The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by the Ford Motor Company that has been deemed the most reliable truck in the U.S. The Ford F-150 is part of the 6th generation of the F-series, and the pickup truck was first introduced to the American market in 1975.
Significance
The Ford F-150 pickup truck was an upgraded, more powerful version of the F-100 and was part of the extended cab versions of the F-Series, also known as the SuperCab. This half-ton pickup truck became immensely popular in the U.S. shortly after its debut, and by the end of 1975, nearly one-third of all F-Series sales were from the F-150. By 1976, the F-series trucks became the best-selling trucks in America, and they continue to be American icons.
Features
The current F-150s are customizable; buyers can choose from seven trim levels, three cab sizes, three bed lengths, two driveline configurations, several colors and two transmission types.
All F-150s can be configured as a rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive. They are versatile, high-utility trucks with several luxury options. By 1987, Ford made some slight modifications to the basic design and style; new features included front-end flush headlights; wraparound parking lights; an easy-access fuse box; antilock rear breaks; fuel-injection engines; and new fenders, hoods and bumpers for a more streamlined look.
By 1990, the F-150 could be purchased with a heavy-duty service package; this was designed primarily for construction workers and snow plow operators who wanted a sportier appearance, skid plates and a heavy-duty battery.
Engines
By 1997, the F-150 was equipped with three different engine types. The 4.2 liter V6 engine offered 202 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. The F-150s built with a 4.6 liter V8 engine offered 231 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. The F-150s with a 5.4 liter V8 engine offered 260 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
Specialty Models
Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the F-150 in 1998 by introducing its STX package for all XLT 2WD models. This package included 17-inch alloy wheels and a color-keyed grille. A unique trim style was available with this package, and F-150 enthusiasts could choose from 10 different configurations, including the Regular Cab 4x2 and 4x4 Styleside; Regular Cab 4x2 and 4x4 Flareside; SuperCab 4x2 and 4x4 Flareside; SuperCab 4x2 and 4x4 Styleside; and the SuperCab 4x2 and 4x4 Styleside.
Present Generation
The year 2009 to present marks Ford's 12th generation of the F-150 design. The first 2009 F-150 was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in early 2008. This generation of trucks was offered with three different engines: the 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8; the 4.6 L 3-valve V8; and the 4.6 L 2-valve V8. The Platinum Edition F-150 has replaced the Lincoln Mark LT truck in North America, and all pickups produced in 2009 are now equipped with automatic transmissions.
Ford has also unveiled its concept cars, hybrids and specialty cars for 2009 and 2010; these include the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, an off-road vehicle designed with a 5.4 L engine; the Haley-Davidson F-150; and four concept cars including the 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor; 2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 by X-Treme Toyz; 2009 Ford F-150 by Street Scene Equipment and the Hi-Pa Drive F-150.
Tags: Ford F-150, pickup truck, 2009 Ford, 2009 Ford F-150, engine offered, engine offered horsepower, horsepower pound-feet
