What Build and Price Does and How to Use It

Ford's Build and Price tool is an online configurator on Ford's website that lets you design a vehicle to your specifications, see the price in real time, and save or share your configuration. You start by choosing a model, then select trim level, exterior color, interior options, packages, and add-ons. The tool updates the price as you make each choice so you can see exactly what your selections cost.

The tool does not reserve a vehicle or commit you to a purchase. It is a planning and pricing resource. Once you have built a configuration you like, you can save it, print it, email it to yourself, or share it with a dealer. Many people use it to arrive at a dealership with a clear idea of what they want and what it should cost.

You access Build and Price through Ford.com. Look for the "Build and Price" button, usually on the homepage or in the vehicle section. Select your model year and body style, then work through the configuration screens. The entire process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many options you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Build and Price shows you real-time pricing for every combination of trim, color, and option you select, so you know the manufacturer's suggested retail price before you visit a dealer.
  • The tool does not hold a vehicle or lock in a price; it is a planning tool that generates a shareable configuration you can bring to a dealership.
  • You can save your configuration and return to it later, or email it to a dealer to discuss before you visit in person.
  • Dealer pricing and incentives may differ from the MSRP shown in the tool, so the final price you pay depends on negotiation and current promotions.

How Pricing Works in the Tool

The price displayed in Build and Price is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact configuration. It includes the base vehicle price plus the cost of every trim upgrade, package, option, and add-on you select. The tool breaks down the price so you can see what each choice adds to the total.

The MSRP shown is not the price you will pay at a dealership. Dealers can offer discounts, incentives, rebates, or financing promotions that reduce the final cost. Some dealers may also charge additional fees. The Build and Price tool shows you the starting point for negotiation, not the final invoice.

If you are shopping during a promotional period, Ford's website may display current incentives or rebates separately. Check Ford.com for current offers, or ask a dealer what promotions explore to the configuration you built.

Saving and Sharing Your Configuration

Once you have built a vehicle you like, the tool offers several ways to keep track of it. You can save the configuration to your Ford account if you create one, which lets you return to it later and make changes. You can also print the configuration as a PDF, which is useful for bringing to a dealership or comparing multiple builds side by side.

Most tools include an email option that sends your configuration to your inbox or directly to a dealer. If you email it to a dealer, include a note with your contact information and ask them to confirm they received it and to let you know about current incentives or availability. This gives the dealer a head start on understanding what you want.

You can also share a configuration link with family members or friends for feedback before you commit to visiting a dealer.

What Information You Need Before You Start

You do not need much to use Build and Price, but having a few things in mind makes the process faster. Decide which model interests you—Ford's lineup includes the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Edge, Escape, Fusion, and others. Know whether you want a specific body style, such as a truck bed length or SUV size.

Think about your budget range and which trim level fits it. Ford typically offers base, mid-range, and premium trims for each model. Consider which features matter most to you: fuel efficiency, towing capacity, interior technology, safety packages, or luxury finishes. The tool lets you add or remove options one at a time, so you can see how each choice affects the price.

You do not need to know exact option codes or technical specifications. The tool presents choices in plain language with descriptions and images.

Differences Between Build and Price and Actual Dealer Inventory

Build and Price shows you what is possible to order, but it does not show you what a specific dealer has in stock right now. When you build a vehicle in the tool, you are creating a theoretical configuration. A dealer may have that exact vehicle on the lot, a similar one, or none at all.

If you want a specific configuration and it is not in stock, you can order it from a dealer. Ordering typically takes several weeks to several months depending on the model, current production schedules, and how many custom options you choose. A dealer can tell you the expected delivery time when you place an order.

If you want to drive a vehicle sooner, ask the dealer what similar configurations they have in inventory. You may find something close to your Build and Price design that is available when ready.

Using Build and Price to Prepare for Dealer Negotiations

Bringing a printed or saved Build and Price configuration to a dealership gives you a clear starting point for conversation. You know the MSRP for your chosen vehicle, which means you can discuss pricing from an informed position. Show the dealer your configuration and ask what they can offer in terms of discounts, incentives, or financing rates.

A dealer may suggest alternatives based on what they have in stock or what incentives are available that month. They can also explain additional fees, such as documentation, delivery, or dealer-installed options, that are not included in the MSRP. Having your Build and Price printout makes these conversations more concrete.

If you are trading in a vehicle, bring that information too. The dealer will appraise your trade-in separately from the pricing of the new vehicle you built.

Common Limitations and What They Mean

Build and Price does not show real-time inventory across all dealers. It shows you what configurations are possible to build, not which dealers near you have them in stock. To find actual vehicles, you will need to visit dealer websites or call dealers directly.

The tool also does not include dealer-added options or fees. Some dealers install packages like paint protection, window tinting, or upgraded stereos that are not part of Ford's standard options. These appear on your final invoice but not in Build and Price.

Financing terms, trade-in values, and lease terms are not calculated in the tool. You will discuss those with a dealer or lender separately. The tool is strictly for vehicle configuration and MSRP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Build and Price reserve a vehicle for me?

No. The tool creates a configuration and shows you the price, but it does not hold a vehicle or put your name on anything. You must contact a dealer separately to order or purchase. Saving your configuration just stores it for your own reference.

Can I use Build and Price on my phone?

Yes. Ford's Build and Price tool works on mobile browsers, though the experience may be easier on a larger screen. You can start on your phone and finish on a computer, or vice versa, if you save your configuration to your Ford account.

What if the price in Build and Price is different from what the dealer quotes?

The tool shows MSRP, which is Ford's suggested price. Dealers can offer discounts, incentives, or promotions that lower the final price. Dealer fees or add-ons can raise it. Ask the dealer to explain the difference between the MSRP you saw and their quote.

How long does a custom order take if I build something and ask a dealer to order it?

Delivery time varies by model and current production schedules. A dealer can give you an estimate when you place the order, typically ranging from several weeks to several months. Popular models or high-demand configurations may take longer.

Can I change my configuration after I save it?

Yes. If you save your configuration to a Ford account, you can log back in and modify any choices. You can also start a new configuration at any time. There is no limit to how many times you can build and rebuild.