Which Fords have ZF transmission?
A small, historical subset of Ford-branded vehicles used ZF automatic transmissions, mainly in Europe in the late 2000s and early 2010s. In current production, Ford largely uses its own gearboxes (such as the 6R80 and 10R80) rather than ZF units.
Context and history
ZF transmissions have been supplied to various automakers for decades. For Ford, ZF units appeared in select European-market models during a period when Ford also owned Volvo, and in certain trims where a ZF non-Ford automatic was chosen for packaging or torque reasons. Today, Ford’s mainstream lineup relies on Ford-designed transmissions rather than ZF units.
Ford models historically associated with ZF gearboxes
Below are the Ford-branded models that are most commonly cited as having used ZF gearboxes, noting that availability varied by market and year.
- Ford Mondeo (European market, around 2007–2014) with ZF 6F35 six-speed automatic
- Ford S-Max (European market, around 2007–2014) with ZF 6F35 six-speed automatic
- Ford Galaxy (European market, around 2007–2014) with ZF 6F35 six-speed automatic
These examples represent a specific window in Ford’s lineup where ZF 6F35 automatics were used on certain trims and markets. Availability depended on engine choice and regional specifications, and not all versions of these models necessarily used ZF.
Current status of Ford transmissions
As of the 2020s, Ford’s mainstream transmissions are predominantly Ford-designed. The company uses 6R80 and 10R80 automatic transmissions (6- and 10-speed) in many models, produced under Ford's own development and manufacturing. ZF-supplied units are not a standard feature in the current global Ford lineup, though rare or region-specific exceptions can occur in older or niche markets.
Summary
In short, ZF transmissions show up in a limited, historical subset of Ford’s lineup—primarily European-market Mondeo, S-Max, and Galaxy models from roughly 2007–2014. Today, Ford’s mainstream vehicles largely rely on Ford-built transmissions (such as the 6R80/10R80), with ZF units largely phased out in new models.
Does Ford use ZF transmission?
The ZF6 is a heavy-duty, fully-synchronized, constant-mesh 6-speed manual transmission. Ford has been using the ZF6 since the late 1990s.
When did Ford start using the ZF6?
The heavy-duty ZF6 manual transmission was first introduced by Ford in 1998 for Super Duty trucks. General Motors adopted the same S6-650 transmission for its heavy-duty pickups in the 2001 model year.
- Ford: Introduced the ZF6 (specifically the ZF S6-650) in 1998 in the Ford Super Duty line, including the F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 models.
- General Motors: Began using the transmission in the 2001 model year for its 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups.
What vehicles have a 4R100 transmission?
The 4R100 transmission is found in various Ford vehicles from the late 1990s and early 2000s, primarily trucks and SUVs, including the F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks, Ford Excursion SUV, E-Series vans, and certain Ford F-150 models. It was commonly paired with engines like the 5.4L V8, 6.8L V10, and the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel.
Ford vehicles with the 4R100 transmission
- Ford Super Duty F-250 through F-550: (1999–2004)
- Ford Excursion: (2000–2005)
- Ford E-Series Vans: (E-250, E-350, E-450) (1999–2005)
- Ford Expedition: (1999–2003)
- Ford F-150 SVT Lightning: (1999–2004)
What car brands use ZF transmissions?
Many car brands, including BMW, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Land Rover, Jaguar, Bentley, and Stellantis (Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat), use ZF transmissions, especially their 8-speed automatic. These transmissions are also found in models from other manufacturers like Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Ford, and even some Toyota vehicles.
Luxury and performance vehicles
- BMW: A major customer, the ZF 8-speed is used in many models, from luxury sedans to high-performance M cars.
- Audi: Uses various ZF transmissions, including the 8-speed automatic.
- Aston Martin: Employs ZF transmissions in its sports cars.
- Bentley: Uses ZF transmissions, including the 8-speed automatic.
- Jaguar: Uses ZF transmissions across its lineup, such as in the F-Type and XF.
- Land Rover: Features ZF transmissions, particularly the 8-speed automatic in models like the Range Rover Sport.
- Maserati: Uses ZF transmissions.
- Rolls-Royce: Incorporates ZF transmissions, such as the 8-speed in the Ghost.
American and other marques
- Jeep: Features ZF transmissions, including the high-torque 8HP90 in performance models like the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
- Dodge: Uses the 8-speed automatic in models like the Charger and high-performance Hellcat models.
- Ram: The 8-speed automatic is found in trucks like the 1500 and 1500 TRX.
- Chrysler: Employs the 8-speed transmission in models like the 300C.
- Ford: Uses the heavy-duty 6-speed manual (ZF6) in some Super Duty trucks and also uses the 8-speed automatic in some models.
- Chevrolet: Has used ZF transmissions, including the 6-speed manual in the Corvette.
- Toyota: Some models use the ZF 8-speed transmission.
- Honda/Acura: Uses ZF's 9-speed transmission (9HP).
