If you're wondering what the number one selling vehicle in America is, then the answer is the Ford F-150. What makes the F-150 the best-selling vehicle is its combination of work capability, durability, and value for money. Thanks to its remarkable versatility and customizability, it's a great option for families, adventurers, and businesses alike. If you're interested in learning more about this pickup, our experts at Cochran Ford Boardman in Youngstown, Ohio, have put together this Ford F-150 generation guide with a history of America's most popular vehicle.
Before the F-Series: Model TT to Model 50
In 1917, the Model TT was launched. It combined the engine and cab of the earlier Model T with a more rigid frame and offered a payload capacity of one ton. It gained a pickup body in 1925 and became the first Ford truck available to the masses. In 1935, Ford released the Model 50 pickup, which borrowed many styling elements from the Model 50 passenger car. This early Ford truck was equipped with the automaker's legendary flathead V-8 engine.
1952: Paving the Way for Innovation
The history of Ford F-Series trucks began after World War II. Ford focused on producing the F-Series Bonus Built line of trucks, which ranged from the half-ton F-1 to the cab-over F-8. Introduced in 1953, the second of the Ford F-150 generations featured the now classic F-Series design. The F-1 was renamed the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 joined the F-250 line, and the F-4 became the F-350. The trucks started offering comforts such as armrests and sun visors and received a new overhead valve V-8 engine in 1954.
1957: Major Exterior Refresh
The third generation of the Ford F-Series arrived in 1957 and saw major changes to its exterior. The new pickup showed the first hints of the broad and squared-off styling that would define it for many years to come. Another notable update was the introduction of a styleside bed, the first of its kind in the automotive industry. This type of bed is flat and rectangular and extends over the wheel wells to provide more cargo space. In 1959, four-wheel drive was first offered as an option in Ford's best-selling vehicle.
The Age of Advancement: Major Milestones and Technological Triumphs
A range of impressive advancements tell the story of this fascinating chapter in Ford's history.
1965: Crew Cab and Twin I-Beam Suspension
The fourth of the F-150 generations debuted in 1961 with a conventional solid-axle suspension, but it eventually received a twin I-beam suspension in 1965. Only available on two-wheel-drive models, this setup enabled the Ford truck to deliver more car-like handling. In the same year, the first four-door Crew Cab appeared on the F-250. This cab style has been a popular option among buyers of the Ford F-150 through the years.
1967: A New Face
The fifth-generation Ford F-Series featured distinctive exterior design elements that would be seen on upcoming models over the next decades. These styling cues included a grille with integrated headlights, “FORD” letters on the hood, and a cab with increased shoulder room.
1975: Appearance of the F-150
The history of the Ford F-150 actually began in 1975 when it was launched for the first time as a sixth-generation model. Before long, the new model became more popular than the F-100.
1980: The F-Series Tops the U.S. Sales Chart
The Ford F-Series entered its seventh generation with improved aerodynamics and plusher interior appointments. In 1980, it took the top spot on the U.S. sales chart, with Ford selling 173,050 units of the F-150 and 133,590 F-100s. The F-150 replaced the F-100 as the entry-level F-Series for the 1983 model year.
1987: Fuel-injection engine and Standard Power Steering
The 1987 model marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic Ford pickup. It underwent a mild exterior refresh and offered power steering and power brakes as standard equipment. Also, its base engine gained fuel injection, which increased its output to 145 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
The Modern Marvel: Building Toward an Innovative Future
2004: Enhanced Comfort and Larger Cab Options
The 11th-generation Ford F-Series was redesigned to be user-friendly and comfortable. As more buyers began using pickups as a primary vehicle, Ford increased the dimensions of the truck's regular and extended cab options to create more passenger and storage space. Super Duty versions made their debut in 2008.
2009: Fully Redesigned F-150 and the Introduction of the Platinum Trim
Due to the popularity of the Super Duty models, Ford made the 12th-generation F-150 look more like its larger sibling by giving it squared-off styling, a prominent grille, and aggressive headlights. In 2011, the Ford truck started offering a lightweight and fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine. Additionally, Platinum joined the trim lineup to cater to high-end truck buyers, offering luxury amenities such as genuine leather upholstery and heated and cooled seats.
2015: Aluminum-Alloy Body Revolution
For 2015, the Ford F-150 featured a groundbreaking aluminum body that sat on top of a traditional steel frame. With this new body, the truck became lighter, more fuel-efficient, and more rust-resistant than ever before. After years of speculation, the F-150 received a diesel engine, which was based on the 3.0-liter Lion turbo-diesel V-6.
2021 to Present: Technology Upgrades and Hybrid and All-Electric Versions
Ford launched the 14th-generation F-150 in 2021 and equipped it with a massive 12-inch touch-screen display and a stowable gear selector. The pickup also gained a hybrid PowerBoost powertrain that struck a perfect balance between performance and fuel economy. The following year would mark a significant milestone in F-150 history as the Ford truck began offering the all-electric Lightning variant.
Experience the Legendary Ford F-150 Firsthand in Youngstown, Ohio
The Ford F-150 has come a long way from its humble beginnings. With its proven track record of reliability and owner satisfaction, it's earned its place as America's best-selling vehicle. If you're shopping for a pickup truck in the Youngstown area, consider stopping by Cochran Ford Boardman to tour our extensive F-150 inventory. Whether you're looking to buy a new or used F-150, our knowledgeable sales team can help you drive home a model that matches your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.