Ford Motor Company has a long and distinguished history of building some of the toughest and most dependable trucks you can buy. In fact, Henry Ford built his first trucks beginning in 1905, even before the first Model T rolled off the assembly line, and while those early trucks bear little resemblance to today’s modern pickups, the Ford F-150 history can’t really be told without acknowledging the evolution of Ford trucks in general.
In 1948, just after the Second World War, the American economy was booming. Ford created the first F-Series to meet the growing demand for affordable and hard-working trucks for average Americans. As popular as they were, no one could have predicted that these early trucks would lead directly to the best-selling pickup of all time – the Ford F-150. If there’s any question about how popular the F-150 is, just check out driveways from Athens to Jefferson, Winder to Loganville and all over Northeast Georgia.
Evolution of the Ford F-150
The first F-Series trucks were called the F-1, F-2, F-3 and upward, establishing the now well-known nomenclature that’s based on the load hauling capacity of each truck. In the early 1950s, the names were changed to the F-100, F-250 and F-350 and so on, with the F-100 being marketed as a practical consumer-oriented work truck.
The Ford F-100 went through five generations of changes before the F-150 was introduced in 1975. In 1976, the Ford F-Series became the best-selling truck in America, largely on the success of the F-150. As for power and load capacity of each, the F-150 fit in between the F-100 and F-250. The F-100, now mostly badged as the Ranger, and the F-150 existed side-by-side until 1983 when the F-100 was retired.
Ford F-150 Popularity
The Ford F-150 history is a success story from the day it was introduced. Sure, the groundwork had been laid by its predecessors, but the time was now right for a full-sized pickup that appealed to American families. The F-150 quickly became the best-selling truck in America because of its capabilities for sure, but also because it had style and features that until then had only been found in cars. The Ford F-150 brought two-toned paint, interior features and amenities that set it apart from other trucks.
In addition to offering conveniences, the range of trim levels and configurations available on the F-150 was conducive to a wide range of uses – including recreation. Whether hauling a boat, trailer or camper shell, the F-150 was the perfect choice for families here in Athens, GA as well as Winder, Jefferson, Loganville and all over Northeast Georgia. It had the power, styling and features that were important in keeping everyone happy.
Ford’s Commitment
As the F-150 evolved through the 1980s and 1990s, the commitment to building the best truck possible was Ford’s number one priority, and as the F-150 became not only the best-selling truck, but the best-selling vehicle in America, it continued on the cutting edge of technology and available features. The F-150 was offered in more styles and with more features than anything else available, and we continued to love it.
Now in its 12th generation, the Ford F-150 remains the best-selling truck in history and America’s most loved vehicle. Powered by new EcoBoost engines that deliver more horsepower along with greater fuel efficiency, the F-150 is continuing to adapt to the times, and the next-generation F-150 is due out in 2015, promising to deliver some of the biggest changes yet.
With its high-strength steel frame and aluminum body, the new Ford F-150 will be up to 750 pounds lighter and even more fuel efficient – without sacrificing power or payload capacity. At Athens Ford, we are extremely proud of the Ford F-150 history, and are looking forward to the next and future generations of this American classic.
Written By:Mark Ficken
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