Ford's legendary F-Series premiered in the late '40s with the F1, the F2, and the F3. The F1 was a ½ ton light pickup while the 2 and the 3 represented steps up in size (the F2 was ¾ ton and the F3 was a Heavy-Duty version of the F2). This was still in the somewhat "early" days of the American pickup truck and the F-Series represented a marked improvement over Ford's previous entrants, even offering a V8 with the first generation that threw out 100 horsepower. And over the next 30 years, the F-Series would evolve even more, seeing changes to not only the drive train, but of course to the size and shape of the model. In 1975, the Ford F-150 debuted as a half-ton pickup, taking up the roster spot between Ford's F100 and F250. The truck was an instant success, accounting for over a third of all Ford F-Series truck sales in its first year on the road. It would also be the beginning to one of Ford's most prized accomplishments in the history of the company.
1987 bought on even more changes. The front-end displayed a rectangular grille and flush headlights that required only removing the bulb upon replacement, not the entire headlight. Anti-lock rear brakes were also added, as was a 4.9L inline 6-cylinder engine with fuel injection. Within a year, all engine options would be fuel-injected. In 1990, "Touch Drive" was implemented. "Touch Drive" allowed drivers to go into 4-wheel drive mode by simply pushing a dashboard-mounted button. As the '90s progressed, the Ford F150 became even more aerodynamically styled. The nose was smoothed out and the bumpers were slanted back. The previous base F150 was the Custom, but come 1993, the XL took over.
By this point, Ford F-Series trucks had become the highest selling model in the industry with the F150 leading the way. That made the need for safety features even more pressing. In 1994, a driver's side airbag and side door beams became standard. 1995 saw the arrival of the Eddie Bauer F150 Edition. Outfitted with alloy wheels, power windows and locks, and painted in two-tone colors, it was a "luxury" version of the F150 and did better than expected in terms of overall sales. Currently, the Ford F150 is still at the top of the heap.
It is equipped with a 4.6L V8 (245 horsepower), a higher output 4.6L V8 (292 horsepower), or a 5.4L V8 (310 horsepower). There are seven trim levels available covering bed lengths, cab sizes, and driveline configurations, giving interested drivers of this truck more than enough possibilities to choose from. Even in during a climate when sales of trucks dwindled due to the economic downturn, the F150 still held its ground. Now bolder and more convenient than ever, the Ford F150 still provides a fistful of results with the legacy to back it up.One of the most popular vehicles of all time, the Ford F-150 truly knows no boundaries. Still going strong after 10 generations, the complete F-Series helped define the terrain for all modern pickups. The F150 has been a steady reminder of just what Ford can be capable of, and the model's redesigned look and capability rewarded the brand. The F-150 remains one of the only trucks to have ever received the Motor Trend Truck of the Year (2004), North American Truck of the Year (2004), and Car & Driver Best Pickup Truck (2004, 2005) all within the spaImage by BulaPhotography via Flickrn of two years. Powerful and versatile, this is one truck that takes second-place to no one.
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