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The Top 5 Most Popular Ford Trucks of All Time
Truck production has never been more competitive than it is today. When you think of pickup trucks, there’s a significant chance that you think of the classic Ford F-150. Ford has been a powerhouse for trucks that provide strength, durability, safety, and comfort. It’s no wonder many drivers trust Ford for the job.
However, there are plenty of other truck models besides the Ford F-150. Throughout history, Ford has gone through many different models of pickup trucks to find the right ones that the public loves and appreciates. Here are the top five most popular Ford trucks of all time, thanks to their reliability and historical impact. Once you turn that key, you’ll fall in love right from the start.
The Ford F-150
With an immediate start, the Ford F-150 is one of the most recognizable pickup trucks in the world. Among the top five most popular Ford trucks of all time, the F-150 is no joke when it comes to power. It’s one of the leaders in average gas mileage for pickup trucks, and it also offers 6 seats, a variety of model types, and a towing capacity between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds.
Production for the Ford F-150 started in 1948, spanning over 13 generations, with worldwide acclaim and appreciation. In 2010, another F-150 model called the Ford Raptor came to the party, offering 450 horsepower and 510 pounds of torque. It’s no wonder the average truck driver so dearly loves the Ford F-150.
The Ford F1
Following the Second World War, the economy began to prosper with innovation and technology. At this time, there was no attention toward safety, handling, styling, fuel economy, or comfort for truck-drivers. Ford wanted to change this stigma, and so it created the F1, the first pickup truck based on a truck chassis. The focus was solely on providing a family-friendly vehicle.
The newly modeled F1 came built on a 114-inch wheelbase, stretching 7 inches wider and providing more headroom for drivers and passengers. It was the inspiration for future pickup trucks, but unfortunately, no modern trucks have the same iconic smooth curves and rounded edges like the 1950s model.
The Ford F-100
Jumping toward the second generation of the F-Series, Ford created the F-100 pickup truck in the 1950s. The inspiration for the F-100 came from the US Air Force’s first supersonic fighter jet, the F-100 Super Sabre. Paving the way for the modern supercharged trucks of today, Ford took the opportunity to show its potential after the previous generation of pickups.
Since its inception, the F-100 has become a prominent vehicle drag-racing force compared to its founding roots. The low-riding body and robust build offered reliability and became a stepping stone for the future of 4×4 trucks. Many modern truck enthusiasts flock to the F-100 for its historical impact and the ability for modifications.
The Ford Ranger
Ford introduced the first Ranger model in 1983. It offered 4 different engine options between 73 and 115 horsepower, later getting a frame improvement, interior enhancement, and a styling update in 1989. Up until its temporary discontinuation in 2011, the Ranger underwent many adjustments to become safer and more reliable, including a longer wheelbase, an improved frame, and a revised suspension. Ford also provided an electric version in the late 90s.
The Ford Ranger made a resurgence in 2019. Its new model comes with more intelligent safety technology, more robust materials, and a more rugged appearance than the previous models. The payload has significantly improved, coming well-equipped with 7,500 pounds of torque power. It also comes with better gas efficiency and a driving range of up to 414 miles per tank to allow long-distance travel.
The Ford F-250
A favorite among workers, the Ford F-250 became the first-generation model in 1998. Also known as the Super Duty line, its creation resulted from customers wanting a truck that worked hard and got the job done. Getting 15 to 20 miles to the gallon, it also has a towing max of up to 21,000 pounds.
The Ford F-250 came with the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel or the 6.2L Flex Fuel Gas V8 engine. This allowed average truck-drivers and workers to choose their engines, depending on how they used their trucks. Additionally, it provided a trailer reverse system, a collision alert system, tire pressure monitoring, and multiple camera angles.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, without other models of Ford pickup trucks, there wouldn’t be any of the famous trucks consumers have today. The many models through history created the foundation of modern trucks. So here are a few honorable mentions that shouldn’t slip into the shadows of their successors.
The Ford F-350
The Ford F-250 and F-350 have similar appearances, but they differ significantly. From a similar standpoint, both are full-size, heavy-duty pickup trucks. They also share the same cab size, bed size, and trim options while allowing cab choices to vary from regular, super, or crew sizes.
However, their differences are what matter. The F-250 starts at $34,700, and the F-350 starts at $36,000. Also, drivers need a commercial driver’s license to operate an F-350 in some states. As for rear wheels, the F-350 has an option for dual rear wheels. Lastly, the towing capacity of the F-350 tops at 32,000 pounds. So when it comes to overall strength and improvement, the F-350 offers more than the F-250.
1938 Ford Pickup
In 1938, the Ford Pickup had a pioneering design that featured the first conventional front-opening truck hood in the industry. Ford had also come out with a smaller V8 engine during its heated competition with General Motors. As the company promoted its Flathead V8 engines, it used its new 1938 Ford Pickup to its advantage for its customers. From there, the company made history.
Ford trucks offer power, safety, and plenty of fun for any driver. It’s especially important to keep them looking pristine and running their best throughout their lifetimes. If you have your Ford truck paint codes, visit us at TouchUpDirect, and we can provide the OEM paint code you’re looking for. With our online color database, we’ll help you find what you’re looking for today.
