the fluids, brakes, and tires and for the condition and functionality of all parts, ranging from the powertrain to the airbags, making sure the vehicle is as close to new as possible for you. You will also get the free vehicle history report, the SiriusXM trial, roadside assistance, and warranties. However, these benefits do differ slightly from those with Ford Blue Advantage.
The 12-month/12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty has the same duration as that included with the Ford Blue Advantage, but the Powertrain Limited Warranty is slightly less. GM only offers a 6-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty versus Ford’s 7-year. However, do not let that one year win you over because GM provides much more.
With your Certified Pre-Owned Chevy, you will get courtesy transportation in conjunction with roadside assistance for the duration of the powertrain warranty. Your vehicle will also come with a scheduled maintenance program that includes routine maintenance visits for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles. A limited OnStar trial with safety, security, and navigation services for your vehicle is included with your purchase. Plus, GM offers a 3-day/150-mile exchange policy with their Certified Pre-Owned program that allows you to exchange your vehicle if you are not satisfied with your purchase within that period or mileage.
Hitting Home
Unfortunately, as your research continues on both Chevy and Ford, their automotive rivalry carries on as well. Only now, it is not just in history or in the media or on the billboards; it has made it to your home. As you compare their models, their statistics, even their rivalry to each other so that you can pick a side, you are continuing the legacy of the epic automotive rivalry. Luckily for you, both brands may offer a history of quality, durability, and popularity, but only one will hit home with you. You just have to look past the obvious and into the benefits you will receive when purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned car and decide which brand covers you best.
