carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $35,856–$41,332 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Ford F-150 Base at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.4/10. The Ford F-150 Base delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $35,856–$41,332, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Ford F-150 Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Ford F-150 Base is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Ford F-150 Base ranks #53 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 90% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,856 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Ford F-150 Base scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $38,073 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $36,965 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $35,856 | |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $34,747 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.7/10 | $33,638 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $32,529 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $31,420 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $30,311 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $29,202 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $28,093 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $26,984 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.