DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY GENERATION DOES THE FORD TRUCK HAVE?
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from the Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for the past 32 years, and the best-selling pick-up for 43 years, and the best selling vehicle in Canada, though this does not always include combined sales of GM pick-up trucks. In the tenth generation of the F-series, the F-250 and F-350 changed body style in 1998 and joined the Super Duty series.
During the post-World War II era, smaller Canadian villages had access to either a Ford dealer or a Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor dealer, but not both; a Mercury-badged version was sold at Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor dealers there from 1946–68. Other than the grilles, trim, and badging, these pick-ups were identical to their Ford counterparts.
As of 2014, the Ford F-150 is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, most Caribbean countries (except Trinidad and Tobago,Saint Kitts and Nevis and Cuba), Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, the Middle East, Iceland, the Dutch territories of Aruba, Curaçao,Sint Maarten and the British overseas territory of the Cayman Islands whilst the SVT Raptor is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. Both are available in LHD only. The Ford Lobo is also a rebadged version of theFord F-150 in Mexico.
First Generation (1948–52)
The first-generation F-Series pick-up (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the previous car-based pick-up line introduced in 1942 . The F-Series was sold in eight different weight ratings, with pick-up, panel truck, cab-over engine (COE), conventional truck, and school bus chassis body styles.
Second Generation (1953–56)
The second-generation F-series was introduced in 1953. The F-1 became the F-100 because of the popular culture influence of the North American F-100 Super Sabre, the first supersonic fighter – first flight 1953. Increased dimensions, improved engines, and an improved chassis were features of the second generation. Additionally the pick-ups were given their now familiar names: The F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 became the F-250, and the F-4 became the 1-ton F-350.
Fourth Generation (1961–66)
Ford introduced a dramatically new style of pick-up in 1961 with the fourth-generation F-series. Longer and lower than the previous pick-ups, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and gearbox choices. Additionally the 1961-1963 models were constructed as a uni-body design with the cab and bed integrated. This proved unpopular and the F-series reverted to a traditional separate cab/bed design in 1964.
In 1965 the F-series was given a significant mid-cycle redesign. A completely new platform, including the Twin-I-Beam front suspension, was introduced that would be used until 1979. Additionally that year, the Ranger name made its first appearance on a Ford pick-up; previously a base model of the Edsel, it was now used to denote a high-level styling package for F-Series pick-ups.
Fifth Generation (1967–72)
Introduced in 1967, the fifth-generation F-series pick-up was built on the same platform as the 1965 revision of the fourth-generation. Dimensions and greenhouse glass were increased, engine options expanded, and plusher trim levels became available during the fifth-generation pick-ups production run.
Suspension components from all 1969 F-Series models are completely inter-changeable.
A variant of the fifth-generation F-series was produced until 1992 in Brazil for the South American market.
Sixth Generation (1973–79)
The sixth-generation F-series was introduced in 1973. This version of the F-series continued to be built on the 1965 fourth-generation's revised platform, but with significant modernizations and refinements. Front disc brakes, increased cabin dimensions, gas tank relocated outside the cab and under the bed, significantly improved heating and air conditioning, full double wall bed construction, increased use of galvanised steel, SuperCab was introduced in the sixth-generation pick-up.
The FE engine series was discontinued in 1976 after a nearly 20 year run, replaced by the more modern 335 series (Modified) and 385 series engines.
In 1975, the F-150 was introduced in between the F-100 and the F-250 in order to avoid certain emission control restrictions. For 1978, the Ford Bronco was redesigned into a variant of the F-series pick-up. 1979 was the last year that the 460 was available in a Half ton truck.
Seventh generation (1980–86)
The 1980 F-Series was redesigned with an all-new chassis and larger body; this was the first ground-up redesign since 1965. The exterior styling of the truck was redone to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. Medium-duty F-Series (F600-F900) were also redesigned; although they shared the cabin of the smaller pickup trucks, the largest version of F-Series now wore a bonnet with separate front wings (like the L-Series). Medium duty Ford F-Series would carry the 1980-86 interior design until 2000 (though pickups were restyled again in 1987 and 1992), with very subtle changes such as window glass and electronics.
In a move towards fuel efficiency, Ford dropped the M-Series engines (5.8L, 351M and 6.6L, 400 C.I. V8's) in 1981 and added the 4.2L, 255 C.I. and 5.8L, 351 C.I. Windsor V8 engines from the Panther platform. The 255 V8 was simply a 5.0L, 302 V8 with a smaller bore, built specifically for better fuel economy, but was dropped for the 1982 model year due to being underpowered and having limited demand. For 1982 and 1983, the 3.8L, 230 C.I. Essex V6 was the base engine but was quickly dropped for the 1984 model year. In 1983, Ford added diesel power to the F-Series through a partnership with International Harvester (later Navistar). The 6.9L, 420 C.I. IDI V8 produced similar power output as the gasoline 351 Windsor V8, with the fuel economy of the 4.9L, 300 I6. 1985 was the first year of electronic fuel injection on the 5.0L V8, all other engines following suit in 1988. There was a new "high output" version of the 5.8L Windsor beginning in 1984.
A noticeable change was made to the F-Series in 1982 as the Ford "Blue Oval" was added to the center of the grille, also the Ranger and Custom trims were no longer available. The Ranger name had been shifted onto the all-new compact pickup developed as a replacement for the Courier. The new trim levels were a no-badge base model (essentially the new Custom), XL, a very rare XLS, and XLT Lariat.
1983 marked the final year of the F100, making the F150 the lightest pickup available on the market. F100's and F150's were virtually identical with the exception of smaller brakes and a 5x4.5 bolt pattern on the F100 axles, as opposed to 5x5.5 on the F150. F100's over a certain GVWR and/or without power brakes did use the F150 axles. Also, the 1980-83 F100 was never offered with four wheel drive.
1986 marked the final year that the F150 was available with a 3-speed manual gearbox that shifted via a steering column lever (3-on-the-tree). Incidentally, this was the second-last vehicle in the United States that offered this set up. 1986 was also the last year the Explorer package was available.
This is the first generation of trucks to incorporate amenities such as power mirrors, power windows, and power door locks.
Eighth generation (1987–91)
Ford's 1987 F-Series carried over the same body style as the 7th generation, yet sported a new rounded front clip that improved aerodynamics, as well as the softening of body lines around the rear of the bed and fender arches around the wheel wells. The interior was also completely redesigned in 1987. The Custom trim made a comeback for the 8th generation. In 1988, the 4.9L I6, 5.8L V8 and 7.5L, 460 C.I. V8 gained electronic fuel injection. International Navistar also increased the displacement of their 6.9L V8 this year, resulting in the new 7.3L, 444 C.I. IDI V8. This was also the first year of a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission, which included the Mazda M5OD in the F150's and the heavy-duty ZF5 in the F250's and F350's, 4-speed manuals were dropped after 1987. In 1990, the C6 3-speed automatic was replaced as the base automatic transmission with the E4OD, a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive unit (available at the very end of the 1989 production year, but announced for 1990), though the C6 was still available as an option, mostly in F250's and F350's, until 1997.
Ninth generation (1992–96)
The 1992 F-Series underwent another minor cosmetic update for the 1992 model year; again, an updated front clip focused on increasing its aerodynamics. The update also brought the F-Series in line with the Ranger and Explorer stylistically. The interior was also, once again, redesigned at this time. One major interior update included the addition of rear speakers. SuperCab models of this generation are distinguished by single (instead of twin) side windows for the rear seat. Ford offered a 75th anniversary package on its 1992 F-series, consisting of a stripe package, an argent colored step bumper, and special 75th anniversary logos. The XLT Lariat name was shortened to simply XLT in 1992 and Ford's base truck once again lost its Custom tag and became the XL. Dormant since 1987, the FlareSide bed also returned for 1992. Instead of the traditional pickup bed seen before, the new FlareSide borrowed much of its rear bodywork from the dual rear-wheel F-350. The first SVT Lightning truck entered the scene in 1993. It featured a 5.8 L engine with performance GT40 cylinder heads (found on this era 5.0 Mustang Cobra), cam, pistons, intake (also found on the 5.0 H.O. Mustang, however re-branded "Lightning" instead of "5.0 H.O."), headers, dual exhaust, oil cooler and modified engine computer programming. The truck was available with a reprogrammed E4OD automatic transmission with an auxiliary cooler. The rear axle was a limited slip unit with 4.10:1 gearing. Ford added a high-mount third brake light to the rear of 1994 truck cab roofs. More safety-related moves this year included a security package with remote keyless entry and intrusion alarm; also driver airbag was standard on the F150 for the first time.
In 1995, the medium-duty trucks received their first exterior update since 1980; this integrated the indicators and grille.
Also in 1995, Ford gave the F-Series top trim level an upwards bump by adding the more plush Eddie Bauer Edition, previously only available on Broncos since 1985. SuperCab models were fitted with a new 40/20/40 split bench/bucket seat; the previous 50/50 split jump seats disappeared. The F-Series changed very little for the 1996 model year, for this was the last year before a major redesign. The F250HD and F350, however, would remain unchanged through the 1997 model year.
Starting in 1994.5, Ford offered the F-250 and F-350 models not only with gasoline engines, but with new redesigned diesel engines. Prior to 1994.5, Ford placed a 7.3 liter diesel engine in most of their heavy duty trucks. The 7.3 liter diesel was manufactured by the International company, also known as Navistar. Prior to 1994.5, all of International's 7.3 diesels had an indirect injection fuel system and typically did not come equipped with a turbocharger. In 1994.5 International upgraded the 7.3 diesel and added a direct-injection fuel system, larger single shot injectors, a turbocharger, and newly designed pushrods. Ford named the new diesel engine the Powerstroke. The Powerstroke brought better performance, power, and towing capacity in Ford trucks. The 7.3 Powerstroke diesel lasted until 2003.5, when it was replaced by the 6.0 Powerstroke. In 1999 an intercooler and new piston rods were included in all Powerstroke diesel engines.
Tenth generation (1997–2003)
Introduced in late of 1996, the 1997 F-150 was redesigned from the ground up for the first time since 1980. Rounded styling allowed for improved aerodynamics, a larger interior, and improved fuel economy. Sharing a V6 engine with the Taurus/Windstar and a V8 engine with the Crown Victoria, the F-150 received an all-new engine lineup. To improve rear-seat access, a third door was added to SuperCab models; in 1999, SuperCabs became four doors. For 2001, the SuperCrew crew cab was added; it combined the larger seat of a crew cab with a slightly shortened rear cargo bed.
This generation of the F-Series marked the split of the F-150 from heavier-duty pick-ups. For 1997, all F-150s and lighter-payload F-250s used the new chassis, while heavy-payload F-250s and larger trucks remained on the existing platform. For 1998, only the F-150 and F-250LD were produced. In 1999, the F-250LD was rebadged the F-150 7700, and a new line was introduced, the Ford Super Duty. Super Duty models ranged from the F-250 through the F-750; the F-250 through F-550 (the latter being a chassis-cab model) were Ford manufactured and intended to replace the F-250 through F-Super Duty, while the F-650/F-750 was a joint venture with International, a replacement for the previous medium-duty trucks. In 1999, Ford developed and released the 20 valve Triton V10, 6.8L (415 CID) good for 305 Horsepower and 425 Lb-Ft of torque.
For 2002, this version of the F-150 was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers as the Lincoln Blackwood. The first Lincoln pickup, the Blackwood was an F-150 SuperCrew with Lincoln Navigator front bodywork and interior. Unlike most pickup trucks, the pickup bed was redesigned into a trunk with a powered tonneau (decklid) and a fully lined and finished bed.
Also for 2001 the supercrew could have the King Ranch trim level it gives the truck 2 tone paint black, white, brown, and green with a beige lower paint. The king ranch had real Texas cowhide leather made by king ranch and bucket seats with a console in the back as an option.
Eleventh generation (2004–08)
For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform. Externally similar to its predecessor, the eleventh-generation wore sharper-edged styling; a major change was the adoption of the stepped driver's window from the Super Duty trucks. Regardless of cabin type, all F-150s were given four doors.
In 2008, the Super Duty trucks were also given an all-new platform. While using the same bed and cabin as before, these are distinguished from their predecessors by an all-new interior and a much larger grille and head lamps. Previously available only as a chassis-cab model, the F-450 now was available as a pick-up directly from Ford.
From 2005 to 2008, Lincoln-Mercury dealers sold this version of the F-150 as the Lincoln Mark LT. Replacing the Blackwood, the Mark LT had a useful bed in place of its predecessor's trunk, but it was not a success in the United States. This model was discontinued in 2008.
Twelfth generation (2009–14)
The current-generation F-150 was introduced for the 2008 model year as a major update of the Ford full-size truck platform. Similar to its predecessor, These trucks are distinguished by their Super Duty-style grilles and head lamps; standard cab models again have two-doors instead of four. The FlareSide bed was continued until 2010, dropped along with the manual gearbox; outside of Mexico, the Lincoln Mark LT was replaced by the F-150 Platinum. A new model for 2010 included the SVT Raptor, a dedicated off-road pick-up.
As part of a major focus on fuel economy, the entire engine lineup for the F-150 (excluding the SVT Raptor) was updated for the 2011 model year. Along with two new V8 engines, the F-150 gained a new 3.7-Litre base V6 engine, and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-Litre V6, dubbed EcoBoost by Ford. The automatic gearbox is the only option. Other modifications include the addition of a Nexteer AutomotiveElectric Power Steering (EPS) system on most models.
A recent study conducted by iSeeCars.com and published on Ford website listed Ford F-250 Super Duty as the top longest lasting car and Expedition, Explorer and F-150 in the top 20 longest lasting cars.
Thirteenth generation (2015–present)
Unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show on January 13, 2014, the all-new F-150 derives much of its exterior styling from the 2013 Ford Atlas concept vehicle.
In an effort to increase fuel economy, the 2015 model reduces its curb weight by up to 750 pounds through the extensive use of aluminum in the body structure and high strength steel in the frame. This will help increase the fuel mileage to 23 mpg City 30 mpg Highway. The only major component of sheet metal not made from aluminum is the Quiet Steel sound-absorbing firewall.
Retaining the use of body-on-frame construction, the frame is constructed with 77% high-strength steel (up from 23%).
To showcase the durability of the aluminum-intensive design, Ford entered disguised prototypes of the model in the Baja 1000, which it completed.
Some of the powertrain lineup is carried over from the 2014 F150, but a new, 3.5L V6 replaces the 3.7L V6 as the base engine, joined by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0L V8. Also new for the 2015 model is a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, slotted above the naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6. Ford has officially released output ratings for this engine at 325 horsepower and 375 lb. ft. of torque.
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from the Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for the past 32 years, and the best-selling pick-up for 43 years, and the best selling vehicle in Canada, though this does not always include combined sales of GM pick-up trucks. In the tenth generation of the F-series, the F-250 and F-350 changed body style in 1998 and joined the Super Duty series.
During the post-World War II era, smaller Canadian villages had access to either a Ford dealer or a Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor dealer, but not both; a Mercury-badged version was sold at Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor dealers there from 1946–68. Other than the grilles, trim, and badging, these pick-ups were identical to their Ford counterparts.
As of 2014, the Ford F-150 is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, most Caribbean countries (except Trinidad and Tobago,Saint Kitts and Nevis and Cuba), Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, the Middle East, Iceland, the Dutch territories of Aruba, Curaçao,Sint Maarten and the British overseas territory of the Cayman Islands whilst the SVT Raptor is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. Both are available in LHD only. The Ford Lobo is also a rebadged version of theFord F-150 in Mexico.
First Generation (1948–52)
The first-generation F-Series pick-up (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the previous car-based pick-up line introduced in 1942 . The F-Series was sold in eight different weight ratings, with pick-up, panel truck, cab-over engine (COE), conventional truck, and school bus chassis body styles.
Second Generation (1953–56)
The second-generation F-series was introduced in 1953. The F-1 became the F-100 because of the popular culture influence of the North American F-100 Super Sabre, the first supersonic fighter – first flight 1953. Increased dimensions, improved engines, and an improved chassis were features of the second generation. Additionally the pick-ups were given their now familiar names: The F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 became the F-250, and the F-4 became the 1-ton F-350.
Fourth Generation (1961–66)
Ford introduced a dramatically new style of pick-up in 1961 with the fourth-generation F-series. Longer and lower than the previous pick-ups, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and gearbox choices. Additionally the 1961-1963 models were constructed as a uni-body design with the cab and bed integrated. This proved unpopular and the F-series reverted to a traditional separate cab/bed design in 1964.
In 1965 the F-series was given a significant mid-cycle redesign. A completely new platform, including the Twin-I-Beam front suspension, was introduced that would be used until 1979. Additionally that year, the Ranger name made its first appearance on a Ford pick-up; previously a base model of the Edsel, it was now used to denote a high-level styling package for F-Series pick-ups.
Fifth Generation (1967–72)
Introduced in 1967, the fifth-generation F-series pick-up was built on the same platform as the 1965 revision of the fourth-generation. Dimensions and greenhouse glass were increased, engine options expanded, and plusher trim levels became available during the fifth-generation pick-ups production run.
Suspension components from all 1969 F-Series models are completely inter-changeable.
A variant of the fifth-generation F-series was produced until 1992 in Brazil for the South American market.
Sixth Generation (1973–79)
The sixth-generation F-series was introduced in 1973. This version of the F-series continued to be built on the 1965 fourth-generation's revised platform, but with significant modernizations and refinements. Front disc brakes, increased cabin dimensions, gas tank relocated outside the cab and under the bed, significantly improved heating and air conditioning, full double wall bed construction, increased use of galvanised steel, SuperCab was introduced in the sixth-generation pick-up.
The FE engine series was discontinued in 1976 after a nearly 20 year run, replaced by the more modern 335 series (Modified) and 385 series engines.
In 1975, the F-150 was introduced in between the F-100 and the F-250 in order to avoid certain emission control restrictions. For 1978, the Ford Bronco was redesigned into a variant of the F-series pick-up. 1979 was the last year that the 460 was available in a Half ton truck.
Seventh generation (1980–86)
The 1980 F-Series was redesigned with an all-new chassis and larger body; this was the first ground-up redesign since 1965. The exterior styling of the truck was redone to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. Medium-duty F-Series (F600-F900) were also redesigned; although they shared the cabin of the smaller pickup trucks, the largest version of F-Series now wore a bonnet with separate front wings (like the L-Series). Medium duty Ford F-Series would carry the 1980-86 interior design until 2000 (though pickups were restyled again in 1987 and 1992), with very subtle changes such as window glass and electronics.
In a move towards fuel efficiency, Ford dropped the M-Series engines (5.8L, 351M and 6.6L, 400 C.I. V8's) in 1981 and added the 4.2L, 255 C.I. and 5.8L, 351 C.I. Windsor V8 engines from the Panther platform. The 255 V8 was simply a 5.0L, 302 V8 with a smaller bore, built specifically for better fuel economy, but was dropped for the 1982 model year due to being underpowered and having limited demand. For 1982 and 1983, the 3.8L, 230 C.I. Essex V6 was the base engine but was quickly dropped for the 1984 model year. In 1983, Ford added diesel power to the F-Series through a partnership with International Harvester (later Navistar). The 6.9L, 420 C.I. IDI V8 produced similar power output as the gasoline 351 Windsor V8, with the fuel economy of the 4.9L, 300 I6. 1985 was the first year of electronic fuel injection on the 5.0L V8, all other engines following suit in 1988. There was a new "high output" version of the 5.8L Windsor beginning in 1984.
A noticeable change was made to the F-Series in 1982 as the Ford "Blue Oval" was added to the center of the grille, also the Ranger and Custom trims were no longer available. The Ranger name had been shifted onto the all-new compact pickup developed as a replacement for the Courier. The new trim levels were a no-badge base model (essentially the new Custom), XL, a very rare XLS, and XLT Lariat.
1983 marked the final year of the F100, making the F150 the lightest pickup available on the market. F100's and F150's were virtually identical with the exception of smaller brakes and a 5x4.5 bolt pattern on the F100 axles, as opposed to 5x5.5 on the F150. F100's over a certain GVWR and/or without power brakes did use the F150 axles. Also, the 1980-83 F100 was never offered with four wheel drive.
1986 marked the final year that the F150 was available with a 3-speed manual gearbox that shifted via a steering column lever (3-on-the-tree). Incidentally, this was the second-last vehicle in the United States that offered this set up. 1986 was also the last year the Explorer package was available.
This is the first generation of trucks to incorporate amenities such as power mirrors, power windows, and power door locks.
Eighth generation (1987–91)
Ford's 1987 F-Series carried over the same body style as the 7th generation, yet sported a new rounded front clip that improved aerodynamics, as well as the softening of body lines around the rear of the bed and fender arches around the wheel wells. The interior was also completely redesigned in 1987. The Custom trim made a comeback for the 8th generation. In 1988, the 4.9L I6, 5.8L V8 and 7.5L, 460 C.I. V8 gained electronic fuel injection. International Navistar also increased the displacement of their 6.9L V8 this year, resulting in the new 7.3L, 444 C.I. IDI V8. This was also the first year of a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission, which included the Mazda M5OD in the F150's and the heavy-duty ZF5 in the F250's and F350's, 4-speed manuals were dropped after 1987. In 1990, the C6 3-speed automatic was replaced as the base automatic transmission with the E4OD, a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive unit (available at the very end of the 1989 production year, but announced for 1990), though the C6 was still available as an option, mostly in F250's and F350's, until 1997.
Ninth generation (1992–96)
The 1992 F-Series underwent another minor cosmetic update for the 1992 model year; again, an updated front clip focused on increasing its aerodynamics. The update also brought the F-Series in line with the Ranger and Explorer stylistically. The interior was also, once again, redesigned at this time. One major interior update included the addition of rear speakers. SuperCab models of this generation are distinguished by single (instead of twin) side windows for the rear seat. Ford offered a 75th anniversary package on its 1992 F-series, consisting of a stripe package, an argent colored step bumper, and special 75th anniversary logos. The XLT Lariat name was shortened to simply XLT in 1992 and Ford's base truck once again lost its Custom tag and became the XL. Dormant since 1987, the FlareSide bed also returned for 1992. Instead of the traditional pickup bed seen before, the new FlareSide borrowed much of its rear bodywork from the dual rear-wheel F-350. The first SVT Lightning truck entered the scene in 1993. It featured a 5.8 L engine with performance GT40 cylinder heads (found on this era 5.0 Mustang Cobra), cam, pistons, intake (also found on the 5.0 H.O. Mustang, however re-branded "Lightning" instead of "5.0 H.O."), headers, dual exhaust, oil cooler and modified engine computer programming. The truck was available with a reprogrammed E4OD automatic transmission with an auxiliary cooler. The rear axle was a limited slip unit with 4.10:1 gearing. Ford added a high-mount third brake light to the rear of 1994 truck cab roofs. More safety-related moves this year included a security package with remote keyless entry and intrusion alarm; also driver airbag was standard on the F150 for the first time.
In 1995, the medium-duty trucks received their first exterior update since 1980; this integrated the indicators and grille.
Also in 1995, Ford gave the F-Series top trim level an upwards bump by adding the more plush Eddie Bauer Edition, previously only available on Broncos since 1985. SuperCab models were fitted with a new 40/20/40 split bench/bucket seat; the previous 50/50 split jump seats disappeared. The F-Series changed very little for the 1996 model year, for this was the last year before a major redesign. The F250HD and F350, however, would remain unchanged through the 1997 model year.
Starting in 1994.5, Ford offered the F-250 and F-350 models not only with gasoline engines, but with new redesigned diesel engines. Prior to 1994.5, Ford placed a 7.3 liter diesel engine in most of their heavy duty trucks. The 7.3 liter diesel was manufactured by the International company, also known as Navistar. Prior to 1994.5, all of International's 7.3 diesels had an indirect injection fuel system and typically did not come equipped with a turbocharger. In 1994.5 International upgraded the 7.3 diesel and added a direct-injection fuel system, larger single shot injectors, a turbocharger, and newly designed pushrods. Ford named the new diesel engine the Powerstroke. The Powerstroke brought better performance, power, and towing capacity in Ford trucks. The 7.3 Powerstroke diesel lasted until 2003.5, when it was replaced by the 6.0 Powerstroke. In 1999 an intercooler and new piston rods were included in all Powerstroke diesel engines.
Tenth generation (1997–2003)
Introduced in late of 1996, the 1997 F-150 was redesigned from the ground up for the first time since 1980. Rounded styling allowed for improved aerodynamics, a larger interior, and improved fuel economy. Sharing a V6 engine with the Taurus/Windstar and a V8 engine with the Crown Victoria, the F-150 received an all-new engine lineup. To improve rear-seat access, a third door was added to SuperCab models; in 1999, SuperCabs became four doors. For 2001, the SuperCrew crew cab was added; it combined the larger seat of a crew cab with a slightly shortened rear cargo bed.
This generation of the F-Series marked the split of the F-150 from heavier-duty pick-ups. For 1997, all F-150s and lighter-payload F-250s used the new chassis, while heavy-payload F-250s and larger trucks remained on the existing platform. For 1998, only the F-150 and F-250LD were produced. In 1999, the F-250LD was rebadged the F-150 7700, and a new line was introduced, the Ford Super Duty. Super Duty models ranged from the F-250 through the F-750; the F-250 through F-550 (the latter being a chassis-cab model) were Ford manufactured and intended to replace the F-250 through F-Super Duty, while the F-650/F-750 was a joint venture with International, a replacement for the previous medium-duty trucks. In 1999, Ford developed and released the 20 valve Triton V10, 6.8L (415 CID) good for 305 Horsepower and 425 Lb-Ft of torque.
For 2002, this version of the F-150 was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers as the Lincoln Blackwood. The first Lincoln pickup, the Blackwood was an F-150 SuperCrew with Lincoln Navigator front bodywork and interior. Unlike most pickup trucks, the pickup bed was redesigned into a trunk with a powered tonneau (decklid) and a fully lined and finished bed.
Also for 2001 the supercrew could have the King Ranch trim level it gives the truck 2 tone paint black, white, brown, and green with a beige lower paint. The king ranch had real Texas cowhide leather made by king ranch and bucket seats with a console in the back as an option.
Eleventh generation (2004–08)
For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform. Externally similar to its predecessor, the eleventh-generation wore sharper-edged styling; a major change was the adoption of the stepped driver's window from the Super Duty trucks. Regardless of cabin type, all F-150s were given four doors.
In 2008, the Super Duty trucks were also given an all-new platform. While using the same bed and cabin as before, these are distinguished from their predecessors by an all-new interior and a much larger grille and head lamps. Previously available only as a chassis-cab model, the F-450 now was available as a pick-up directly from Ford.
From 2005 to 2008, Lincoln-Mercury dealers sold this version of the F-150 as the Lincoln Mark LT. Replacing the Blackwood, the Mark LT had a useful bed in place of its predecessor's trunk, but it was not a success in the United States. This model was discontinued in 2008.
Twelfth generation (2009–14)
The current-generation F-150 was introduced for the 2008 model year as a major update of the Ford full-size truck platform. Similar to its predecessor, These trucks are distinguished by their Super Duty-style grilles and head lamps; standard cab models again have two-doors instead of four. The FlareSide bed was continued until 2010, dropped along with the manual gearbox; outside of Mexico, the Lincoln Mark LT was replaced by the F-150 Platinum. A new model for 2010 included the SVT Raptor, a dedicated off-road pick-up.
As part of a major focus on fuel economy, the entire engine lineup for the F-150 (excluding the SVT Raptor) was updated for the 2011 model year. Along with two new V8 engines, the F-150 gained a new 3.7-Litre base V6 engine, and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-Litre V6, dubbed EcoBoost by Ford. The automatic gearbox is the only option. Other modifications include the addition of a Nexteer AutomotiveElectric Power Steering (EPS) system on most models.
A recent study conducted by iSeeCars.com and published on Ford website listed Ford F-250 Super Duty as the top longest lasting car and Expedition, Explorer and F-150 in the top 20 longest lasting cars.
Thirteenth generation (2015–present)
Unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show on January 13, 2014, the all-new F-150 derives much of its exterior styling from the 2013 Ford Atlas concept vehicle.
In an effort to increase fuel economy, the 2015 model reduces its curb weight by up to 750 pounds through the extensive use of aluminum in the body structure and high strength steel in the frame. This will help increase the fuel mileage to 23 mpg City 30 mpg Highway. The only major component of sheet metal not made from aluminum is the Quiet Steel sound-absorbing firewall.
Retaining the use of body-on-frame construction, the frame is constructed with 77% high-strength steel (up from 23%).
To showcase the durability of the aluminum-intensive design, Ford entered disguised prototypes of the model in the Baja 1000, which it completed.
Some of the powertrain lineup is carried over from the 2014 F150, but a new, 3.5L V6 replaces the 3.7L V6 as the base engine, joined by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0L V8. Also new for the 2015 model is a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, slotted above the naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6. Ford has officially released output ratings for this engine at 325 horsepower and 375 lb. ft. of torque.