Hello everyone! Newbie to Forum (With Question)

[GeoExplorer]

Hello all. My name is Nick and I am from Republic of Georgia (Caucasus, Black Sea Coast). Just purchased Explorer XLT; 4x4, 4.0 SOHC, Dark Green, Leather Interior, in exellent condition, with 100 000 miles on it.
Here is my question: The sticker on driver's door says: Manufacturing Date - 09.1996, but according to VIN (1FMDU34E2VUA50973) it is 1997 model. Could someone explain this to me, please?
Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[JDraper]

Welcome to the board!!!

To answer your question, American auto manufacturers start their production year before the calendar year starts. Most of the time it's sometime in the August-September time frame, so your vehicle being manufactured in September, 1996 would definitely make it a 1997 model year truck.

 

[GeoExplorer]

Thank You for quick answer! That was my first, but definitely not the last question. Unfortunately we have no official US Ford representation or dealership here, this forum is most important information source for me.
All my best,
Nick