The arrival of warmer weather typically signals the launch of major seasonal automotive campaigns, and the annual Ford Summer Sales Event stands as one of the most anticipated opportunities of the year for vehicle buyers. This coordinated national promotion is designed to support current-model-year inventory and introduce fresh arrivals through manufacturer incentives and dealership offers. For those navigating the active coastal lifestyle of Santa Monica, securing a highly capable vehicle during this window provides immediate financial utility while ensuring you have the performance needed for weekend trips into the nearby Santa Monica Mountains.
At Santa Monica Ford, we align these national factory incentives with localized purchasing solutions to help our clients maximize their buying power. The centerpiece of this seasonal push often includes the celebrated "0-0-0" promotional structure, which delivers zero down payment, 0% APR financing for 48 months, and deferred payments for the first 90 days on select new Ford models. This structure dramatically lowers the upfront cost of acquisition, allowing families and professionals to transition into a modern vehicle with minimal disruption to their monthly cash flow.
Whether you are looking to shop new Ford F-150 models for demanding work weeks, shop new Ford Explorer configurations for family beach outings, or shop new Ford Mustang Mach-E crossovers for an eco-conscious coastal commute, the summer campaign covers a diverse array of body styles and powertrains. You can also explore options to shop new Ford Bronco, shop new Ford Bronco Sport, shop new Ford Ranger, shop new Ford Maverick, or shop new Ford F-150 Lightning models. For commercial needs, clients can shop new Ford Transit vans or shop new Ford Super Duty trucks, while performance enthusiasts can shop new Ford Mustang fastbacks.
To experience these vehicles firsthand, you can easily get directions to Santa Monica Ford located at 1402 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Our sales team is ready to guide you through the current inventory, explain regional eligibility, and help you value your trade-in to establish a strong down payment. For immediate inquiries regarding vehicle availability or promotional deadlines, feel free to give our team a quick call at (310) 451-1588.
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Table of Contents
- Which Ford Models Can Qualify for 0% APR During Summer Promotions
- The Best Way to Stack Ford EV Summer Offers with California Incentives
- A Detailed Look at a Ford Summer Discount on a 2026 F-150
- Should You Focus More on Specs or Discounts When Shopping This Summer
- Why You Should Negotiate Your Trade-In Value Separately From Seasonal Offers
- Common Questions About Ford Summer Promotions and Logistics
- Drive Home Your Next Adventure From Ford
Which Ford Models Can Qualify for 0% APR During Summer Promotions
Are you wondering which specific vehicles in our lineup unlock the absolute lowest borrowing costs during our summer campaign? While promotional terms are subject to change based on factory allocations and regional underwriting guidelines, Ford consistently positions its most popular SUVs and commuter vehicles at the forefront of low-interest retail offers. According to industry incentive trends, highly sought-after models like the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line and the three-row 2026 Ford Explorer XLT frequently qualify for 0% APR financing on select terms, making them exceptionally attractive to buyers focused on minimizing long-term interest expenses.
When you shop new Ford SUVs, the financial contrast between promotional rates and standard market interest becomes clear. For instance, securing a 0% APR offer on a family vehicle like the Explorer, which features a starting MSRP of $40,585 for its standard rear-wheel-drive configuration, can save thousands of dollars over the life of a typical retail contract compared to standard financing rates. This interest-free structure is often paired with cash-back incentives on specific trims, such as the Active or the sport-tuned ST, allowing buyers to maximize their overall savings.
For truck enthusiasts looking to upgrade their capability, the opportunity to shop new Ford trucks during the summer event brings similar advantages. Highly versatile midsize and full-size trucks regularly feature promotional financing tiers that sit well below average retail lending rates, though specific specialty models like the Raptor, Maverick, and Super Duty lines are typically excluded from the absolute lowest 0% APR brackets. To see the full scope of what is currently eligible on our lot, you can browse new inventory online and filter by your preferred model, engine type, and trim level.
Because these highly competitive financing programs require tier-one credit approval through Ford Motor Credit Company, taking proactive steps before your visit is highly recommended. To streamline your purchase process and secure your promotional rate, you can prequalify online using our secure credit application. This quick digital step allows our finance specialists to structure your deal in advance, ensuring that your transition into a new Ford is smooth, transparent, and fully optimized for maximum savings.
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The Best Way to Stack Ford EV Summer Offers with California Incentives
For environmentally conscious professionals living in the quiet, residential neighborhoods of Wilshire Montana, transitioning to an electrified powertrain is a highly practical choice. The mild coastal climate of Southern California is exceptionally gentle on battery chemistry, meaning local drivers experience virtually none of the cold-weather range degradation common in harsher climates. During the Ford Summer Sales Event, choosing an all-electric or plug-in hybrid model becomes even more compelling because factory-backed retail offers can be strategically combined with state and local clean-vehicle programs.
While federal tax credits under IRC §30D were terminated for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, by Public Law 119-21, buyers can still capture significant value through regional California initiatives. Programs such as the Clean Cars 4 All initiative, localized utility rebates, and specialized clean-air vehicle decals for HOV lane access provide substantial ongoing financial and operational benefits. When you stack these regional perks with Ford's own summer incentives—which have historically featured up to $10,000 in cash rebates on older model-year electric inventory or 0% financing for 74 months on select electric trims—the total cost of ownership drops significantly.
To help you visualize the value of these electrified options, consider the standard specifications of our primary electric and hybrid models:
- 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select: This all-electric crossover offers rapid acceleration, standard driver-assist technology, and immediate access to fast-charging networks, making it a premier choice for daily coastal commutes.
- 2026 Ford Escape PHEV: Combining a starting MSRP of $35,400 with a highly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, this model delivers an exceptional balance of electric-only local driving and gas-powered highway flexibility.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning: This all-electric truck offers robust towing capability and the innovative Pro Power Onboard system, serving as a mobile generator for beachside gatherings or job sites.
If a brand-new electric vehicle does not fit your immediate financial plans, we also encourage you to browse used inventory at our dealership. We carry an array of thoroughly inspected, late-model hybrid and electric vehicles that qualify for competitive pre-owned financing terms. By working directly with our experienced sales advisors, you can map out a customized acquisition strategy that leverages every available manufacturer rebate and regional incentive to secure the best possible value.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | King Ranch | Lariat | Platinum | Police Responder | Raptor | STX | Tremor | XL | XLT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L | 5.0L | 3.5L | 3.5L | 3.5L | 2.7L | 3.5L | 2.7L | 2.7L |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 400 hp | 382 hp | 400 hp | 450 hp | 325 hp | 382 hp | 325 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel Drive | Four-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
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A Detailed Look at a Ford Summer Discount on a 2026 F-150
How do summer promotions translate into concrete savings when applied to America's favorite full-size pickup? To understand the true value of the summer sales event, it helps to examine a specific, real-world pricing scenario on a highly popular trim level. The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT represents the volume-driving core of our truck lineup, balancing rugged capability with modern cabin technology. This configuration features a starting base MSRP of $44,695 with a standard destination charge of $2,795, bringing the initial retail starting point to $47,490 before options.
During a typical summer promotional window, a qualified buyer can expect to see a multi-layered discount structure applied directly to the vehicle's transaction price. A standard factory-backed retail offer on the 2026 Ford F-150 often includes a $1,500 direct factory cash rebate combined with a dealer-specific summer discount of roughly $3,500 to $5,000 depending on the specific inventory age and equipment packages. When these reductions are combined, they can lower the final selling price of an in-stock XLT or Lariat trim by thousands of dollars, establishing immediate equity for the buyer.
Beyond the direct price reduction, Ford's summer promotions frequently include high-value ownership perks that are automatically added to your purchase at no additional charge. For example, eligible retail contracts on the 2026 Ford F-150 signed during the event often include a complimentary 2-year/25,000-mile Premium Maintenance Plan, which covers routine services like oil changes and tire rotations. Additionally, every new F-150 is backed by a robust factory warranty, including a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. If you ever experience an unexpected issue on the road, you can contact the manufacturer directly at Ford Roadside Assistance: 800-241-3673 for immediate, professional support.
To help you compare the mechanical foundations of our truck lineup, the following specifications outline the standard performance of our primary configurations:
- 2026 Ford F-150 XL: Equipped with a standard 2.7L engine producing 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
- 2026 Ford F-150 XLT: Featuring a robust 2.7L engine delivering 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a 10-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive platform.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat: Powered by a high-output 3.5L engine generating 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
- 2026 Ford F-150 King Ranch: Showcasing a premium 3.5L engine that produces 382 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
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Should You Focus More on Specs or Discounts When Shopping This Summer
When navigating the fast-paced environment of a summer sales event, buyers are often faced with a common dilemma: should you prioritize finding the deepest discount, or should you focus strictly on the mechanical specifications of the vehicle? While the appeal of a massive factory rebate is undeniable, choosing a vehicle solely based on the size of the discount can lead to long-term compromises in utility. At Santa Monica Ford, we advise our clients to establish their core capability requirements first, and then locate the most competitive summer incentives within that qualified pool of vehicles.
For residents living in the affluent suburban neighborhood of North Of Montana, a vehicle's day-to-day versatility is often the most critical factor in long-term satisfaction. If your lifestyle involves weekend towing, family road trips, or navigating coastal terrain, ensuring your vehicle has the correct powertrain, seating capacity, and safety systems is far more valuable than saving an extra few hundred dollars on an under-equipped trim. For instance, the 2026 Ford Explorer XLT offers standard seating for 7 and a robust 2.3L engine producing 300 hp, making it highly capable of hauling gear and passengers comfortably.
To assist you in evaluating the long-term operational costs of your next vehicle, the following fuel economy figures represent what you can expect from different configurations in our lineup:
- 2026 Ford Explorer XLT (RWD): Rated at 20 mpg city / 29 hwy / 24 combined, offering an excellent balance of spaciousness and highway efficiency.
- 2026 Ford F-150 XLT (2.7L RWD): Achieving 19 mpg city / 25 hwy / 21 combined, providing strong fuel efficiency for a full-size pickup.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat (3.5L RWD): Delivering 17 mpg city / 25 hwy / 20 combined, prioritizing high-output torque and towing capability.
- 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line (1.5L FWD): Rated at 27 mpg city / 34 hwy / 30 combined, perfect for fuel-conscious urban commuters.
By focusing on the physical specifications that match your daily driving habits, you ensure that your vehicle remains a source of utility rather than frustration. Once you have identified the ideal model and trim, our experienced sales team will help you shop new inventory to locate the specific vehicle that carries the most advantageous combination of factory rebates, low-interest financing, and dealer-specific summer discounts.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy and range by trim
| Feature | King Ranch | Lariat | Platinum | Police Responder | Raptor | STX | Tremor | XL | XLT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG | 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined | 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined | 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined | — | 14 city / 18 hwy / 16 combined | 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined | 16 city / 21 hwy / 18 combined | 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined | 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined |
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Why You Should Negotiate Your Trade-In Value Separately From Seasonal Offers
To secure the absolute best financial outcome on your new vehicle purchase, it is highly recommended to treat your trade-in vehicle's valuation as an entirely separate transaction. During major promotional events like the Ford Summer Sales Event, some dealerships may attempt to bundle the trade-in value, the new vehicle price, and the promotional financing terms into a single, complex monthly payment figure. While this bundling might seem convenient, it often obscures the true value of your trade-in, making it difficult to determine whether you are receiving a fair market price for your old vehicle.
At Santa Monica Ford, we believe in complete financial transparency throughout the purchase journey. We recommend that buyers establish the baseline value of their current vehicle using independent, trusted industry resources before discussing the final pricing of the new vehicle. By separating these two steps, you can negotiate the absolute highest value for your trade-in as a clean, standalone credit, which can then be applied directly to the bottom line of your new retail contract. This approach ensures you get full credit for the equity you have built in your current car.
To understand how these numbers fit together, it helps to examine the starting base manufacturer suggested retail prices and destination charges across the primary trims of our popular truck lineup:
- 2026 Ford F-150 XL: Base MSRP of $37,290 with a $2,795 destination charge.
- 2026 Ford F-150 STX: Base MSRP of $41,855 with a $2,795 destination charge.
- 2026 Ford F-150 XLT: Base MSRP of $44,695 with a $2,795 destination charge.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat: Base MSRP of $59,560 with a $2,795 destination charge.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Tremor: Base MSRP of $64,915 with a $2,795 destination charge.
- 2026 Ford F-150 King Ranch: Base MSRP of $65,825 with a $2,795 destination charge.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Platinum: Base MSRP of $68,800 with a $2,795 destination charge.
By knowing these exact starting points, you can clearly see how your trade-in credit reduces the final taxable amount of your purchase. Once you have locked in a firm, competitive value for your trade-in, you can then apply any active summer rebates or promotional APR terms directly to the remaining balance, ensuring that you capture the maximum possible savings on both sides of the transaction.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | King Ranch | Lariat | Platinum | Police Responder | Raptor | STX | Tremor | XL | XLT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $65,825 | $59,560 | $68,800 | $52,350 | $79,005 | $41,855 | $64,915 | $37,290 | $44,695 |
| Destination charge | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 | $2,795 |
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Common Questions About Ford Summer Promotions and Logistics
Q: When does the Ford Summer Sales Event typically start and end?
The annual summer campaign typically launches in early summer, often aligning with the Memorial Day weekend in late May, and runs through the summer months before concluding over the Labor Day holiday weekend in early September. Because specific factory incentives and regional bonus cash offers are updated monthly, the exact promotional terms can vary between the June, July, and August sales cycles.
Q: Are all Ford models included in the 0% APR summer financing offers?
No, the absolute lowest financing rates are typically reserved for high-volume family vehicles and commuter models like the Escape and Explorer. Specialty configurations, high-performance variants such as the Raptor and Mustang Shelby lines, and highly restricted inventory like the Maverick and Super Duty series are generally excluded from 0% APR programs, though they may still qualify for distinct regional customer cash rebates.
Q: Can I stack multiple factory rebates with promotional financing rates?
In most cases, manufacturer incentives are structured as "either/or" propositions, meaning a buyer must choose between the lowest promotional APR or the maximum retail customer cash rebate. However, certain regional programs and specialty bonuses—such as military appreciation, first responder discounts, or college student incentives—can often be combined with active summer financing terms to further reduce your final transaction cost.
Q: How does the complimentary maintenance plan included in summer deals work?
When a new vehicle purchase qualifies for the complimentary 2-year/25,000-mile Premium Maintenance Plan, the coverage is automatically registered with Ford Protect. This plan covers all factory-recommended scheduled maintenance intervals, including engine oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections, and can be redeemed at any authorized Ford dealership nationwide.
Q: What happens to vehicle pricing immediately after the summer sales event concludes?
Once a national sales event reaches its coordinated deadline, the promotional financing structures and enhanced factory rebates expire. The pricing on remaining inventory immediately reverts to standard MSRP and default market lending rates, which can result in an an increase in total cost compared with current promotional pricing.
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Drive Home Your Next Adventure From Ford
The annual Ford Summer Sales Event represents a highly advantageous window for Southern California drivers to upgrade their daily transport while capturing exceptional financial value. By combining low-interest retail financing, direct manufacturer rebates, and competitive trade-in valuations, our clients can transition into a modern, tech-ready vehicle that perfectly supports both urban commutes and active weekend coastal lifestyles.
At Santa Monica Ford, we are committed to providing a transparent, stress-free purchase experience that respects your time and your budget. Our finance specialists are ready to help you navigate active promotions, structure a customized payment plan, and secure the absolute maximum value for your trade-in. We invite you to visit our showroom, explore our diverse selection of new and pre-owned models, and experience the modern capability of the Ford lineup firsthand.
To take the next step in your purchasing journey, you can easily get directions to Santa Monica Ford and stop by our showroom today. If you prefer to confirm vehicle availability or speak with a sales representative before driving in, please give our team a quick call at (310) 451-1588. We look forward to welcoming you to our dealership community and helping you drive home in the perfect Ford for all your upcoming adventures.
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