The first-generation F-Series pickup trucks were manufactured by Ford and introduced in 1948. Slotting just above the Ford Ranger, the F-Series is marketed as a range of full-size pickup trucks. Descending from the very first Ford Model TT Pickup, and later, the Model 50 Pickup, it was not until the second generation that Ford set the current naming system in place.
The F-100, F-250, and F-350 pickup trucks have been around since 1953, but the actual F-150, which eventually replaced the smaller F-100, did not make its debut until 1975 and was sold alongside the F-100 until 1983 when that model was discontinued.
2021 - present Ford F-150 (9th Generation)
The ninth-generation F-150 was introduced online on July 25, 2020, and entered into the fourteenth generation of the F-Series lineup. Much of what made the previous version so popular has carried over to this generation: the wide variety of powertrains, the chiseled aluminum body, and a host of trim levels to suit every need and budget.
Check out our review of the 2021 F-150 here.
Big changes for this generation include the addition of a new hybrid model, the F-150 PowerBoost. It uses a 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 engine and a 35 kW electric motor and promises at least 700 miles of range (gas engine and motor combined); the hybrid powertrain is available on all trim levels of the F-150.
Five engine options carry over from the previous generation, including the 5.0-liter V-8, four V6s with two twin-turbo engines displacing 2.7 and 3.5 liters, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, and a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter engine.
Other changes include the upgrade to a 10-speed automatic transmission on all trim levels and engines, a robust suite of active safety features including an optional hands-free driving system on pre-selected freeways, an optional onboard generator, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system on XLT models and above, and a variety of innovative features that make using the truck easier and more functional.
The 2022 model year introduces a host of powertrains, including a hybrid, diesel, and off-road-ready Tremor model and the all-electric F-150 Lightning.
Check out our review of the 2022 Ford F-150 here.
An all-new Black Appearance package is available for 2022 and can be used on XL, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trim levels. Another new package is the Bed Utility Package offered on the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Tremor trims and standard on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims.
The Tremor Package offers 33-inch all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, a four-wheel-drive transfer case borrowed from the Ford F-150 Raptor, and an upgraded suspension.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor offers a 450-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine; however, more power awaits in the upcoming Raptor R. Rumors suggest the Raptor R could inherit the Shelby Mustang GT500's 760-horsepower supercharged V8 engine to compete against the RAM TRX.
Also for 2022, Ford introduced the Rattler, an affordable off-road trim package based on the entry-level XL version. The Rattler setup adds features from the FX4 trim like skid plates, hill descent control, off-road tuned shocks, a locking differential in the rear, plus 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 (8th Generation)
The eighth-generation F-150 entered into the thirteenth generation of the F-Series lineup, and it came with big news. The 2015 F-150 welcomed aluminum for the truck's body panels, a move aimed at reducing weight and boosting the Ford pickup's fuel economy.
Driven:
Check out our reviews of the following F-150 model years here: 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020
This version of the F-150 is larger than previous generations and features the choice of several engines, including the base V6, a 2.7-liter, 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbo V6, 3.0-liter turbo diesel, or a 5.0-liter V8 engine.
The regular, crew and super cab configurations were available. Luxury touches like LED headlights, advanced safety features, automatic start-stop, and a 10-speed automatic transmission kept it at the forefront of vehicle technology.
The 2015 Ford F-150 was the first pickup truck to a five-star NHTSA safety rating, and the F-Series trucks remain the best-selling vehicles in the U.S.
The Raptor was revised in 2017 and came standard with a more powerful 510-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.
2009 - 2014 Ford F-150 (7th Generation)
The seventh-generation F-150 entered into the twelfth generation of the F-Series lineup, giving the 2009 model year another complete redesign, including a fully boxed frame, an updated body shape, and luxury features that were previously reserved for posh cars and luxury SUVs. The redesign closely resembled the Super Duty brethren, adding showroom appeal.
All-new engines became available, including the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8. For 2010, the iconic Ford F-150 SVT Raptor entered the automotive market and attracted many drivers. Unlike previous SVT models, the Raptor is rugged and off-road-ready with its long-travel suspension. Early versions featured a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine, but Ford later replaced it with a 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine.
Refinement of the F-150 continued with small changes throughout the seventh generation with minor updates, including HID headlights, heated seats, and other luxury touches that continue to make the F-150 a viable family vehicle rather than a strict work hauler.
The Platinum trim level entered the seventh generation with an exclusive grille, 20-inch chrome wheels, heated and ventilated seats, and premium leather upholstery.
The 2014 F-150 Tremor entered the lineup and relied on the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 powertrain for motivation. This Ford truck was basically a regular-cab F-150 with a Tremor package, which included unique graphics, a 4.10:1 electronically locking rear differential, 20-inch wheels with 275/55 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, and the option of either rear- or four-wheel-drive.
2004 - 2008 Ford F-150 (6th Generation)
The sixth-generation F-150 entered into the eleventh generation of the F-Series lineup. The 2004 model year brought another exterior redesign that featured more squared design cues in the headlights, taillights, and other design elements. The regular cab and super crew both featured four doors while interior comfort reached new levels, making the F-150 even larger and more family-friendly than its predecessors.
The base V6 engine carried over from the previous generation with a five-speed manual transmission remaining standard, while the 5.4-liter Triton V8 remained optional and only available with an automatic transmission.
With the choice of either a 6.5- or 8-foot bed, a five-star safety rating, and a commendable redesign that welcomed the sixth generation pickup truck, the F-150 won multiple awards. It cemented itself further as not only a work truck but also a family vehicle. Customers responded positively, driving up the annual sales of Ford trucks throughout the country.
1997 - 2003 Ford F-150 (5th Generation)
The fifth-generation F-150 entered into the tenth generation of the F-Series and was introduced at the 1996 Detroit automotive show. The F150 welcomed the automaker's most dramatic redesign in over ten years. The new look carried over onto both regular and super cab layouts. It was more rounded and oriented to being used as a passenger vehicle and a hauler with impressive towing capability. This change left the F-250 and one-ton F-350 Super Duty models for commercial users. The sleeker F-150 utilized a new chassis, which was lighter and replaced the twin-I-beam front suspension in favor of a torsion-bar setup.
Ford replaced the inline six-cylinder engine with a 4.2-liter V6 engine, and the V8 options changed to 4.6 and 5.4-liter units, producing over 200-horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission remained standard.
The SVT Lightning performance F-150 was re-introduced for the 1999 model year as a performance version of the pickup truck. The Super Cab introduced a rear-hinged suicide door layout to better the overall practicality. Additionally, the 5.4-liter V8 engine received a power upgrade to 250-horsepower. The Super Crew Cab, a true four-door cab layout, and the top-of-the-line King Ranch trim were both introduced.
1992 - 1996 Ford F-150 (4th Generation)
The fourth-generation F-150 entered into the ninth generation of the F-Series. The 1992 F-150 offered a more aerodynamic body with an updated hood and fascia. A choice of a base inline six-cylinder engine or the same V8 engines were available: including a 5.0-liter or 5.8-liter. These engines were mated to a three-speed automatic, four-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or five-speed manual transmission.
The Nite Edition package remained available through the 1991 model year, but the SVT Lightning came in and took its place in 1993. It was mainly a sports version of the F-150 with the upgraded performance from the 5.8-liter powertrain. Driver airbags came standard in 1994, and 1995 marked the last year of the inline six-cylinder engine.
In 1995, the F-Series overtook the Volkswagen Beetle to become the world's best-selling vehicle.
1987 - 1991 Ford F-150 (3rd Generation)
The third generation F-150 entered into the eighth generation of the F-Series. 1987 welcomed a slightly more rounded design than the previous generation F-150 while engine options with additional horsepower gains remained the same. The four-speed manual transmission became standard, and the four-speed automatic transmission became optional.
Further improvements in ride dynamics made the F-150 more livable as a daily driver and even as a family vehicle. Regular and super cab models remained standard, and a five-speed manual transmission was made standard for the 1988 model year with three or four-speed automatic transmissions as options.
In 1991, Ford released the Nite Edition F-150 for the first time. Only available in regular-cab configuration, all Nite Editions were four-wheel drive XLT Lariats, exclusively available in black and with blacked-out trim.
1980 - 1986 Ford F-150 (2nd Generation)
The second-generation Ford F-150, the seventh generation of the F-Series pickup, was introduced for the 1980 model year with the same wheelbase and cargo capacity but less weight. Improved styling, including an egg-crate grille, a more refined ride, and regular and super cab options, was the second generation's highlights.
The inline six-cylinder engine remained standard, and two V8 engine options – a 5.0-liter and 5.8-liter were made available, both with over 130-horsepower and over 230 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed manual transmission and four-speed automatic transmission were introduced in 1981.
In 1985, Ford launched fuel injection for the inline-six-cylinder and base V8 powertrains.
For 1982, Ford revised the badging across the F-Series lineup, replacing the "FORD" hood lettering with the Ford Blue Oval grille emblem. This badging remains the same today across the F-Series lineup, except for the Ford Raptor.
1975 - 1979 Ford F-150 (1st Generation)
The first generation F-150 was introduced in 1975, right in the middle of the sixth generation of the Ford F-Series trucks. It was larger than the F-100 but smaller than the F-250. The half-ton F-150 came in both regular and super cab options.
The base engine was an inline six-cylinder producing just 113-horsepower. Two V8 engine options provided 145-and 160-horsepower, respectively. Its signature round headlights and large rectangular grille continue to be recognizable today.
The public welcomed an additional V8 engine option in 1976, and subsequent other V8 offerings with a much-needed horsepower boost in 1977. Rectangular headlights replaced circular ones in 1978, but otherwise, significant styling changes were minimal. A three-speed manual transmission came standard with an optional automatic transmission.
