Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A white 2021 Ford Explorer is shown in front of a cabin after leaving a used Ford dealer.

Check Out These Three Models At Your Local Ford Dealer

Purchasing a vehicle is both a time of excitement and serious consideration. After all, there is always a lot to consider. As the process begins, there’s also a question of wants versus needs. What’s the goal of the purchase? Do you have an upcoming trip planned? Are you in need of a vehicle that helps tackle work projects or venture off-road? These are all questions you might ask before you step on the lot of a used Ford dealer.

For well over a century now, Ford has manufactured innovative, reliable, and exhilarating vehicles. The iconic Ford emblem has been a consistent part of American life and is part of why there’s so much confidence in buying a used Ford vehicle. There models are built for the every day driver and are built to last. Over the last century, Ford has introduced quite a number of vehicles that we’ve all come to love; models like the F-150, Mustang, Bronco, Maverick, and Explorer are household names at this point in time. Today, we’ll take a look at three used Fords you should consider taking home and adding to your own personal fleet.

Check Out the Ford Explorer, the Family SUV

If you’re looking for a decent amount of space for your family, then an SUV might be the perfect fit. Among Ford’s SUV lineup, the Ford Explorer has remained consistent in quality for decades. The 2021 model is no different and is a great vehicle to target at your local Ford dealer. The Explorer has a bold and aggressive design.

The XLT, Base, and Limited trims come with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine. Without a doubt, even in the base version, the Explorer is going to get you around with more than adequate speed for a number of situations. Present in all 2021 Explorers is a ten-speed automatic transmission to also ensure a smooth ride from the engine. Ford set out to also make sure that when the 2021 Explorer is off-road, it still delivers the same experience. If you’re looking for towing, be on the lookout for a used 2021 Explorer with the optional towing package equipped on the vehicle. The towing package is going to allow the Explorer to tow up to 5,600 pounds.

Not to be ignored at all is the experience of the drivers and passengers inside the vehicle. Each 2021 Explorer comes with a standard 8-inch infotainment system. If you’d like a larger screen for infotainment, then look at the 10.1-inch screen that comes with the Platinum and ST trims. When it comes to family vehicles, we know that the most important thing is going to be safety.

The 2021 Ford Explorer has an overall 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is due, in part, to the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 system, a driver assist and safety system designed to help reduce motor vehicle accidents. Through a combination of design, performance, safety, and function, the 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the best options for a family that you can find at your local used Ford dealer.

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco is off-roading on a dusty trail.

The Ford Bronco is Built Tough for Off-Road Enthusiasts

Most local used Ford dealers, at this point, feature a blast from the past on their lots. After over 25 years, in 2021, Ford reintroduced the Bronco as a part of their already impressive, arguably legendary, SUV lineup. The 2022 version continues a newly formed legacy with old-school roots. The Ford Bronco is offered in two and four-door versions, all of which are removable. Additionally, hardtop and soft tops are available, with only the four-door models being eligible for the soft top. These choices come down to a matter of lifestyle and preference, but the fact they are open to customization is valuable to new and used Bronco owners.

In terms of engine type and performance, there are two options. The first available engine is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that is also available with a seven-speed manual transmission. Otherwise, the 2022 Bronco has Ford’s ten-speed automatic transmission to deliver a nice ride on and off the road. You could also get a Bronco equipped with a 330 horsepower 2.7-liter turbo V6. Additionally, all 2022 Broncos are four-wheel drive.

The 2022 Bronco is capable of towing a more than respectable 3,500 pounds. Since it’s built for off-roading 35-inch tires are included on each 2022 Bronco. All 2022 Broncos also feature Ford’s High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS). The HOSS System is designed to give off-road drivers more stability, control, and comfort during off-road adventures.

The Maverick Makes for a Great Truck and Will Help You Save a Buck

Last year Ford revived the Maverick and added it to its lineup of trucks. The Maverick, a compact pickup, lives up to its name in more than a few significant ways, but let’s start by taking a look at the engine options. The Maverick can be equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid engine that is paired with a CVT. With this engine, Maverick drivers can expect to get up to 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The second available engine is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four that is paired with eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine also provides excellent fuel economy ratings; drivers can expect up to 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The Maverick has front-wheel drive standard but can be found in all-wheel drive as well.

The result of Ford’s incredible design is a small pickup that doesn’t feel limited. All 2022 Mavericks have four doors and a backseat for passengers or cargo. The bed of the Maverick is called the FlexBed, has 33.3 cu.ft. of space, and is 54.4 inches long. Used 2022 Mavericks come with standard 12V power points, a multi-position tailgate, and storage pockets. Some used Maverick models might have the optional 110V outlet added. The bed of the Maverick was designed so that people can customize it to whatever their needs may be. Owners might opt to use do-it-yourself solutions to add a bike rack, fishing rod hanger, or even a false floor with a drawer to the bed of the Maverick.

A hiker and a dog are shown in the bed of a green 2022 Ford Maverick.

There Is a Used Ford For Everyone

As you begin to look around the lot at your local used Ford dealer, you’ll notice a near-endless selection of incredible models. What remains most important in the selection process are the needs of the driver as well as the needs of potential passengers. If you don’t want a vehicle that’s overly large but would like efficiency and the option to use the vehicle for a bit of hauling, then a Maverick might be a good fit. Alternatively, if you think you’ll have lots of trips ahead with the family or would like to bring friends and a boat to the lake, then an Explorer with a good towing package is going to fit your needs on all bases. If you’re an off-road adventurer, then it’s a no-brainer to run out and grab yourself a Ford Bronco. Ford goes above and beyond when it comes to dependability, reliability, fun, and so much more.