Ford F150 quick facts
- Texas Truck Works
Drive down any road in America and you're bound to see a fleet of Ford F-150 trucks dominating the landscape. It's no wonder, as the F-150 holds the crown as the nation’s top-selling truck for decades. Here are some compelling facts about the F-150 that even enthusiasts might not know:
1. The Ford F-1, launched in 1948, is the esteemed ancestor of the F-150. It quickly captured the hearts of farmers and small business owners alike. Despite its name, the F-1 never raced in Formula 1.
2. The iconic F-150 name made its debut in the 1975 model year, representing Ford's half-ton pickup, perfectly positioned between the lighter-duty F-100 and the more robust F-250. Its popularity skyrocketed immediately.
3. Just how popular is the F-150? The Ford F-Series has reigned as the best-selling pickup for nearly 40 years and the best-selling vehicle for the last 34 years, surpassing perennial favorites like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
4. The F-Series trucks have reached a monumental production total of 32 million units. In 2018 alone, Ford sold over 1.075 million F-Series trucks, which equates to a staggering sale every 29.3 seconds.
5. The "Ranger" name, now associated with Ford's compact pickup, was originally used in the '60s and '70s as a designation for an upscale trim level of the F-Series.
6. The Harley-Davidson edition of the F-150, offered intermittently from the late 1990s into the 2000s, merged rugged truck utility with the rebellious spirit of the iconic American motorcycle brand, featuring luxurious black leather and gleaming chrome trim.
7. The Ford F-150 Lightning is unforgettable. Initially released from 1993 to 1995 with a robust 240-hp, 5.8-liter V8, it made a powerful comeback in 1999 with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, continuing production until 2004. This powerhouse could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
8. In 2019, the F-150 celebrated its 71st year, maintaining an impressive average sale price of $46,700 in 2018. The F-Series alone generates more revenue than major corporations like Oracle, American Express, or Best Buy.
Ford continues to set the standard for excellence with the F-150. Keep leading the way, Ford.