Ford F-Series facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ford F-Series
2018 Ford F-150 XLT w/Sport Appearance Package
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Ford Lobo (Mexican model, 1992–present except base model XL)
Production	1948–present
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size pickup truck
Layout	Front engine, rear- or four-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor	1941–1948 Ford pickup

The Ford F-Series is a famous line of light-duty trucks made by Ford Motor Company. These trucks have been around since 1948! They are known as full-sized pickup trucks. The F-Series trucks are bigger than the Ranger but smaller than the huge Super Duty trucks.

The F-Series includes the popular F-150 pickup truck. It also has the Super Duty series, which are even tougher trucks. These include the F-250 through F-450 pickups, and even bigger commercial trucks like the F-600 to F-750.

The Story of the Ford F-Series

The F-Series first came out in 1948. It replaced older Ford pickup trucks that were built on car parts.

The F-150 is the most popular F-Series truck. It's currently in its fourteenth version, which came out in 2021. For many years, the F-100 was the smallest F-Series pickup. But since 1984, the F-150 has been the starting point.

There's also a cool off-road version called the (SVT) Raptor. It's built for tough terrain and has been around since 2010.

Over the years, F-Series trucks have been made in many different styles. They've been medium-duty trucks, "Big Job" trucks, and even panel vans. The F-Series also helped create big Ford SUVs like the Ford Bronco and Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator.

These trucks have been super popular! Since 1977, the F-Series has been the best-selling pickup truck in the United States. It's even been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. In Canada, it's been the top-selling truck for over 50 years. Ford makes F-Series trucks in four factories in the United States. By 2022, over 40 million F-Series trucks had been sold!

First F-Series Trucks (1948–1952)

The very first F-Series trucks were introduced in 1948. They were called the Ford Bonus-Built. These trucks came in eight different sizes. You could get them as pickups, panel vans, or even school bus chassis.

Second F-Series Trucks (1953–1956)

In 1953, Ford launched the second generation of F-Series trucks. They were bigger and had better engines. This is when the F-Series started using three-number names, like F-100, F-250, and F-350. The F-100 was the half-ton truck.

In 1956, the truck's cab got a big update. It had a new wraparound windshield and a redesigned dashboard. Seat belts also became an option. This was the last time the F-Series had separate front fenders.

Third F-Series Trucks (1957–1960)

The third generation, from 1957, was a major redesign. The front fenders were now part of the truck's main body. This gave the truck a smoother look.

In 1959, Ford started making its first factory-built four-wheel-drive pickups.

Fourth F-Series Trucks (1961–1966)

Ford introduced a totally new style in 1961. These trucks were longer and lower. From 1961 to 1963, you could even get a "unibody" design. This meant the cab and the bed were one piece. But people didn't like it much, so Ford stopped making it after 1963.

In 1965, the F-Series got a big update. It received a new front suspension system called "Twin I-Beam." This system was used for a very long time on F-Series trucks. Also, the "Ranger" name first appeared on a Ford pickup in 1965 as a fancy trim package.

Fifth F-Series Trucks (1967–1972)

The fifth-generation F-Series came out in 1967. It used the same base as the updated fourth generation. These trucks were bigger, had more engine choices, and offered nicer interior options.

Small changes happened over these years. In 1968, marker lights were added for safety. In 1970, the metal grille changed to a plastic one.

Sixth F-Series Trucks (1973–1979)

The sixth-generation F-Series arrived in 1973. It still used the same platform from 1965 but was much more modern. It had front disc brakes and a bigger cabin. The truck beds were also built stronger.

In 1975, the F-150 was introduced. It fit between the F-100 and F-250. This helped Ford meet new rules about vehicle emissions. In 1978, square headlights became an option on fancier models and were standard by 1979.

Seventh F-Series Trucks (1980–1986)

The seventh-generation F-Series, from 1980, was a completely new design. It had a new body and chassis. The outside was made to be more aerodynamic, which helped save fuel.

Over these years, the engines changed a lot. Ford added and removed different V6 and V8 engines. In 1983, a 6.9L diesel V8 engine became an option for the F-250 and F-350. In 1986, the 5.0L V8 engine got fuel injection, making it the first American pickup truck engine with this feature.

The F-100, which had been the smallest F-Series truck for 30 years, was stopped after 1983. This was because the F-150 and the new smaller Ford Ranger pickup covered its role.

Eighth F-Series Trucks (1987–1991)

The eighth-generation F-Series came out in 1987. It was a big update to the previous generation. The front of the truck looked completely new, with modern headlights. The inside was also redesigned.

All engines in this generation became fuel-injected. This meant the F-Series was the first American pickup truck line sold without a carburetor option. A five-speed manual transmission became standard.

Ninth F-Series Trucks (1992–1997)

The ninth-generation F-Series was introduced in 1992. It had a smoother, more rounded look, similar to other Ford vehicles of the time. Starting in 1994, light-duty F-Series trucks got a driver's side airbag for safety.

The "Flareside" bed, which has fenders that stick out, came back after six years. It had a modern look.

To celebrate 75 years of Ford trucks, a special 75th-anniversary package was offered in 1992. Ford also introduced the SVT Lightning, a powerful version of the F-150.

In 1994, a new 7.3L "Power Stroke" turbo diesel engine was introduced. This engine was a completely new design.

Tenth F-Series Trucks (1997–2004)

For 1997, Ford made a big change. They split the F-Series into two groups. The F-150 was redesigned to be more modern and comfortable for everyday use. The heavier-duty F-250 and F-350 were kept for work.

The tenth-generation F-150 came out in 1996 as a 1997 model. It had a new chassis with independent front suspension. This was a big change from the older "Twin-I-Beam" system. New engines were also introduced, including V6 and V8 options.

The new F-150 had a rounded look. The extended-cab (SuperCab) models got a third door for easier access to the back seat. Later, in 1999, they got a fourth door. In 2001, the F-150 was the first half-ton truck to offer a "SuperCrew" cab with four full-sized doors.

The powerful SVT Lightning returned in 1999 with a supercharged V8 engine.

In 1999, Ford also redesigned the F-250 and F-350. These became the first Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks. They had a different design and were built for tougher work.

Eleventh F-Series Trucks (2004–2008)

The F-150 was redesigned again for the 2004 model year. It had a new, stronger frame and improved suspension for a smoother ride. The four-wheel-drive versions now had vacuum-driven front wheel hubs, which helped save fuel.

The outside of the truck looked sharper. A big change was the stepped driver's window, like on the Super Duty trucks. All F-150s, no matter the cab type, now had four doors.

Ford also added new versions of the F-150. The FX4 Off-Road package became its own trim level.

Twelfth F-Series Trucks (2009–2014)

The twelfth-generation F-150 came out in 2009. It had a new look with Super Duty-style grilles and headlights. Regular Cab models went back to having two doors instead of four.

A new model for 2010 was the SVT Raptor, a special truck built for serious off-road driving.

In 2011, all the F-150 engines were updated to save more fuel. A new 5.0L V8 engine was introduced, and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 called "EcoBoost" became available. All engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Thirteenth F-Series Trucks (2015–2020)

Ford introduced the 13th-generation F-Series for 2015. This new design used a lot of aluminum in its body. This made the truck nearly 750 pounds lighter without making it smaller. The frame was still made of strong steel. Ford even tested these trucks in the tough Baja 1000 race to prove their strength.

The 2015 F-150 was the first pickup truck with adaptive cruise control. This system uses sensors to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.

New engines were added, including a 2.7L EcoBoost V6. In 2018, the F-150 got a mid-cycle update. It received a new grille and updated headlights. A Power Stroke diesel engine was also offered for the first time in an F-150.

Fourteenth F-Series Trucks (2021–Present)

The 14th-generation Ford F-Series was shown in 2020 for the 2021 model year. Even though it looks similar to the previous generation, every outside part was changed.

Engine options include V6s, V8s, and a diesel V6. A new hybrid engine, called "PowerBoost," combines an electric motor with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. All engines now come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The inside of the truck got new features like fold-flat front seats and bigger touchscreens. A new F-150 Raptor was announced in 2021.

A fully electric version of the F-150, called the Ford F-150 Lightning, was shown in 2021. It can even power a house!

For 2024, the F-150 got another update with new grilles and lights. Many features, like a digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen, became standard.

Special F-Series Models

Over the years, Ford has made many special versions of the F-Series to attract different buyers. These often have unique looks or special features.

Unibody F-Series (1961–1962)

For a short time in the early 1960s, the F-Series was offered with a "unibody" design. This meant the truck's bed was welded directly to the cab. It was supposed to make building the truck easier, but people didn't like it, so it was stopped.

Special Packages (1962–1979)

Ford offered many "Special" option packages for the F-Series. These were designed for owners with specific needs.

• The Camper Special was for people who used slide-in truck campers. It had special wiring and heavy-duty cooling.
• The Contractor's Special and Farm and Ranch Special had things like toolboxes and stronger suspension.
• The Explorer Special was a more affordable version of the Ranger trim.
• The Trailer Special helped with towing, with a trailer brake controller and a heavy-duty radiator.

These special packages were stopped in 1980, but many of their features could still be added separately.

F-150 Nite (1991–1992)

The Nite special edition was a cool-looking package from 1991 to 1992. It had black paint and trim with a colorful stripe. It was available on the F-150 and also on the Ford Bronco.

Eddie Bauer (1994–1996)

In 1994, Ford introduced the Eddie Bauer trim level for the F-150. Like other Eddie Bauer Fords, it had an outdoorsy interior and two-tone paint on the outside.

SVT Lightning

First Generation (1993–1995)

The Ford Lightning was a high-performance version of the F-150. It was made by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). It had a powerful 5.8L V8 engine and a heavy-duty automatic transmission. The Lightning was built to handle better than a regular F-150, but it could still tow and carry a lot.

Second Generation (1999–2004)

The second-generation SVT Lightning came out in 1999. It was based on the new F-150 and had a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine, making it very powerful. All these trucks had the Flareside bed. Production of the Lightning ended in 2004.

Harley-Davidson Edition (2000–2012)

From 2000 to 2012, you could get an F-150 with a Harley-Davidson Edition package. It had a special black look and sometimes a supercharged engine like the Lightning. In 2003, a 100th Anniversary Edition was made. This package was also available for Super Duty trucks after 2004.

SVT Raptor (2010–2014); Raptor (2017–present)

The SVT Raptor was introduced in 2010. Unlike the Lightning, the Raptor was built for amazing off-road performance, like a desert racing truck. It has a special suspension, big tires, and a unique front design. For the first time in a long time, the Ford Blue Oval badge was replaced with "FORD" lettering on the grille.

A second-generation Raptor came out in 2017. It used a lighter aluminum body and had a twin-turbocharged V6 engine instead of a V8. The third-generation Raptor arrived in 2021 with new suspension and even bigger tires. A V8 engine option returned in 2023.

F-150 King Ranch (2001–present)

In 2001, Ford partnered with the famous King Ranch in Texas to create a special F-150. This truck had fancy saddle leather inside and the King Ranch's "Running W" logo. It was the first light pickup truck to have a full rear passenger area with four full-size doors, known as the SuperCrew cab. The King Ranch is one of the luxury F-150 models.

F-150 Platinum (2009–present)

The Platinum trim was introduced in 2009 as a very luxurious F-150. It took many fancy features from the Lincoln Mark LT. The Platinum trim also became available for Super Duty trucks starting in 2013.

F-150 Tremor (2014, 2021–present)

In 2014, Ford introduced the Tremor model of the F-150. It was a sport truck with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine and a special suspension. It was designed for street truck fans.

The Tremor returned in 2021 with the 14th-generation F-150. It's now a standalone model, fitting between the FX4 and Raptor. It has an updated EcoBoost engine, a revised suspension, and unique styling.

Ford F-150 Lightning

In 2021, Ford showed off a fully electric version of the F-150, called the Ford F-150 Lightning. It can go a long distance on a single charge and can even power your home! It has lots of power and can tow heavy loads. It also has smart driving features and can get software updates over the air.

Other F-Series Trucks

Medium-Duty Trucks

For many years, the F-Series also included medium-duty trucks. These were bigger trucks used for commercial work. They shared the cab and interior with the pickup trucks but had different chassis. These medium-duty F-Series trucks also served as the base for school bus chassis.

Vans

For the first three generations, Ford offered the F-Series as a panel van. This was a truck with an enclosed back for carrying cargo. This panel van was stopped in 1961 when the Ford Econoline van was introduced.

Since 1968, the Econoline/E-Series vans have shared engines with the F-Series trucks. Even today, the E-Series, mostly sold as a chassis for commercial use, shares its engines with the Ford Super Duty trucks.

B-Series Carryall (Mexico and South America)

In Mexico and South America, Ford sold a station wagon version of the F-Series pickup called the B-Series Carryall. This was because the US-made Econoline van couldn't be easily exported there. The Carryall used the front parts of the F-Series pickup but had a van body built by other companies. It was sold from 1963 to 1994. When trade laws changed in 1994, the US Econoline could be exported, and the B-Series Carryall was stopped.

F-Series Around the World

The Ford F-150 is sold officially in many countries outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These include countries in the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and Asia. The SVT Raptor is also sold in some of these places.

In Mexico, the F-150 (XLT and higher models) is called the "Ford Lobo," which means "Ford Wolf." The F-150 XL is still called F-150 XL.

Many F-Series trucks are also brought into other countries, like Europe, China, and South Korea, through unofficial channels. People who want to tow big trailers in Australia also like them.

Racing and Awards

The Ford F-Series trucks have done well in motorsports. They have won the San Felipe 250 race many times. They also race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

In 2008, Ford entered the Baja 1000 race with an F-150 SVT Raptor R. It finished third in its class! Raptors have also competed in the tough Dakar Rally.

The Ford F-150 has won many awards. In 2009 alone, it received:

• Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award
• "Best Redesigned Vehicle" from Kelley Blue Book
• "Truck of Texas" and "Best Luxury Pickup" for the F-150 King Ranch
• "Automotive Excellence Award" from Popular Mechanics
• "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• "Residual Value Award" for keeping its value well
• "Accessory-Friendly Pickup Design Award"

Police Use

A police F-150 used by the Toronto Municipal Police Service

Ford F-150s are often used as police trucks. They are great for patrolling off-road areas like mountains, forests, or beaches where regular police cars can't go. They are also used to transport special police teams (SWAT) or to carry equipment like cages for animal control or police boats.

Sales Numbers

Images for kids

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  1950 Ford F-3

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  1956 F-100

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  1959 F-100

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  1964 F-100

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  1968 F-100

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  1979 F-250 Ranger

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  1986 F-150 XL

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  1987-1991 F-150

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  1993 Ford F-150, with dual fuel tanks

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  1999 F-250 XL

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  Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition

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  2004 F-150 FX4

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  2009 F-150 XLT SuperCrew

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  2016 F-150

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  2021 F-150 Lariat with Chrome Appearance Package

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  2025 F-150 Lariat PowerBoost driving in electric mode

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  The F-150 shows how pickup trucks have grown over time.

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  1993 Ford SVT Lightning

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  Second-generation Ford SVT Lightning

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  F-150 SVT Raptor

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  Ford F-150 Platinum

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  Ford F-150 Lightning

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  Early 1970s Ford F-600/F-700

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  1956 Ford F-100 panel van

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  This 1955 Australian F-100 Freighter had special high side panels; note the right-hand drive.

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  2017 Ford F-150 NASCAR truck

See also

In Spanish: Ford F-100 para niños

• Ford F-Series (medium-duty)
• Ford Super Duty