The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks and medium-duty trucks (Class 2-7) that have been marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. While most variants of the F-Series trucks are full-size pickup trucks, the F-Series also includes chassis cab trucks and commercial vehicles. The Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States since 1981 and the best-selling pickup since 1977. It is also the best selling vehicle in Canada. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generates $41.0 billion in annual revenue for Ford, making the F-Series brand more valuable than Coca-Cola and Nike.
In 1999, to bridge the gap between the pickup line and the medium-duty trucks, the F-250 and F-350 became the Ford Super Duty vehicles; considered an expansion of the F-Series, the Super Duty trucks are built on a distinct chassis with heavier-duty components. As of the 2017 model year, the F-Series includes the F-150, the Super Duty (F-250 through F-550), and F-650 and F-750 Super Duty medium-duty commercial trucks. The most popular version of the F-Series is the F-150, now in its thirteenth generation.
Through the use of rebadging, Ford has marketed the F-Series through all three Ford divisions in North America. From 1946 to 1968, Mercury sold the Mercury M-Series in Canada; during the 2000s, Lincoln sold the Lincoln Blackwood, replaced by the Lincoln Mark LT.
Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews
First generation (1948-1952)
The first-generation F-Series pickup (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the previous car-based pickup line introduced in 1942. The F-Series was sold in eight different weight ratings, with pickup, panel truck, cab-over engine (COE), conventional truck, and school bus chassis body styles.
Ford F 150 Black Video
Second generation (1953-1956)
For the 1953 model year, an all-new version of the F-Series made its debut. Increased dimensions, improved engines, and an updated chassis were features of the second generation.
Additionally, a change to the F-Series naming scheme would remain in place to the present day. The half-ton F-1 became the F-100 (partially influenced by the North American F-100 Super Sabre); the F-2 and F-3 were combined into the F-250 while the F-4 became the F-350. Conventional F-Series trucks were F-500 to F-900; COE chassis were C-Series trucks.
Third generation (1957-1960)
Introduced in 1957, the third generation F-series was a significant modernization and redesign. Front fenders became integrated into the body, and the new Styleside bed continued the smooth lines to the rear of the pickup.
The cab-over F-Series was discontinued, having been replaced by the tilt-cab C-Series.
In 1959, Ford began in-house production of four-wheel-drive pickups.
Fourth generation (1961-1966)
Ford introduced a dramatically new style of pickup in 1961 with the fourth generation F-Series. Longer and lower than its predecessors, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and gearbox choices. Additionally, the 1961-1963 models were constructed as a unibody design with the cab and bed integrated. This proved unpopular and Ford reverted to the 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 1996 on the F-150 and until 2016 on the F-250/350 4x2. Additionally that year, the Ranger name made its first appearance on a Ford pickup; previously a base model of the Edsel, it was now used to denote a high-level styling package for F-Series pickups.
Fifth generation (1967-1972)
Introduced in 1967, the fifth generation F-series pickup 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's production run.
Suspension components from all 1969 F-Series models are completely interchangeable.
A variant of the fifth generation F-series was produced until 1992 in Brazil for the South American market.
Sixth generation (1973-1979)
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 galvanized steel, SuperCab was introduced in the sixth generation pickup.
The FE engine series was discontinued in 1976 after a nearly 20-year run, replaced by the more modern 351 series (Modified) and 400 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, square headlights replaced the previous models' round ones on higher trim package models, such as Lariat and Ranger, and in 1979 became standard equipment. Also for 1978, the Ford Bronco was redesigned into a variant of the F-series pickup. 1979 was the last year that the 460 big block engine was available in a half ton truck.
Seventh generation (1980-1986)
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 1980-1986 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 (the 5.8 Liter 351M and 6.6 Liter 400 cu in V8s) in 1981, replacing them with the 4.2 Liter 255 C.I. and 5.8 Liter 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, 232 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. From this point on (1983-present), the heavier duty f-series trucks (F-350 and above) were usually equipped with the Diesel engines as standard horsepower. 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 grill, 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 F-100, making the F-150 the lightest pickup available on the market. F-100s and F-150s were virtually identical with the exception of smaller brakes and a 5x4.5 bolt pattern on the F-100 axles, as opposed to 5x5.5 on the F-150. F-100s over a certain GVWR and/or without power brakes did use the F-150 axles. Also, the 1980-1983 F-100 was never offered with four-wheel-drive.
1986 marked the final year that the F-150 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 (1987-1991)
The 1987 F-Series carried over the same body style from the seventh 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 transmissions available on SuperCab models were a four-or five-speed manual; regular cab models were also available with automatic transmission. The Custom trim made a comeback for the eighth generation. In 1988, the 4.9 Liter inline-six, 5.8 Liter V8, and 7.5 Liter V8 engines gained electronic fuel injection. International Navistar also increased the displacement of their 6.9 Liter V8 in the same year, resulting in the new 7.3 Liter unit. This was also the first year of a five-speed manual overdrive transmission, which included the Mazda M5OD in the F-150s and the heavy-duty ZF5 in the F-250s and F-350s. Four-speed manuals were dropped as standard equipment after 1987, but were available as a customer-ordered option until 1989. In 1989, the C6 three-speed automatic was replaced as the base automatic transmission with the E4OD, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive unit, though the C6 was still available as an option, mostly in F-250s and F-350s, until 1997. Heavy-Duty models included F-250s and F-350s (along with F-Super Dutys) that were classified as incomplete vehicles only that were produced with no bed, but appeared as tow trucks, box trucks (notably U-Haul), flatbed trucks, dump trucks and other models. Although the F-250s, F-250 HDs (heavy duty), and F-350s were built as a Chassis cab models only from 1987 to 1997, owners can convert the models to pickup trucks. However General Pacheco, Argentina and São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil assemblies were the only places F-250, F-250 HD, and F-350 were built and sold as pickup trucks models. Despite being produced only in General Pacheco, Argentina and São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil assemblies (located in South America) F-250s, F-250 HDs, and F-350s were shipped from South America to the United States as imports from 1987 to 1997.
Ninth generation (1992-1997)
For the 1992 model year, the body-shell of the 1980 F-Series was given another major upgrade. To further improve its aerodynamics, the forward bodywork was given a slightly lower hoodline, rounding the front fenders and grille; in addition, the changes matched the F-Series with the design of the newly introduced Explorer and redesigned E-Series and Ranger. Along with the exterior updates, the interior received a complete redesign.
Dormant since 1987, the FlareSide bed made its return as an option for 1992. To increase its appeal for younger buyers, the bed bodywork was redesigned, borrowing the sides of the F-350 dual-rear wheel bed (fitted to the narrower F-150 single-wheel chassis). To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first Ford factory-produced truck (the 1917 Ford Model TT), 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. In 1993, the 240 hp SVT Lightning was introduced as a specially-tuned performance truck; over 11,000 were built from 1993 to 1995.
In a trim shift, the XLT Lariat was dropped and combined with the XLT; the XL took over for the Custom trim after 1993 (marking the last usage of the Custom nameplate by Ford). In 1995, the Eddie Bauer trim made its return.
In 1995, the medium-duty Ford F-Series (F-600 through F-800 and all Ford B-Series) were given their first update since 1980. All versions (except severe-service) received a hood redesign which enlarged the grille and moved the turn signal indicators to the outside of the front headlights.
During the second half of 1997, the F-250 HD (heavy duty) was in the same series as the F-350. The body style stayed the same until the end of 1997. The only change of the F-250 HD and F-350 was that they no longer has classic style tailgates, with the stainless steel cap on them which read FORD. Instead the tailgate had the F-250 Heavy Duty/F-350 nameplate labeled on its left side, while Ford's blue oval was labeled on The right side (similarly styled like the 1997 Ford F-150 around this same time). The F-250 HD also had some minor changes in trim location, and options available. The 1997 F-250 HD with the 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel is also the rarest and most desirable of ninth generation Fords.
Following the introduction of the tenth-generation F-150, the F-250 and F-350 continued into production into the 1998 model year, becoming part of the Ford F-Series Super Duty line as they were replaced in 1999.
Tenth generation (1997-2003)
For 1997, Ford Motor Company made a major change to its F-Series family of trucks as the F-Series pickup line was essentially split in two. During the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, buyers of pickup trucks had increasingly purchased the vehicles for the purposes of personal use over work use. To further increase its growing market share, Ford sought to develop vehicles for both types of buyers. In its ultimate decision, the company decided to make the F-150 as a contemporary vehicle for personal use, while the F-250 and F-350 would be designed more conservatively for work-based customers.
Introduced in early 1996 as a 1997 model, the F-150 was a completely new vehicle in comparison from its predecessor. Similar to the original Ford Taurus of 1986, the 1997 F-150 was developed with a radically streamlined body. Dispensing with the traditional Twin I-Beam for a fully independent front suspension, the all-new chassis shared only the transmissions with the previous generation. In a major change, the long-running 4.9L inline-6 was replaced by a V6 engine as standard. The 4.6L Modular V8 shared with the Panther cars was optional (with a 5.4L version added in mid-1997); originally developed for use in the F-Series, the Modular/Triton V8 was the first overhead-cam engine ever fitted to a full-size pickup truck.
To improve rear-seat access for SuperCab models, a rear-hinged (curb-side) door was added to all versions. Following its popularity, the SuperCab gained a fourth door for 1999. In 2001, the F-150 became the first pickup truck in its size segment to become available with four full-size doors. Sharing the length of a standard-bed SuperCab, the F-150 SuperCrew was produced with a slightly shortened bed.
During the second half of the 1997 model year, Ford introduced a heavier GVWR version (8800 GVW), bearing the F-250 name. It was distinguished by seven-lug nut wheels. At the same time, the F-250 HD (heavy duty) was in the same series as the F-350 (same body style as the 1992 to 1997 model years; it was still built in South America only). Following the introduction of the Super Duty for 1999, it was quietly dropped.
In 1999, the SVT Lightning made its return, with output expanded to 360 hp; over 28,000 were produced from 1999 to 2003. For 2002, Lincoln-Mercury gained its first full-size pickup truck since 1968 with the introduction of the Lincoln Blackwood, the first Lincoln pickup. Sharing the front bodywork of the Lincoln Navigator SUV, the Blackwood was designed with a model-exclusive bed and was sold only in black. Due to very poor sales, the Blackwood was discontinued after 2002.
In 1998, the F-250 and F-350 pickups were introduced as the 1999 Ford F-Series Super Duty model line. While remaining part of the F-Series, the Super Duty trucks use a different platform architecture, powertrain, and design language, primarily as they are intended for heavy-duty work use. Designed in a joint venture with Navistar International, the medium-duty F-650/F-750 Super Duty were introduced in 2000.
Eleventh generation (2004-2008)
For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform. Externally, the eleventh-generation model was different from its predecessor, with sharper-edged styling; a major change was the adoption of the stepped driver's window from the Super Duty trucks. Regardless of cab type, all F-150s were given four doors, with the rear doors on the regular cab providing access to behind-the-seat storage. Ford also introduced the Triton engines in the variants of the F-150. Due to declining sales, the Flareside beds were dropped; this marked the first time in 56 years of F-Series production that Flareside beds were not available.
From 2005 to 2008, Lincoln-Mercury dealers sold this version of the F-150 as the Lincoln Mark LT, replacing the Blackwood.
In late 2006, 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 pickup directly from Ford.
From 2004 to 2006 offered a different bed style as well.
Twelfth generation (2009-2014)
The twelfth generation F-150 was introduced for the 2009 model year as an 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 pickup.
As part of a major focus on fuel economy, the entire engine lineup for the F-150 was updated for the 2011 model year. Along with two new V8 engines, the F-150 gained a new 3.7 Liter base V6 engine, and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5 Liter V6, dubbed EcoBoost by Ford. An automatic transmission is the only option. Other modifications include the addition of a Nexteer Automotive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system on most models.
A recent study conducted by iSeeCars.com and published on the Ford Motor Company Web site listed Ford F-250 Super Duty as the top longest-lasting vehicle and Expedition, Explorer and F-150 in the top 20 longest-lasting vehicle.
Thirteenth generation (2015-present)
For the 2015 model year, Ford Motor Company introduced the thirteenth-generation F-150. Without physically changing any dimensions from its predecessor, in the interest of fuel economy, designers reduced curb weight by nearly 750 pounds. In a radical change for a mass-market vehicle, much of the weight reduction stems the change from steel to aluminum in its body structure (the majority of the frame itself remains high-strength steel). With the lone exception of the firewall, all sheet metal used for the F-150 body is aluminum.
Largely previewed by the Ford Atlas concept vehicle at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the styling introduced a completely new design language for the Ford F-Series; only the stepped window from the Super Duty was carried over. To prove the durability of the aluminum-intensive design, camouflaged prototypes were entered in the Baja 1000 endurance race, in which the vehicles finished.
To further increase fuel economy, a 3.5L V6 became the base engine with the introduction of a 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 alongside the 3.5L version; the 5.0L V8 remained available. The 2015 F-150 is the first pickup truck with adaptive cruise control, which uses radar sensors on the front of the vehicle to maintain a set following distance between it and the vehicle ahead of it, decreasing speed if necessary.
Ford has made several changes to their engine lineup for the 2018 model-year pickup, which Ford has confirmed will be a member of the thirteenth generation. The 3.5L base engine has been replaced with a more efficient 3.3L V6 that boasts the same power as the outgoing 3.5, but promises better mileage. The new 3.3L V6 will be mated to the existing 6-speed transmission. The 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, as well as the 5.0L V8 have had minor upgrades and improvements towards power and efficiency. The 3.5L EcoBoost will be mated to the new 10-speed transmission, while the 2.7L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 will continue to use the 6-speed transmission. These 3 engines will also all feature the stop/start technology which was previously only available with the 2.7L, further improving mileage across the board.
Ford is also introducing its first Diesel engine in an F-150, which they're calling the "Power Stroke" engine. The Diesel engine is a twin turbocharged 3.0L V6 from the "Lion" lineup of engines shared by PSA Peugot Citroën and Jaguar Land Rover. The engine will produce 440 lb-ft of torque and be mated to the new 10-speed transmission, and also feature the stop/start technology.
Outside of new engine features, Ford has stopped offering the Sony stereo system as an option and replaced it with B&O PLAY, a sound system designed by Danish audio system manufacturer Bang & Olufsen.
Exact mileage improvements have not been announced yet. This model will be expected to launch in the Fall of 2017, and will be American built at both the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. The F-150 is assembled at a speed of one per minute.
Special models
Throughout its production, variants of the Ford F-Series has been produced to attract buyers. While these variants primarily consist of trim packages, others are high-performance versions while other variants were designed with various means of improving functionality.
Unibody F-Series
For 1961 into part of the 1963 model year, Ford offered the F-Series with a pickup bed integrated with the cab (similar to the Ford Ranchero). While still produced on a separate frame, the design simplified assembly and streamlined the exterior design of the pickup
Specials
Introduced in 1961, the Camper Special was an option package for F-Series trucks; designed for owners of slide-in truck campers, the Camper Special featured pre-wiring for the camper, heavy-duty transmission and engine cooling, and a larger alternator. Introduced for 1968, the Contractor's Special and Farm and Ranch Special featured toolboxes and heavy-duty suspension; the Explorer Special was a lower-priced version of the Ranger trim level.
During the 1980 redesign of the F-Series, these options were no longer continued as part of the F-Series.
F-150 Nite
Sold from 1991 to 1992 on the Ford F-150 XLT Lariat, the Nite special edition was an monochromatic option package, featuring black paint and trim with a multicolor accent stripe. For 1991, it was exclusive to the regular-cab F-150; for 1992, it was available on all bodystyles of the F-150 and introduced on the Ford Bronco.
The Nite edition was available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with either the 5.0L or 5.8L V8; it also included a sport suspension and alloy wheels on 235/75R15 white-letter tires.
Eddie Bauer
For 1994, Ford introduced the Eddie Bauer trim level for the F-150. In a fashion similar to the same trim packages on the Aerostar, Bronco, and Explorer/Bronco II, it consisted of outdoors-themed interior trim with two-tone exterior paint.
SVT Lightning
Introduced as a 1993 model, the Ford SVT Lightning is a high-performance version of the F-150 produced by the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT).
Intended as a competitor for the Chevrolet 454SS, the SVT Lightning shared much of its structure with the F-150, but extensive modifications were made to the suspension and frame in order to improve the handling. Powered by a 240 hp version of the 5.8L V8, the Lightning used the 4-speed automatic transmission from the F-350 (normally paired with the 7.5L or Diesel V8s).
Though being 3 seconds slower in the 0-60 than the discontinued GMC Syclone, the Lightning retained much of the towing and payload capacity of its F-150 counterpart.
The Lightning was produced from 1993 to 1995; it was discontinued as Ford began design work on the 1997 F-150.
For 1999, the SVT Lightning returned after a three-year hiatus. As with its 1993-1995 predecessor, the design of the Lightning used the F-150 as a basis with a number of suspension modifications. Instead of a model-specific engine, the Lightning now used the 5.4L engine from the F-150; fitted with a supercharger, it produced 360 hp (increased to 380 hp in 2001). As before, the transmission was borrowed from the F-350 Diesel pickups.
In 2004, the Lightning was discontinued, as it was not included in the redesigned F-150 model line.
Harley-Davidson Edition
From 2000 to 2012, the Harley-Davidson Edition was an option package available on the F-150 (also the F-250/F-350 from 2004-2011). Primarily an appearance package featuring monochromatic black trim, from 2002 to 2003, the edition included a slightly detuned version of the supercharged 5.4L V8 engine from the SVT Lightning. In 2003, a 100th Anniversary Edition was produced on F-150 SuperCrews.
After 2008, the option package adopted many of the options featured from the Platinum trim level, featuring leather seating produced from materials reserved for Harley-Davidson biker jackets. For 2012, the Harley-Davidson Edition was replaced by the Limited trim level.
SVT Raptor
For 2010, Ford introduced its second high-performance truck, the SVT Raptor. In sharp contrast to the SVT Lightning, the Raptor is based on Ford's 1000 baja truck, with modifications designed to improve its on-road performance while still including standard Fox suspension, and the most capable off-road, mass-produced vehicle available. For the 2010 model year, the base engine was a 5.4 Liter V8 producing 310 hp (230 kW), the 6.2 Liter V8 was an option added mid year. Between 2011 and 2014, a 411 hp (306 kW), 6.2 Liter V8, both were paired with a six-speed automatic was available. The Raptor features a model-exclusive suspension with long-travel springs and shocks. To make room for its larger tires, the Raptor shares only the cab with a standard F-150; the pickup bed, hood and front fenders are wider and exclusive to the model. Initially available only as a SuperCab, a SuperCrew cab was added in late 2010.
For the first time on a Ford in North America since 1983, the word "Ford" was spelled on the grille of the SVT Raptor in place of the Ford Blue Oval badge.
In late 2016, the second-generation Ford Raptor (dropping the SVT prefix) returned as a 2017 model. The 2017 Ford Raptor is based on the aluminum-body Ford F-150 introduced for 2015. In a major change, the powertrain sourced from the Ford Super Duty is replaced by a re-engineered 3.5 Liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 paired with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.
F-150 Platinum
Following the 2008 discontinuation of the Lincoln Mark LT in the United States and Canada, the truck remained in production in Mexico until 2014.
For 2009, to replace the Mark LT, Ford moved into the luxury pickup truck segment with the Platinum trim level. Combining much of the content and luxury features of the Mark LT with more subdued styling, the F-150 Platinum saw more success than either the Lincoln Blackwood or Lincoln Mark LT. In 2013, the Platinum trim level was expanded to the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks.
F-150 Tremor
For the 2014 model year, Ford introduced the Tremor model of the F-150. The Tremor was released as high-performance sport truck for street truck enthusiasts. The regular-cab Tremor is based on the style of the FX Appearance Package with the 3.5 Liter EcoBoost engine and a 4.10 rear axle. The interior uses a console-mounted shifter, custom bucket seats and a flow-through center console not found in any other F-150. The Tremor is available in both 4x2 and 4x4. Both options feature an electronic locking rear differential and customized suspension. There were 2,230 Tremors built.
Motorsports
The truck won the San Felipe 250 eight times between 1999 and 2007.
Greg Biffle won the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Drivers such as Roger Norman and Larry Roeseler won the Primm 300 in 2003, 2007 and 2008.
In 2008, Ford announced its entrance into the Baja 1000 class-eight race for moderately modified, full-size pickups. The driver of record was Steve Oligos, supported by co-drivers Randy Merritt, Greg Foutz, and Bud Brutsman. The vehicle was built with collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT), Ford Racing, and Foutz Motorsports, Inc. The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completed the 2008 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race in 25.28:10, and ranked third in its class. Tavo Vildosola and Gus Vildosola won the event in 2010.
In the Best in the Desert race series, an F-150 SVT Raptor R completed the "Terrible's 250" race, placing second overall in the class 8000.
In January 2010, a single Raptor SVT (No. 439), driven by Chilean driver Javier Campillay, competed in the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally. However, the pickup was unable to finish due to a catch-up crash with another car in the middle of the road during stage seven. In January 2011, two Raptors started in the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally in Buenos Aires, with Campillay driving the more reliable Raptor (No. 375), and American female driver Sue Mead driving a T2 Raptor (No. 374). Mead crossed the finish line in Buenos Aires and won the "super production" class, the first North American class win in Dakar history. Campillay was unable to finish the 12th stage after losing time due to mechanical failure during the 11th stage, which led to his disqualification for failing to reach the race camp by the designated deadline.
Awards and recognition
The Ford F-150 has won numerous awards; in 2009 alone, it received:
- Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award
- 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
- Top honors as the "truck of Texas" as well as the "best luxury pickup" for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from Texas Auto Writers Association
- Automotive Excellence Award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
- "Top safety pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its standard safety technology: safety canopy side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
- Residual Value Award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light-duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections
- Motor Trend's Truck Trend Top 5 Pickups from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
- Accessory-Friendly Pickup Design Award from SEMA
- "Best overall half-ton pickup" from PickupTrucks.com
Sales
Quantities of Ford F-Series sold.
Variants
Medium-duty trucks
For most of its production, the F-Series was sold in a medium-duty conventional truck configuration alongside the traditional pickup trucks. Beginning in 1948 with the 1½ ton F-5 (later F-500), the medium-duty trucks ranged up to the F-8 (F-800). Prior to the 1957 introduction of the Ford C-Series tilt-cab, the medium-duty range was offered as both a conventional and in a COE (cabover) configuration.
Following the introduction of the fifth-generation F-Series in 1967, the medium-duty trucks were designed separately from the pickup truck range. Although remaining part of the F-Series range, the medium-duty trucks shared only the cab and interior with the F-Series pickup trucks. Since 1967, the cab design has changed only in 1980 and in 2000. Redesigned on an all-new chassis, the 2017 F-Series medium-duty trucks retain an updated version of the 2000-2016 F-650/F750 cab.
The medium-duty F-Series served as the donor platform for the B-Series cowled bus chassis produced from 1948 to 1998. Produced primarily for school bus bodies, the B-Series was discontinued as part of the sale of the Ford heavy-truck line to Freightliner in 1996.
Heavy-duty trucks
Above its medium-duty truck ranges, the Ford F-Series was used as a heavy-truck chassis during its early production. In 1951, Ford debuted its "Big Job" line, denoting the F-8 conventional. In 1958, the "Super Duty" and "Extra Heavy Duty" replaced the Big Job trucks, marking the debut of the Super Duty V8 engine line. In 1963, the N-Series became the first short-hood conventional built by Ford, replacing the F-900 Super Duty/Extra Heavy Duty. Although based on an all-new chassis and separate bodywork, the cab was sourced from the F-Series.
In 1970, Ford introduced the L-Series "Louisville" line of conventional trucks, moving all heavy truck development away from the F-Series. The L-Series/Aeromax would remain in production through 1998, as Ford exited the heavy-truck segment.
Vans
From 1948 until 1960, Ford manufactured the F-Series in a panel van configuration, largely replacing it with the Econoline in 1961. In contrast to General Motors, the panel van was never produced in a passenger "carryall" variant, such as the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban.
For much of its production life, the Ford E-Series vans shared a high degree of mechanical commonality with the F-Series; in the late 1970s, some body components were shared. Since the 1990s, this changed somewhat, as Ford updated the F-Series several times since 1992 while the E-Series continued on with very few changes; no powertrains were shared as of 2016.
Export
As of 2015, outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Ford F-150 is officially sold in most Caribbean countries (except Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Cuba), Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, the Middle East, Iceland, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, the Dutch territories of Aruba, Curaçao, Saint Maarten and the British overseas territory of the Cayman Islands. The SVT Raptor is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. Both are available in LHD only.
In Mexico, the F-150 (XLT and higher trim levels) is called the "Ford Lobo" while the F-150 SVT Raptor is called the "Ford Lobo Raptor". The F-150 XL is called F-150 XL.
There is a strong grey market presence of Ford F-Series trucks around the world, most notably in Europe, China, and Australia, and usually driven by wealthy car enthusiasts, as the higher end trim models are the most sought-after versions.
In Bolivia, Ford F-series truck are imported from the United States. F-150 single, super cab and crew cab are available with short and long bed. F-series Heavy Duty like F-250, F-350 are available in Super Cab and Crew cab with long bed, but the F-450 is available only in a chassis version. The F-150 Raptor is available, too.
In Australia, Ford F-series trucks are imported and converted to right-hand drive by several Australian importers, mostly by the Harrison Motoring Group, which as become the largest importer of F-Series vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere. Harrison F-Trucks have become Australia's number one converter and supplier of the famous Ford F-Series badges.
In the United Kingdom, most imported Ford F-Series trucks are the F-150 model, and usually the higher-end four door versions.
Right-hand drive versions of the F-Series for the United Kingdom and Australia were manufactured in Brazil.
In Argentina and Brazil, the petrol engines are often converted to also run with alternative fuels, E-96h (Brazilian-spec ethanol) and compressed natural gas (CNG). Biodiesel also is used in Diesel engines.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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