How do I know what model my Ford is?
If you want to know your Ford’s exact model, start with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the documents that accompany the vehicle. The VIN uniquely identifies the model, while the door placard, title, and window sticker can confirm the exact name and trim. If in doubt, a Ford dealer can verify the model from the VIN.
Where to look for the model information
To begin, check common physical and paperwork sources that usually reveal the exact model name and trim. This quick checklist covers the most reliable places on both new and used Ford vehicles.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is most often found on the dashboard near the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Another VIN location is the driver’s door jamb placard or on the door frame when the door is open.
- VIN is also printed on official documents such as the vehicle’s title, registration, and insurance card.
- For new Ford vehicles, the Monroney window sticker includes the model name, trim level, and options.
With the VIN or documents in hand, you can confirm the exact model and trim through decoding or dealer verification.
Decoding the VIN to reveal the model
If you want to identify the model directly from the VIN, understand the basic structure and use a reliable decoder. Ford’s official resources and reputable VIN tools can translate the codes into the model family (for example, F-150, Escape, Mustang) plus body style and options.
- Use Ford’s official VIN decoder tool: enter the 17-character VIN to retrieve the model family, body style, engine, transmission, and trim information.
- Understand the VIN sections: the 4th–8th characters describe the vehicle descriptor (model, body style, engine); the 10th character indicates the model year; the 11th character shows the assembly plant; the 12th–17th characters are the production sequence.
- Cross-check the decoder results with other sources (window sticker, dealer records, or title) to confirm the exact trim name (e.g., XLT, Lariat, Platinum).
If decoding doesn’t clearly match what you expect, contact a Ford dealer with your VIN—they can pull the exact model and trim from Ford’s internal records.
Other documents that show the model
Beyond the VIN, several official documents and labels commonly reveal the exact model name and trim. These are often the fastest way to verify, especially if the VIN is ambiguous or has been altered.
- Vehicle title and registration typically list the model name (for example, “Ford F-150” or “Ford Mustang GT”).
- Window sticker (for new vehicles) or Monroney label provides the model, trim, and installed options.
- Owner’s manual often references the model line, and dealer invoices or build sheets can show the precise configuration.
When in doubt, a dealership service or sales department can pull the exact model from the VIN and correlate it with current or historical documents.
Tips for distinguishing similar models
Some Ford models share family names but differ by body style, bed length, cab configuration, or trim. Look for distinctive details such as:
- Body style and cab layout (two-door vs four-door, crew cab vs supercab) and bed length for pickups (e.g., short-bed vs long-bed F-150 variants).
- Trim badges visible on the tailgate or doors (e.g., XLT, Lariat, Platinum) and features listed on the window sticker.
- Engine and drivetrain indicators in the VIN decoder results or on the door jamb sticker (for example, V6 vs EcoBoost engines).
Cross-referencing multiple sources helps ensure you’ve identified the exact model and trim, especially for used vehicles or regional variants.
Summary
The most reliable ways to determine your Ford model are: locate and read the VIN, decode it with Ford’s official tools or a trusted decoder, and verify with the vehicle’s title, registration, window sticker, or dealer records. If you’re ever unsure, a Ford dealership can confirm the exact model and trim using the VIN.
