Ford lets you design a vehicle online before you buy, choosing the model, color, engine, interior, and features you want
Ford's customization tool, called Build and Price, is a free online tool on Ford's website where you configure a new vehicle exactly as you want it. You pick the model (F-150, Mustang, Explorer, and others), then move through screens selecting the exterior color, engine type, transmission, trim level, and add-on features. The tool shows you the price as you make each choice, so you see in real time how your decisions affect the final cost.
This is not the same as buying a used car or ordering from dealer inventory. You are designing a vehicle that Ford will build to your specifications. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes and ends with a summary you can save, print, or share with a dealer. Many people use Build and Price to research what they want before walking into a dealership, or to give a dealer a clear picture of the vehicle they are looking for.
Key Takeaways
- Ford's Build and Price tool is free and lives on Ford's official website; you do not need to create an account or provide personal information to use it.
- You choose the model, color, engine, transmission, interior trim, and optional packages, and the tool updates the price after each selection.
- The summary you create can be saved as a PDF, emailed to yourself, or taken to a dealership to show what you want to order.
- Once you finish building, you can contact a Ford dealer to place an actual order, but the tool itself does not place an order or commit you to buy.
- Prices shown in Build and Price do not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer fees, which are added when you buy.
Where to find Ford's Build and Price tool
Go to Ford's main website (ford.com) and look for a button or link labeled "Build and Price" — it is usually near the top of the page or in the main navigation menu. Click it, and you will land on a page asking you to choose a vehicle model first. Ford updates this tool regularly, so the exact location may shift slightly, but it is always free and does not require you to log in.
If you cannot find it on the homepage, you can also navigate to the model you are interested in (for example, the F-150 page) and look for a "Build" or "Build and Price" button on that page. Both routes lead to the same customization tool.
How to walk through each step
After you select a model, the tool shows you trim levels — these are the base packages Ford offers for that vehicle. Each trim comes with a set of standard features and a starting price. Select the trim that interests you, and the next screen lets you choose the exterior color. Ford shows you a photo of the vehicle in each color option so you can see how it looks.
Next comes the engine and transmission. Different models offer different powertrains; a truck might offer a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine or a 5.0-liter V8, for example. The tool shows the price difference for each option. After that, you choose interior colors and materials — leather, cloth, or synthetic options depending on the trim. Finally, you can add optional packages like towing packages, technology packages, or safety features. Each addition updates the total price on the right side of the screen.
At the end, you see a full summary with the vehicle's configuration, the base price, and a breakdown of any add-ons. This is where you can review everything before you save or share it.
What the price shown does and does not include
The price you see in Build and Price is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact configuration. It includes the base vehicle, the engine you chose, the trim level, and any packages you added. However, it does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to a dealer), taxes, registration fees, or dealer-specific fees.
When you actually buy the vehicle, the dealer will add these costs on top of the MSRP. Destination charges vary by region and typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Taxes depend on your state and local rates. Dealer fees vary widely by location and dealership. So the final price you pay will be higher than what Build and Price shows — sometimes significantly higher. Use the MSRP as a starting point for your budget, then ask a dealer for a full quote that includes all fees.
Saving and sharing your configuration
Once you finish building, the tool offers options to save your work. You can read the configuration as a PDF, which you can print or email to yourself. You can also share it directly via email or text message using a link. Some versions of the tool let you save it to your Ford account if you create one, though this is optional.
Many people take a screenshot or print the summary and bring it to a dealership. This gives the dealer a clear picture of exactly what you want, which makes it easier for them to search their inventory or place a factory order on your behalf. If you email the configuration to a dealer, they can use it to follow up with you about pricing and availability.
The difference between Build and Price and actually ordering
Build and Price is a research and planning tool, not an ordering system. Completing a configuration does not place an order, does not reserve a vehicle, and does not commit you to buy. You are straightforward designing what you want and seeing what it costs.
To actually order a vehicle, you need to contact a Ford dealership. You can bring your Build and Price summary with you, or call the dealer and describe what you want. The dealer will check whether that configuration is in stock at their location or at nearby dealers. If not, they can place a factory order with Ford on your behalf. Factory orders typically take several weeks to several months to arrive, depending on Ford's production schedule and current demand. The dealer will handle the paperwork, financing, and delivery once the vehicle is built and arrives at their lot.
Why people use Build and Price before buying
Build and Price serves several purposes. First, it helps you understand what features matter to you and how they affect price. If you are torn between two engine options, you can see the exact cost difference. If you are wondering whether a package is worth it, you can add it and see the impact on the total.
Second, it gives you a concrete starting point for conversations with dealers. Instead of walking in and saying "I want an F-150," you can say "I want this exact configuration," which makes negotiations clearer and faster. Third, it lets you explore options without pressure. You can spend as much time as you want building different versions of the same vehicle, comparing them side by side, and deciding what you actually want before you talk to anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to create an account to use Build and Price?
No. Ford's Build and Price tool is free and does not require you to log in or provide personal information. You can use it as a guest. If you want to save your configuration to your Ford account for later, you can create one, but it is not required to build and view your vehicle.
Can I order the vehicle directly from the Build and Price tool?
No. Build and Price is a design and pricing tool only. To order a vehicle, you must contact a Ford dealership. You can bring your Build and Price summary to the dealer, or email it to them, and they will help you place the order and handle the purchase process.
What if the exact configuration I built is not in stock anywhere?
If no dealer has your exact configuration in inventory, the dealer can place a factory order with Ford to build it. This typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on Ford's production schedule. The dealer will give you an estimated delivery date when you place the order.
Does the price in Build and Price include shipping and taxes?
No. The price shown is the MSRP and does not include destination charges, taxes, registration, or dealer fees. When you buy from a dealer, these costs are added on top. Ask the dealer for a full quote that breaks down all costs so you know the true final price.
Can I change my configuration after I save it?
Yes. If you saved your configuration as a PDF or link, you can go back to Build and Price, start a new configuration, and make different choices. There is no limit to how many times you can build and rebuild. Each time you start fresh, so you can compare multiple configurations side by side if you save them all.