History of the Ford F-150 Truck Through The Years

Did you know that since the Ford F-150 debuted in 1975, it has remained one of the best-selling pickup trucks ever? What makes this beloved truck so popular? People continue to buy the F-150 for several reasons, including its iconic styling, high reliability, and safety ratings. These trucks are built “Ford Tough,” whether you use them to haul supplies to the job site or to pull a boat to the lake for a family vacation. Let’s look at the history of the Ford F-Series and the development of the F-150.

The Ford F-Series has been among the best-selling auto brands in the U.S. for several decades now, mainly because it continually evolves into a high-tech machine for heavy-duty work and luxury transportation. While the official history of the Ford F-150 began in 1975, earlier models laid the foundation for this American heavyweight champion of the road. Today, the F-150 has more advanced tech, better handling, and greater interior comfort than many other pickup trucks you can get in Dallas, Texas.

Our experts at Planet Ford Dallas look at the history of this off-road conqueror, from its earliest predecessors to the latest models in the market.

The Origins of the Ford Trucks

The history of Ford trucks started in the 1910s after the manufacturer converted the Model T into a pickup. The vehicle had a basic setup of a flatbed fitted on top of the roadster’s back wheels. It was a vital machine for moving products around at the beginning of consumer transportation. Then in the 1930s, Ford made considerable improvements through Models A and B. The two models had longer beds and equal weight distribution, appealing to most truck buyers facing the Depression. Although the truck had a V-8 engine, it was still a roadster with limitations.

Ford streamlined the long-bed design in the 1930s and introduced several options for buyers. The automaker debuted a new V-6 engine in 1941 to complement the existing V-8 and four-cylinder trucks. Their invention played a key role in several World War II battles. During this time, Ford launched several plants in the U.S. but ceased consumer production shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack.

The Launch of the F-Series

Ford launched the F-Series in eight different models after the Second Great War. Consumers could choose from the F-1 to the F-8, weighing half a ton and three tons, respectively. There were other engine options, including a 95 horsepower V-6 and a 100 horsepower V-8. The utilitarian look of the F-Series offered better practicality than the preceding models.

When celebrating its 50th anniversary in 1953, Ford launched the second generation of F-Series models. Extensive redesigning made considerable changes to the engines and front grille. The changes saw the introduction of an enhanced V-8 engine, automatic transmission, better visibility, and longer body dimensions. Some of today’s terminology, such as hood ornaments, was also added. The second generation received more updates in the next few years, and by 1956, the F-Series V-8 engine could deliver up to 173 horsepower.

The third generation debuted in 1960, greeting customers with more headlights and a square grille. Ford also introduced other updates, including a wider cab and four-wheel drive (4WD) options in factory models. In 1963, the fourth generation embraced the modern era through more than 200 horsepower and the 4WD capability. The fifth-generation saw the entry of the Ranger and two other trim levels, namely Base and Custom. More style and functionality in the sixth generation era of 1973 to 1979 saw the birth of America’s favorite truck.

The Debut of the Ford F-150

In 1975, the F-150 debuted because car buyers were torn between choosing the F-100 (which was incapable in some conditions) and the F-250, which was too mighty. F-150 provided the option America was looking for, immediately rising to top the sales list, a feat it continues to achieve today. The seventh-generation had a strong emotional appeal, ushering in a new age of custom packages that focus more on buyers’ lifestyles. The trucks were sturdy enough to deliver at work but still stylish for after hours. Ford ceased the production of F-100 in 1983.

At the beginning of 1987, the Ford F-Series was in the eighth generation. Some of the key upgrades in this generation are the standard fuel injection and wraparound parking lights. The company created a new Super Duty model line for the F-350 and other heavier models. A common feature that continued for the new generations is the simple grille. In its final years, the eighth generation received contemporary styling and performance packages, like a heavy-duty package that simplified snow plowing. In 1991, the Nite package enabled Ford truck owners to stand out with the blacked-out F-150.

Due to Ford’s success throughout the decades, the designers continued experimenting. The ninth-generation (released in 1993) rivaled the 1993 Ford Mustang GT in performance, especially in long track runs. The 10th generation (released in 1995) received more cosmetic enhancements to appeal to a younger generation of truck buyers, mainly through the Eddie Bauer trim level. As a celebration of the nameplate’s 50th anniversary and to mark the F-Series modernity, the 10th generation added more curves to the body and dropped the chrome grille.

The 21st Century F-Series

In 2004, the 11th generation of the Ford F-Series birthed the first new design of the 21st Century. The model emphasized styling and greater comfort, though the Great Recession saw the end of this model. Afterward, the 12th generation made its first appearance and had a more aggressive stance and a bold grille. To combat the high gas prices in 2011, Ford embraced the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. The 12th generation enhanced the Super Duty reputation with more advancement to the engine, giving consumers the option of a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel or the 7.3-liter V-8. For the 13th generation, Ford switched to the aluminum body instead of steel, much to the delight of the consumers. That move seemed the right call because the new design received a five-star review for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 14th generation launched in the fall of 2020, with a range of versatile features, such as the new hybrid engine, updated interior, and bold styling characterized by powerful LED headlights and running lights. Ford made the F-150 more useful and easier to handle by adding the latest driver-assist and advanced collision technologies in the 2021 model. Also, the standard start-stop function makes the truck more economical than its predecessors.

h2>The Beginnings of the Ford F-150

Ford began building pickup trucks in 1917 with its Model TT chassis cab based on the Model T car. By 1928, they had created the Model AA and Model BB trucks before launching the Model 50 pickups between 1935 and 1941. Ford halted most production of civilian pickup trucks by 1941 to focus on making vehicles for World War II. Then in 1948, they made the first generation of the F-Series pickup truck.

First Generation: 1948-1952

Ford called the first-generation pickup trucks the F-Series Bonus Built trucks, which included the half-ton F-1 and the heavy-duty cab-over F-8. These trucks had round headlights, a foot-plunger windshield washer, and driver- and passenger-side windshield wipers.

Second Generation: 1943-1956

By 1953, Ford redesigned the F-Series truck with an updated chassis, more powerful engines, and luxury features such as a radio and dome light. In 1956, the F-100 had a wrap-around windshield instead of the familiar sloped one, and seat belts became an option for all F-Series models.

Third Generation: 1957-1960

The third-generation F-Series sees a modern body design. The front fenders became integrated with the body in a clamshell-like appearance with a wider stance. This look lasted almost 20 years. In 1959, four-wheel drive became an option for the F-Series pickup trucks.

Fourth Generation: 1961-1966

Ford introduced the Twin-I-Beam front suspension system for the F-series and the first four-door crew cab model. In 1965, you see the Ranger trim was added to the F-Series lineup, which Ford kept until they discontinued it in 2011. The Ranger brought a touch of luxury to the pickup trucks with carpeted floors, power brakes, power steering, and air-conditioning.

Fifth Generation: 1967-1972

The design of the F-Series becomes more modern during the fifth generation. By this time, the truck had a heavier frame, a new front grille design with integrated headlights, and four more inches of room in the cab.

Sixth Generation: 1973-1979

The sixth generation was pivotal for the F-Series. In 1975, Ford introduced the first F-150 pickup truck. By 1978, you could get rectangular-shaped headlights on select upper trims, and by 1979, they were standard across the F-150 lineup.

Seventh Generation: 1980-1986

Ford gave the F-Series a new design for the seventh generation. The automaker added pleasant features such as power windows and doors, a tinted windshield, and interval windshield wipers. Drivers no longer had the option of three-on-the-tree manual shifting, as Ford discontinued this feature in 1986.

Eighth Generation: 1987-1991

In 1991, we saw the appearance of the Nite Edition model for the F-150. In addition, Ford gave the F-150 a standard 5.0-liter V-8 engine and a rounder look for the front end. In 1989, the F-Series became the nation’s best-selling truck.

Ninth Generation: 1992-1996

The ninth generation of the F-Series gave the F-150 a new look with a FlareSide bed option. Technology improved with a driver’s side airbag, remote keyless entry, and a compact disc player.

Tenth Generation: 1997-2003

Ford made the F-150 separate from the others in the F-Series lineup in this generation. The F-150 became more of a personal-use truck, while the F-250 and F-350 branched into more heavy-duty industrial or commercial use. We also saw a major redesign of the exterior of the F-150 with a more aerodynamic appearance. Ford replaced the Twin-I-Beam suspension system with a torsion-bar system.

Eleventh Generation: 2004-2008

The F-150 gets an interior makeover in this generation with more room and features to make driving and riding in this vehicle more comfortable. In addition, Ford gives all F-150s four doors with the SuperCab and crew cab. In 2004, the F-150 earned the North America Truck of the Year award for safety and reliability.

Twelfth Generation: 2009-2014

You can begin to see the future design of the F-150 in the twelfth generation. Ford gave this pickup truck a bolder, more aggressive appearance with a prominent grille and squared-off style. In 2011, the F-150 gets a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Off-road drivers embraced the F-150 SVT Raptor with its rugged suspension and a 5.4-liter V-8 engine pumping out 320 horsepower with its introduction in the twelfth generation.

Thirteenth Generation: 2015-2020

In 2015, Ford gives the F-150 adaptive cruise control as part of the truck’s safety features. The truck also gets 750 pounds lighter when Ford switched the frame from all steel to all aluminum. We also see the new Raptor 2.0 with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine delivering a massive 510 horsepower. Additionally, Ford gives the F-150 lineup innovative technology features, such as an advanced infotainment system, more driver-assist features, and remote capabilities.

Fourteenth Generation: 2021-Current

Ford continues to upgrade the F-150 in the current fourteenth generation. This truck has more technology, five engine options, and a hybrid powertrain. In 2021, Ford debuted the all-electric F-150 Lightning with an estimated driving range of 240 to 400 miles, depending on the battery pack size. At Planet Ford Dallas, we look forward to seeing what modern changes Ford brings to the F-150 in the coming years.

Take the Ford F-150 for a Test Drive

This iconic full-size pickup truck has a rich history and a bright future. The team here at Planet Ford Dallas invites you to stop by our state-of-the-art showroom and the dealership to learn more about the history of the Ford F-150. We’ll be happy to show you our inventory of new Ford F-150s and let you take one for a test drive. Once you find the perfect F-150 trim to fit your lifestyle, our professional finance team will help you get the ideal auto loan.

Learn More at Planet Ford Dallas

Residents of Dallas, Texas, in the market for an F-150 can visit our dealership for the best prices and low-interest financing deals. Our experts at Planet Ford Dallas are happy to help you find the perfect model according to your driving requirements and budget. Contact us today to learn more about the Ford F-150 or schedule a test drive.