As an iconic American automaker, Ford has manufactured affordable and reliable cars and trucks for over 100 years. During the early 20th century, Ford pioneered the moving assembly line and mass automobile production with the famous Model T. Today, Ford remains a leader in innovation as one of the top selling auto brands in the United States, producing capable pickups, family SUVs, performance Mustangs and their new generation of electric vehicles.
This comprehensive guide will provide key insights into Ford‘s diverse current model lineup highlighting capabilities, technologies and pricing options that make their vehicles compelling choices across needs.
Profile of an Automotive Giant
Before diving into the vehicles themselves, let‘s quickly recap Ford‘s influential history and position in today‘s automotive landscape:
- Founded in 1903 by pioneering industrialist Henry Ford in Detroit, focused on making cars affordable to working families
- Grew to become one of the world‘s largest automobile manufacturers, today distributing vehicles globally
- Introduced game-changing innovations like the moving assembly line and mass production, enabling mainstream car ownership in the early 20th century
- Iconic Model T embodied these breakthroughs, became the world‘s best-selling car in the 1910s and 20s
- Today Ford ranks #2 in U.S. auto sales across cars/trucks, second only to GM in market share
- Produces over 3 million vehicles per year globally as of 2022 across cars, SUVs and light trucks
- Over 185,000 employees worldwide designing, engineering and assembling Ford products
- In addition to operations spanning vehicle development, manufacturing, sales and financing, Ford has recently acquired EV charging networks and battery startups to accelerate their electrification strategy
Now equipped with ample resources and capacity from their leading market position, Ford is investing heavily in connected, electric and autonomous technologies to define the future of mobility.
Ford‘s Electric Vehicle Portfolio
As consumer preferences and regulations shift toward eco-conscious vehicles, Ford is aiming to lead the transition with new battery-electric cars, trucks and SUVs. After initial success with their early hybrids and plug-in hybrids, Ford is currently going all-in on next-generation electric vehicle development.
Mustang Mach-E
As one of the more bold attempts blending iconic styling with an innovative new powertrain, the Mustang Mach-E brings zero-emissions performance in several flavors. While using the Mustang badge could be seen as controversial for the SUV-crossover format, the Mach-E delivers sports car acceleration fitting the nameplate along with up to 300 miles of all-electric driving range.
With standard AWD providing surefooted grip and precise handling, the Mach-E can sprint from 0-60mph in the mid-3-second range when outfitted with the top-tier GT Performance Edition. Generating up to 480hp and 634 ft-lbs torque from dual electric motors, this flagship Mach-E GT outaccelerates many fossil fuel-powered cars for less than $70,000 to start.
More affordable Mach-E models starting around $47,000 slow the sprint to 60mph to the low-to-mid 6-second zone but deliver 65-70mph passing power on command. Premium interior materials and standard tech like the impressive 15.5” touchscreen integrate the Mach-E seamlessly into daily driving. With maximum Range models achieving over 300 miles between plug-ins, Mustang Mach-E buyers enjoy emission-free driving without range anxiety.
As Ford’s first ground-up battery electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E sets impressive benchmarks for acceleration, handling and tech in the growing electric crossover category.
F-150 Lightning
On the truck side, Ford is electrifying America’s best-selling pickup for over 40 years – the versatile F-150. As their firstbattery-powered F-Series bringing zero-emissions capability to a mainstream full-size truck, anticipation has been high for the 2022 F-150 Lightning.
Living up to expectations, the F-150 Lightning delivers:
- 0-60mph in mid-4 second range enabling rapid merges/passes
- Up to 320 miles max driving range between charges
- 10,000+ pounds max towing capacity when properly equipped
- Powerful dual electric motors generate up to 580 hp & 775 ft-lbs torque
- Can provide 9.6kW of AC power export to run heavy tools/equipment off-grid
- Modern tech features like giant frunk storage, OTA updates and BlueCruise driver assist
So whether tackling worksite demands or daily commutes, the Lightning brings legendary F-150 capability to an eco-minded package. With pricing from $41,000, businesses and individuals gain a productive electric truck ready to serve.
Now that Ford has entered the battery-electric pickup segment with the hardworking Lightning, rapid adoption in areas with growing EV infrastructure could displace a meaningful portion of gas-powered F-150 sales. Combined with Mustang Mach-E momentum, Ford is demonstrating convincing products to open minds about electric vehicle ownership.
Reviewing Ford‘s Top-Selling Vehicles
While early electric vehicle efforts aim to expand adoption across vehicle segments, Ford‘s current best sellers remain their capable trucks and full-size SUVs. As the perennial top seller across all brands, Ford‘s F-Series trucks continue dominating the market thanks to their versatile utility. Meanwhile spacious SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition attract many families.
F-150: Top Seller for 45+ Years Running
The F-150 drives Ford‘s overall vehicle sales lead by continually outselling all other trucks or cars in America. As the best-selling vehicle for over four straight decades and counting, Ford has clearly built an F-150 for every need.
Over 3 Million Units Sold in the Past 5 Years
||2017|2018|2019|2020|2021|
|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|F-150 Sales|896,764|909,330|896,526|787,422|726,974|
Spanning work-ready base trims to upscale Limited models with near luxury finishes, the versatile 2023 F-150 lineup delivers impressive capability:
- Range of powertrain options including hybrid and V8 engines
- Class-leading 14,000 pound max towing capacity
- Innovative Pro Power Onboard generator (7.2kW)
- Tow/haul-focused Tremor off-road package
- Well-equipped models blurring lines with luxury SUVs
This blend of power, innovations and premium features keeps over 700,000 shoppers returning to the F-150 showroom annually.
Explorer: Ford‘s Best-Selling SUV
Among Ford SUVs, the Explorer tops sales charts by delivering 3-row family capacity with advanced tech and performance capabilities. As America‘s best-selling SUV of the past decade, Ford moves over 150,000 Explorers off dealer lots annually.
Generous standard features like seating for up to 7, an 8” touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and Ford CoPilot360 driver assists provide convenience and confidence. Sharp handling and ample power from the twin-turbo V6 lets drivers safely merge and pass, while navigating tight spots and parking lots gracefully thanks to a nimble chassis and standard rear camera.
Higher trim Explorer models add luxury details like soft-touch leather and real wood accents, ambient cabin lighting, a 14-speaker B&O sound system and a larger touchscreen with SYNC 4 infotainment.
With strong demand for these comfort, safety and tech enhancements, many opt for the well-appointed Platinum, ST or Timberline trims:
Pricing spans from $34,000 for the base Explorer to near $60,000 for the Platinum, providing options accessible to many budgets. Yet value still shines through with an abundance of standard equipment and advanced technology packed into the Explorer regardless of trim.
Rugged Ford Trucks and SUVs for Work & Play
Within Ford‘s lineup, their trucks and specialized SUVs purpose-built for off-road pursuits highlight capability that extends well beyond pavement. Leveraging chassis expertise honed over decades supplying contractors, emergency services and extreme recreationalists, Ford produces several compelling rigs to traverse rough terrain. From conversions vans and overlanding rig based on the Transit to the rock crawling Ford Bronco, their expertise caters well to adventurous owners.
Ford Bronco
- Revived icon with heavy-duty components ready for the Rubicon Trail
- Advanced terrain management systems maximize traction
- Customizable with 100+ factory-backed accessories
- $31,000+ pricing pairs capability with modern amenities
F-150 Raptor/Tremor
- Baja race-proven suspension absorbs big hits at speed
- First trail-focused F-150 designed for high-speed desert running
- Specialized shocks, chassis & bodywork enhance off-road performance
Super Duty Chassis Cab
- Heavy-duty F-550 chassis configurable for towing/hauling demands
- Makes an ideal platform for motorhomes, ambulances and box trucks
- More extreme solid axle F-650 model also available
With superlative efforts like the Bronco, Raptor and F-series chassis cabs, Ford caters well to extreme truck owners needing to traverse harsh conditions in pursuit of work or adventure.
Ford Hybrid & Electric Vehicles Sales Trends
While many Ford models continue relying solely on gas or diesel power, a growing subset now incorporate electric motors and battery packs to reduce environmental impact and operating costs. As fuel prices and eco-consciousness rise among consumers, Ford hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) models offer compelling alternatives.
U.S. Ford Electrified Vehicle Sales 2017-2021
||2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021|
|-|——-|——-|——-|——-|——-|
Battery Electric Vehicles|0|0|0|3,774|26,052|
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles|16,846| 18,985|16,422|14,123|13,319|
Hybrid Vehicles|76,143| 75,076| 78,837| 56,570| 69,411|
Total HEV/PHEV/BEVs|92,989|94,061|95,259|74,467|108,782|
In 2021, Ford‘s electrified vehicle share reached 7.4% of total sales, up from 5.4% the prior year. Hybrids made up the majority led by Escape and Explorer variants, while Mustang Mach-E volumes are scaling up BEV‘s share. With the F-150 Lightning launch in early 2022 already proving wildly popular, Ford‘s electric mix will continue rising steadily toward their 2030 full electrification target.
Key Takeaways
Reviewing Ford‘s broad model lineup reveals wagons, hatchbacks and sedans have largely been dropped to focus SUVs, trucks and electrified options moving forward. As regulations and preferences shift, Ford is directing resources into strengths like trucks plus emerging EV platforms.
With the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning debuting to warm reception supplementing stalwarts like America‘s best-selling F-Series, Explorer and Expedition, Ford is primed to deliver smart transportation solutions now and into the future. Their latest electrics make significant strides in easing range anxiety and integration challenges that once limited EV adoption. Meanwhile fan-favorites like the Bronco, Mustang and F-150 speak to generations of brand loyalty.
Balancing this heritage with innovative steps towards an electric, connected and autonomous future, Ford vehicles aim to enhance productivity and enable adventures for years to come.
