Ford’s Weak Memorial Day Sales Reveal a Struggling Automaker

by Justin Fischer | Last updated May 21, 2025 | Car Buying, Memorial Day Sales, New Cars, News

As Memorial Day car sales heat up across the country, most automakers are pulling out all the stops to move inventory. Not Ford. While competitors like Chevrolet, Jeep, and Ram are offering thousands off in cash allowances and low-APR financing, Ford’s incentives are noticeably absent—or underwhelming at best. At the same time, Ford is raising prices on three of its most popular models, all while sitting on one of the highest inventories in the market.

It’s a bold move, and not a good sign.

New tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are beginning to ripple through the auto market, and Ford’s latest actions suggest it’s feeling the pressure more than most. From new price hikes to a disappointing Memorial Day sales strategy, the evidence is piling up: Ford is hurting.

Ford Raises Prices as Tariffs Hit Home

Effective May 2, Ford began raising prices on three of its most in-demand, Mexico-built vehicles: the Mustang Mach-E, Maverick, and Bronco Sport. The hikes—up to $2,000 on select trims—arrived just days after Ford warned investors that tariffs would add $2.5 billion in costs this year and suspended its earnings guidance.

A Ford spokesperson claimed the move was part of “usual” mid-year adjustments, “combined with some tariffs we are facing.” But calling this business-as-usual is a stretch. Ford is among the first major automakers to increase sticker prices in response to the tariffs, and it likely won’t be the last.

What’s especially notable is who hasn’t raised prices yet: General Motors. GM says it will also face billions in additional costs from tariffs, but so far, it has not raised MSRPs. That puts Ford in a uniquely precarious position—caught between bloated inventory and rising production costs, with few appealing offers to draw in buyers.

Ford’s Memorial Day Deals Fall Flat

Ford’s Memorial Day incentives are lackluster to say the least. In contrast to Chevrolet, Jeep, and Ram, which are offering steep discounts and compelling APR financing, Ford is mostly sticking to the basics during a prime time for selling cars. For shoppers hoping for big Memorial Day deals from the Blue Oval, it’s slim pickings.

Here’s how Ford’s incentives stack up against rival brands for top models:

Offers for the Ford F-150 are no where near the deals available for other full-size trucks.

The Explorer is Ford’s #2 seller, after the F-Series truck. The absence of lease specials and noteworthy cash offers is telling during a top month for incentives.

The Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Terrain, and Jeep Compass all have better offers for Memorial Day.

Chevrolet is looking to dominate Memorial Day SUV sales with 0% financing on last year’s Tahoe and Suburban models. Ford’s Expedition will be a serious underdog with GM’s May incentives. 

The Ford Escape sells in great numbers — Ford sold 147,000 copies in 2024. This Memorial Day, competitors are looking to take back market share. With offers like this, they’re likely to succeed. 

Clearly, Ford’s offers pale in comparison to GM, Stellantis, and others. This isn’t a normal Memorial Day playbook—it’s a sign that Ford may not be in a position to offer better deals, even if it wants to.

Inventory Levels Signal a Bigger Problem

Ford’s pricing strategy becomes even more puzzling when you look at its inventory. As of early May 2025, the overall new car market has about 73 days of supply. Ford? 105 days. That’s 44% higher than average, with 496,328 new Ford vehicles sitting on dealership lots. Lincoln, Ford’s luxury arm, is in similar shape with 107 days of supply.

Any automaker with this much unsold inventory would normally be slashing prices, not raising them.

Let’s compare Ford’s inventory to its competitors. All numbers reflect Market Day Supply:

• Chevrolet: 70 days
  
• GMC: 85 days
  
• Buick: 79 days
  
• Cadillac: 92 days
  
• Toyota: 37 days
  
• Honda: 50 days
  
• Subaru: 54 days
  
• Kia: 68 days
  
• Mazda: 97 days
  
• Nissan: 98 days
  
• Hyundai: 101 days
  
• Jeep: 109 days
  

Only Jeep has more bloated inventory than Ford. This underscores just how much trouble Ford may be in.

What It All Means for Shoppers and the Industry

Ford’s latest moves—raising prices while letting inventory swell—paint the picture of an automaker caught off guard. While other brands use Memorial Day to clear out excess stock, Ford appears unable or unwilling to match their deals.

It’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a warning sign.

Rising costs from tariffs are impacting the whole industry, but Ford’s early price hikes and weak incentive strategy show it may be struggling more than its peers. And if the 25% tariff on imported vehicles remains in place, analysts say the U.S. auto market could shrink by over 1 million vehicles a year. Ford’s aggressive pricing shifts could be a signal of what’s to come.

Final Thoughts

Ford’s Memorial Day playbook is unlike anything we’ve seen from the company in years—and not in a good way. The combination of rising prices, massive inventory, and timid incentives suggests Ford is under significant pressure. While other automakers are absorbing tariff-related costs or offering buyers compelling reasons to act now, Ford is sending mixed signals.

For shoppers, it’s a reminder to compare deals carefully. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle this Memorial Day, Ford might not be the best place to start.

5 Best Memorial Day Truck Deals: Silverado, Tacoma & More [May 2025]

by Justin Fischer | Last updated May 21, 2025 | Car Buying, Memorial Day Sales, New Cars, News

Looking to score a great deal on a new truck this Memorial Day? May is traditionally one of the best times of year to shop for pickups, and 2025 is no exception. Despite inventory pressure and shifting incentives due to ongoing auto tariffs, several automakers are rolling out offers worth the test drive.

We’ve rounded up the five best Memorial Day truck deals available right now, including 0% financing, big cash allowances, and rare lease promotions. All offers expire on June 2, 2025, unless noted otherwise.

2024 Jeep Gladiator

Best Deal: $10,250 bonus cash or 2.9% APR for 72 months

Jeep is going big to clear out leftover 2024 Gladiators, and this might be the most aggressive truck deal of the year. With over 1,200 units still sitting on lots nationwide, dealers are motivated to move inventory — fast.

🔍 Browse Gladiator deals near you

2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Best Deal: 0.9% APR for 60 months + $3,500 total cash allowance

Chevy’s flagship truck gets a competitive low-APR deal paired with thousands in bonus cash. With Silverado inventory holding steady this spring, Chevy is offering solid incentives to keep up momentum heading into the summer.

🔍 Search Silverado listings with local deal data

2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5

Best Deal: $269/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing (select markets)

Fresh off a full redesign, the new Tacoma is more refined, tech-savvy, and efficient than ever. This lease deal is one of the few affordable midsize truck options this month — if it’s available in your region.

🔍 See if this Tacoma deal applies in your area

2025 Toyota Tundra

Best Deal: 2.99% APR for 72 months (regional offer)

Toyota rarely offers below-market APRs on its full-size trucks — they don’t have to. But for Memorial Day 2025, some regions are seeing extended 2.99% APR financing on over 20 different Tundra trims. If you’re in the right market, this is a standout offer.

🔍 Check APR eligibility by ZIP code at Toyota.com

2025 Nissan Frontier (King Cab)

Best Deal: Up to $4,500 cash savings

Nissan’s no-nonsense Frontier continues to be one of the best values in the midsize truck segment. With up to $4,500 off the King Cab, this is a strong deal for buyers looking for capability without breaking the bank.

🔍 Search Frontier deals with local pricing tools

Let CarEdge Help You Close the Best Truck Deal

These five Memorial Day truck deals prove that savings are still out there — if you know where to look. Whether you’re after low-interest financing, serious bonus cash, or an affordable lease, Memorial Day 2025 offers something for every truck shopper. Just remember, all offers expire on June 2, and inventory for certain trims is limited.

Want expert help negotiating your deal? Use CarEdge Concierge for white-glove car buying support. Prefer the DIY route? CarEdge Pro helps you compare deals, spot negotiable listings, and avoid overpaying. Either way, we’ve got the tools to help you drive home with confidence.

Why 2025’s Memorial Day Car Sales Are Disappointing

by Justin Fischer | Last updated May 21, 2025 | Car Buying, Memorial Day Sales, New Cars, News

Car buyers are eagerly anticipating Memorial Day sales, traditionally a prime time for deep discounts and attractive incentives. However, early indicators suggest that 2025’s deals may fall short of expectations. This year, several headwinds—including ongoing tariff uncertainty, persistently high auto loan rates, and shrinking vehicle inventories—are clouding the outlook for May promotions. These factors are likely to dampen the kind of aggressive incentives shoppers have come to expect from Memorial Day car sales.

Here’s why some auto industry analysts are bracing for a quieter sales weekend in 2025.

Inventory Is Falling As Buyers Get Ahead of Tariffs

According to Cox Automotive, the industry-wide new vehicle supply dropped to just 70 days at the start of April, a 23% decline from March. CarEdge Pro reports that inventory levels remained similarly tight in late April. This spring rush has been fueled in part by buyers trying to get ahead of potential price hikes tied to looming tariff concerns.

As Memorial Day approaches, inventory constraints are particularly pronounced at brands like Lexus, Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. With fewer cars on the lot, these automakers are unlikely to offer standout holiday deals this year.

But there’s still hope for deal hunters—if you know where to look.
Several brands are sitting on inventory levels well above the industry average heading into May. These brands have over 90 days of market supply, and are likely to have the best Memorial Day car sales in May 2025:

• Ford, Lincoln
• Nissan, Infiniti
• Stellantis brands (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler)
• Hyundai
• Mazda
• Luxury brands like Jaguar and Land Rover

These car brands will have more flexible pricing and stronger incentives as they look to catch up to the competition. Many are also still working through large volumes of unsold 2024 models—more on that below.

👉 See the fastest and slowest-selling new cars right now

Last Year’s Models Are This Year’s Deals

Manufacturers are under pressure to clear out 2024 models, four months into the new year. In April 2025, 348,000 of the 3.1 million new cars for sale in America were 2024 models. Many of them are trucks like the Ford F-150 and Ram 2500. There are also plenty of last year’s electric vehicles that remain unsold. These are prime targets for zero percent financing Memorial Day specials.

Here’s a look at cars and trucks with the most remaining 2024 inventory as Memorial Day 2025 approaches:

Unsold 2024 models will be the most negotiable cars in May 2025. You should be able to confidently negotiate at least 15% off MSRP for any remaining 2024 model, even those impacted by auto tariffs. Use CarEdge Pro to find aging car inventory in your city.

Low APR Incentives: A Closer Look

Low APR deals are a win-win for both dealers and buyers. For dealers, it’s about liquidating stock without slashing sticker prices dramatically, which can devalue the brand. For buyers, these subsidized rates lower the monthly payment, making an upgrade more feasible. Expect to see APR offers as low as 0% for qualified buyers on select models, alongside generous cash-back offers and lease deals.

In fact, there are already several 0% APR offers on the market today…

👉 See the best APR and cash offers this month

The Most Negotiable New Cars and Trucks

As we inch closer to Memorial Day, certain vehicles stand out for their negotiability. While the specific models and deals will be confirmed as the holiday approaches, here are some categories to watch:

• Last Year’s Inventory: Memorial Day car sales are the manufacturer’s best chance to clear out the last of 2024’s remaining inventory. Expect crazy deals on these, especially trucks, Jeeps and electric vehicles.
• Truck Deals: Automakers have simply priced new trucks too high, and buyers are pushing back. This has led to an oversupply of new trucks on dealer lots. Expect big deals on Ram trucks, and the Ford F-150. In fact, there are already some great low APR offers out there. Check out the truck deals.
• Brands with High Inventory: As we outlined above, several popular car and truck brands have more than 90 days of market supply heading into May. Expect Ford, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Hyundai, and Mazda to have the best deals due to high supply.

Gear Up for the Deals

This Memorial Day, CarEdge is your go-to resource for navigating these sales. Not only will we provide a one-stop resource for the best car sales, we’ll also share car market insights that you won’t find anywhere else. 👉 Bookmark this page and check back in early May to see what automakers have to offer! Head to this page for the best deals right now, no matter when you’re reading this.