Shopping for a used car can be a great way to get a new set of wheels without breaking the bank, and there’s no better approach than stopping at your local used Ford dealer. Whether you’re looking for a car, SUV, or pickup truck, Ford likely has something that can suit your needs. If you’re in the beginning phases of car shopping, the sheer volume of vehicles in its lineup may be overwhelming, especially if you’re looking at one particular segment that’s highly saturated, like SUVs. If you’re a Ford loyalist but aren’t sure which one you want, this guide is for you. I’ll break down Ford’s vehicles into three main categories—cars, SUVs, and pickups—and provide a brief overview of each vehicle. Without further ado, here are your quick hits for Ford’s modern passenger vehicle offerings.
Cars
We’ll start with Ford’s car lineup, as it won’t take much time to get through. There is one car and one car only being offered by Ford since 2021, and that’s the Mustang. It’s a name you’re likely familiar with, belonging to one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time. The modern Mustang follows a similar model to the one it’s been using for about half a century or so: big, beefy powertrains capable of pavement-ripping speed. Even its base engine option, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, generates 310 hp, while at the upper end of the power spectrum, a 5.0-liter V8 is capable of 470 hp. There are two other engine options in between and several trims to choose from, so finding the Mustang that feels tailored to you is a snap.
SUVs
Ford’s SUV lineup is saturated with a myriad of vehicles ranging in size, price, and personality. The EcoSport was discontinued after the 2022 model year but can still be a thrifty find for those shopping used. It’s the most compact SUV in Ford’s recent lineup but still has the space to seat five pretty comfortably. The Ford Escape is sized up a bit and also seats five people. It has cargo space that can be flexibly managed, thanks to a 60/40 folding rear seat. The Escape also has a number of different powertrains to choose from, giving drivers gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid options.
Next up is the Bronco family, which re-entered the market in 2021. The traditional Bronco is reminiscent of its predecessor, with boxy proportions and off-roading prowess. The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, is more of an entry-level Bronco. It’s cheaper and geared more toward light adventuring rather than full-blown rock-crawling.
The next largest SUV is another legend in the realm of Ford. The Ford Mustang Mach-E expands on the high-performance background its namesake implies, bringing a different type of power to the table. The fully-electric SUV lives up to its reputation, producing 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque for a 0 – 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. That’s the Mach-E GT Performance Edition. If you’re interested in the Mach-E for its emissions-free driving and want to maximize range, the California Route 1 model can get up to 312 miles on a full charge.
The Ford Edge is spacious and attractive, making it the perfect companion for errand running or weekend trips. It seats five but also allows for up to 73.4 cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It has several different trim levels, all of which come standard with a suite of safety features that includes emergency braking assist and blind spot monitoring.
The Ford Explorer gets even roomier with a maximum of 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space. As its name implies, this SUV is designed with fun in mind and is capable enough to get you where you need to go. It’s capable of towing up to 5,600 lbs, enough for accessories like a pop-up trailer or a small boat. Like the Escape, the Explorer has an available hybrid powertrain, so that extra space doesn’t have to mean pain at the pump.
Last but not least is the Ford Expedition. It’s the largest SUV from Ford, with a third row of seats that allows for up to eight passengers. The Expedition is the strongest, too, capable of towing up to 9,300 lbs when properly equipped.
Trucks
Ford made a name for itself manufacturing trucks and has held the record for best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades. The vehicle in question is the Ford F-150, a pickup that’s been around since the mid-1950s. The most recent generation (its fourteenth) debuted in 2021, bringing with it a new look and a set of beefy powertrains that included—for the first time—a hybridized version.
Speaking of firsts, a full-electric version of the F-150 recently debuted as well. The Ford Lightning first dropped in 2022, and it represents an exciting new era for pickups, whose major pitfall has always been fuel economy. The Lightning has two battery options with ranges that make this pickup realistic for everyday life. The first, 98.0 kWh battery, claims 230 miles of range, while the larger 131.0 kWh is said to be able to go 320 miles when fully charged up. This electric pickup is no weakling, either, challenging another misconception about EVs. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 10,000 lbs.
The Maverick is another new pickup from Ford that debuted in 2022. It’s a compact pickup that proves to be practical, versatile, and fun. Its powertrain options are either a 2.5-liter hybrid or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost, allowing drivers to cater the Maverick’s performance to their needs. The hybrid powertrain is clean and efficient, getting 40 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, while the EcoBoost engine is available with all-wheel drive and has a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.
Another compact truck offering from Ford comes in the form of the Ranger, which has a longer tenure, having originally debuted in 1983. Ford likes giving its buyers options, so the Ranger sits slotted between the Maverick and F-150 for that just-right mix of size and capability that a lot of drivers are looking for. It’s less bulky than the F-150 making it more manageable to drive, but its 2.3-liter EcoBoost enables this pickup to be pretty capable with a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. It also has a ton of available packages and add-ons, making it easy to customize the Ranger for work or play.
If you use your pickup for work or just need something a little stronger for whatever reason, Ford has the Super Duty line. Made up of the most capable pickups the brand has to offer, these trucks were built to haul heavy loads. The 6.7-liter turbodiesel in the F-350, for example, has a maximum towing capacity of 38,000 lbs.
Benefitting From 100 Years of Experience
Ford has been producing high-quality vehicles for over 100 years, and its modern lineup is the product of a century’s worth of learning, development, and catering to customers. The brand has proven time and time again that it can adapt to volatile market trends, shifting customer bases, and an ever-changing world. No matter what your vehicle needs are, Ford has taken the time and care to make sure there is something in its lineup that’s a perfect fit.
