The F-Series line was Ford’s first civilian truck after shutting down that production to deliver vehicles to support our troops and allies. He had already produced over four million trucks, but the first F-150 was a lot different than the F-150s we have today. It was initially designed as a work truck and was used by farmers and construction workers. It was based on the Ford F-1, a half-ton truck introduced in 1947. The F-150 featured a stronger frame and suspension than the F-1, making it more capable of carrying heavy loads. Over time, it has become one of the most popular trucks on the road.
First Generation Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for over four decades. The first F-Series trucks were designated F-1 through F-8 and were in production from 1948 to 1952. The 48 version is a half-ton truck with a six-cylinder engine and room for three passengers. In 1953, Ford added an eight-cylinder engine option. The following year, the company replaced the six-cylinder engine with a V8. The featured driver and passenger side wipers and foot-plunger windshield washers were considered high-tech.
The Now Classic Appearance of the Second Generation F-Series
Production years 1953 to 1956 gave us a total redesign of the F-Series, including a significant name change. The F-1 was now the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 were combined into the F-250, and the F-4 was now the F-350. These designations are still used today. In addition to the vintage look that would define Ford pickups, there were new engines and chassis, roomier interiors, radios, armrests, dome lights, and lighters. In 1954, the OHV V-8 replaced the storied flathead V-8, and automatic transmission became an option.
Third Generation Ford F-Series
From 1957 to 1960, the third generation gave us a redesigned modern body style with front fenders, and the hood integrated into the body. The distinct clamshell composition remained a notable feature for the next twenty years. The tilt-cab C-Series used as a fire truck and heavy-duty delivery truck replaced the cab-over F-Series, and Ford began producing four-wheel-drive in 1959.
Fourth Generation Ford “Drives Like a Car, Works Like a Truck”
Production years 1961 to 1966 brought noticeably new styles and features. In 1965, Ford unveiled the new “Twin I-Beam” suspension system on the F-100 and F-250 trucks. This new suspension would eventually be used on all Ford 4×4 trucks and delivered significantly improved handling on and off the road. The 1967 model year saw the introduction of the Ranger, which was considered a little ahead of its time. Detailed styling, bucket seats from the Ford Mustang, carpeting, power steering, air conditioning, and chrome bumpers brought some cool sophistication to the pickup truck category.
Fifth Generation Ford F-Series Pickup Truck
The 5th-gen trucks were produced from 1967 to 1972. The 1971 model featured increased size and weight due to new safety regulations. FORD was spelled out on the hood in block letters on the hood, a grille with integrated headlamps, and nearly four more inches of shoulder room in the cab. The grille was redesigned, and more prominent side marker lights were added along with square headlights (previous models had more round ones). In 1972, a Sport Custom package was made available, which included unique striping and decals.
Sixth Generation Ford F-Series
The sixth-gen truck began production in 1973 and featured several updates, including a redesigned grille, hood, front fenders, headlamps, taillamps, and rear bumper. Inside were new instrument panels, door panels, and seat fabrics. Underneath, the frame was strengthened, and springs were softened for a smoother ride on rough roads.
In 1974, Ford introduced its new 400 cubic inches V8 engine, which produced more power than any other engine offered in a light-duty truck at that time. Two years later, they replaced the 400ci V8 with a 460ci version which became standard on all 4x4s except those equipped with the 300ci six-cylinder engine. In 1975 the F-150 appeared and quickly surpassed the F-100 in popularity.
Seventh Generation Ford F-Series Available 1980 to 1986
1980, four-wheel drive became available on all models except those equipped with the 302ci V8 engine (it wasn’t powerful enough). This same year saw the introduction of the midnight blue exterior paint color option. 1981 was a carry-over year except for the new availability of electronic fuel injection on select engines and the new “Lariat” trim level, which featured accent striping and additional chrome accents.
The 1975 to 1986 models became more luxurious, with features such as air conditioning and power windows factory standard. The truck became a household name thanks to its use in movies like “Twister” and television shows such as “Breaking Bad.”
Eighth Generation Marks F-Series as Nations Best Selling Vehicle
Produced from 1987 to 1991, the F-Series was now the nation’s best-selling vehicle. The 1987 model sports a new flat grille, flush headlamps, and rounded wheel arches. Power brakes, power steering, and rear anti-lock braking are now standard equipment. The base 300-cubic-inch six-cylinder receives fuel injection, increasing its output to 145 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The 1987 F-Series 4.9L inline-six was converted to fuel injection, and it became the first pickup truck sold with a non-carbureted engine.
Ninth Generation Ford F-Series Pickup Truck Production Years 1992 to 1996
The F-150 received a new facelift in honor of Ford’s 75th anniversary of its 1917 Ford Model TT. Ford offered an anniversary package on the 1992 F-Series with a special logo. Notable upgrades included the FlareSide bed, lower hood line, advanced aerodynamics, new fender style, grille changes, and interior improvements. Hi-tech options included a power driver’s seat, compact disc player, and remote keyless entry and alarm. Ford had more sales than Chevrolet and GMC combined for the first time in a decade.
Tenth Generation Ford F-Series Pickup Celebrates 75 Years
The 1997 to 2003 production years were defined by significant changes to its F-Series lineup and the most dramatic redesign in more than ten years. Promotions illustrated the vintage 1948 classic pickup alongside the new 1998 model. The F-150 was categorized as a contemporary personal use truck, and the F-250 and F-350 were classified as Super Duty models for commercial and heavy haulers. The 1999 SuperCab was the first to offer four full-size doors. The F-150 sales’ surged from 750,000 to over 900,000 in 2001 and earned the new 1997 Ford-150 Truck of the Year by Motor Trend Magazine.
Eleventh Generation Ford F-150
The 2004 to 2008 production years featured a redesign focused on comfort and user-friendliness. It had larger standard and extended cab options with added storage and passenger space. F-series pickup sales were at an all-time high, reflecting the expanding number of buyers using pickups as their primary vehicle.
Twelfth Generation Ford F-Series Pickup Truck
Many new interior and exterior upgrades occurred from 2009 to 2014. For the first time, F-Series pickup trucks came standard with a V8 engine, and the 6-cylinder was discontinued. New features included:
- A roomier interior
- New three-bar grille
- A lighter-weight high-strength steel chassis
- Greater towing capacity
In 2011 Ford offered a 3.5 direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 in the F-150, and a new six-speed 6R80 automatic transmission came equipped in all engines.
Thirteenth Generation Ford F-Series – “See, You Can Have Your Truck and Drive It, Too”
The pickup truck production years 2015 to 2020 gave us the first pickup truck with Adaptive Cruise Control. It was switched from a steel body to an aluminum one and dropped 750 pounds, and Ford claimed it would be the most fuel-efficient truck ever.
Fourteenth Generation Ford F-150 Goes Electric
The most significant changes to the 2021 Ford F-150 are inside. A 12.0-inch touchscreen and a gear selector that turns the center console into a computer desk put it in the class of a luxury vehicle. The Lightening is Ford’s first all-electric pickup and looks like the 14th-gen F-150 with all-wheel drive and crew cab.