When picking out a new car, there are a lot of factors to consider. When looking at Ford specifically, acronyms and names are thrown about with no explanation. One of the most common is “SE.”
So, what does SE mean on a Ford car? Simply put, your Ford vehicle classifies as “Special Edition” when it is an SE, but don’t get your hopes up too much. This naming system has been around for decades, and modern SE vehicles have little to do with special features and capabilities as the name would imply.
To learn exactly what SE means on your Ford car, keep reading. This article explains what the acronym stands for and gives real-life examples using Ford vehicles.
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Ford Car SE Explained
Beginning in the 1980s, Ford Motor Company began giving special acronyms to certain vehicles, including “SE,” which stands for “Special Edition.”
Although a Special Edition vehicle may sound very fancy, it isn’t all that different from the original in most cases.
In fact, the SE trim is often considered the baseline model for Ford vehicles today. In other words, the SE is the model you are going to see if you are looking for the least expensive version of a particular Ford model.
SE comes with fewer features and is sold the most. So, the special edition classification has no footing in reality.
Unfortunately, Ford has never explicitly defined what “SE” means. Some SE vehicles seem to imply that the acronym stands for “Sports Edition,” but Ford has an acronym for that as well, which is “SES.”
It seems that SE is best understood as meaning “Special Edition.”
SEL vs SE (Other Ford Classifications)
There are a couple of other acronyms that you might see on Ford vehicles. One of the most common includes “SEL,” which means “Special Edition Limited.” Much like Ford SE vehicles, SEL isn’t super limited, but they offer more variation than the base.
Similarly, you might see “SES” on sports vehicles, and it stands for “Special Edition Sport.”
Newer and more popular Ford models come with more trim classifications, such as Titanium, ST, and ST-Line. The Titanium trim normally has the most luxurious appearance and interior features. In contrast, the ST offers the most power.
The ST-Line is a mixture between the ST and Titanium in that it offers a great appearance and slightly more power than the SEL. However, it doesn’t offer quite as much power as the classic ST.
Occasionally, Ford vehicles will have an “S” classification. In this case, the S is the baseline, and the SE is a slight step up in terms of luxury, though not by much.
Read also: What Does SE Stand For On Hyundai Cars (SE vs SEL)
Are Ford SE Vehicles Actually Special?
Even though “SE” or “Special Edition” may make you think your car is special, most SE vehicles are far from it. Instead, many Ford models have SE as the base.
What this means is that SE models are the cheapest and most basic you can buy.
Occasionally, the SE model may be a step up from the S base, but there are many other models that are considered more special. For example, SEL vehicles tend to be more luxurious or limited than SE.
In other words, most SE Ford vehicles are not special. They are what you expect from a Ford, even if you get the cheapest new model on the market.
Ford Car SE Real Life Example
To fully understand how Ford SE vehicles differ from other classifications, let’s take a real-life example. If you want to buy the 2021 Ford Edge, you have your choice between SE, SEL, Titanium, ST-Line, and ST.
These five trim levels allow you to pick out your vehicle based on your ideal power and sport features.
2021 Ford Edge SE
The 2021 Ford Edge SE is considered the baseline for the model. So, there is no S model. The SE is the most affordable 2021 Ford Edge you can get.
It features Ford co-pilot 360, enough seating for five, and 73.4 cubic feet of space in the cargo. The 2021 Ford Edge SE starts at $31,250.
2021 Ford Edge SEL
The 2021 Ford Edge SEL is just a step up from the baseline SE. The interior looks slightly more luxurious, but the performance is the exact same.
The 2021 Ford Edge SEL starts at $34,690.
2021 Ford Edge Titanium
The 2021 Ford Edge Titanium is considered the more luxury trim for the Edge. The Titanium offers a better sound system and elevated details.
The price for the Ford Edge trims jumps up with the Titanium, starting at $38,440.
2021 Ford Edge ST-Line
The 2021 Ford Edge ST-Line offers a sporty appearance but doesn’t come with an excessive amount of engine power.
This trim is ideal for the person looking for a somewhat sporty vehicle that doesn’t cost a fortune. The starting price is at $38,440.
2021 Ford Edge ST
The 2021 Ford Edge ST is the most expensive trim. It offers a bold style and the highest performance power.
The price starts at $43,100.
Should I Get An SE?
If you’re looking for a baseline Ford car, an SE vehicle will be perfect for you. All Ford SE vehicles include dependable and great quality interior, exterior, and parts, as you would expect from any Ford vehicle.
At the same time, the SE is more affordable. For most families and regular use, a Ford SE will deliver exactly what you are looking for.
If your Ford model comes with an S version, the SE will be a slight step up because S is almost always considered the base if it is an option. However, not all Ford models will come with an S and only offer the SE as a base.
In contrast, you should not get an S or SE if you want a more luxurious experience with your vehicle. The SEL vehicle will only be slightly more expensive but still offer a more enhanced vehicle experience.
For maximum power or performance, you are going to want more expensive trims, such as the Titanium, ST, or ST-Line in the case of the Edge.
Most Ford models will follow these same classifications and generally deliver the same as we described with the Ford Edge specifically.
That being said, you will want to compare the different trims of the model you are looking at specifically. Not all models will offer as many trims as the Ford Edge does.
Read also: What Does S Line Mean On Audi A6? (A3, A4, A5 – Explained)
Final Thoughts
Even though SE stands for Special Edition, most SE Fords are considered the baseline for models. They are the very minimum you can expect from Ford.
If you want a more luxurious car, you will have to look for other trims, such as SEL, Titanium, ST, or ST-Line.
Of course, the major drawback of selecting one of these more luxurious trims is their increased price. It is up to you to decide exactly what you want from your car so you can determine which trim is right for you.
Regular vehicle owners looking for a reliable but affordable car will like the SE the most, but those who need high power will like the ST.
Remember to always check out the trims available for the model you are looking at specifically, though. Though most Ford vehicles follow the trim classifications described above, they may be different.
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References
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