Ford F-Series Trucks History

In 1948, Ford introduced the F-Series, the first truly new pickup trucks since the beginning of World War II. Here's a look at the beginnings of the pickup truck that's since become Ford's all-time best selling vehicle.

Ford revamped its F-Series pickup trucks in 1953 to coincide with the company's 50th Anniversary. Take a look back at the features early 1950s buyers found when they went shopping for a Ford truck.

New additions to Ford's third generation F-Series trucks included the introduction of the first Styleside body in F-Series history, with a steel bed floor and a sleeker, more modern appearance.

F-Series power was boosted and Ford began producing its own 4WD trucks, no longer sending them out for conversion.

The Ranchero was introduced during this period, and Lee Iaccoca became Ford's Trucks Marketing Manager.

Ford made significant styling changes to its fourth generation F-Series trucks, tweaking the look from year to year.

The F-Series fifth generation brought along roomier trucks with better visibility and the introduction of new trim levels, including the "plush" Ranger edition.

Ford made major changes to its sixth generation F-Series trucks, updating structure, appearance, power and comfort.

Better aerodynamics was a key element in Ford's 1980 F-Series redesign, and ramped up power provided better hauling and towing capabilities.

Ford F-Series trucks from this period were all about change, from the first year of the re-design and throughout the period. Ford lead the way in anti-lock brakes, becoming the first to offer the feature as standard equipment on trucks.

Ford gave the F-Series somewhat of a facelift in 1992, but the changes weren't significant enough to call those pickup trucks a completely redesigned vehicle.

Rounded styling gave 1997 Ford F-Series trucks a more modern appearance than trucks in preceding generations.

In 1997, SuperCab trucks received a rear opening half-door on the passenger side, followed by an identical door on the driver's side two years later.

Ford resurrected the SVT Lightning after a 3-year absence, and in 2001 the F-Series SuperCrew became the first half-ton pickup truck with four full doors.

Ford added 2" to the bed sides on all F-Series trucks and lengthened its Standard and SuperCab models by 6". The lineup received a new engine that increased low-end torque and horsepower, but also improved fuel economy.

A new, fully boxed frame was introduced in 2004. That, and suspension changes, resulted in trucks with a better ride, especially on rough roads. Hydro-formed steel panels with additional built-in crush zones enhanced driver and passenger safety.

Ford made additional design changes during each of the this generation's four years.

You'll find more comfort and safety features than ever before in Ford's newest generation F-Series trucks, along with components built for increased functionality. Take a look at some of the options and standard features on-board the most recent F-Series Trucks.