The Rundown
The Ford F-150 is a truck that continues to dominate in America and abroad. Quite possibly the most American vehicle ever made, this pickup continues to be the best-selling vehicle in America, and the best pickup. The F-150 is no fluff truck, it dominates because of its superior ability, reliability, and consumer focused options. This guide will help you purchase a used F-150.
Fourth Generation 1992-1996
The fourth generation is where we start because some may still consider these as working vehicles. 1995 was the last year of the inline six-cylinder engine, and since then Ford has used V6 engine formats as the base for their F-150 engine. The engines of this generation were improved in size from their predecessors, but still offered inline 6 and V8 engines. The transmission options included a 3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed manual transmission. The body was even more rounded out and still offered in regular or super cab options.
Fifth generation 1997 – 2003
The fifth generation is where we enter the realm of modern F-150s. This generation featured the complete redesign of the F-150, with new engines, and the first overall curved F-150 yet. Not only was the F-150 redesigned but its purpose as well. The F-150 was no longer meant as a commercial vehicle, but as a family hauler, and pickup. This left the Super Duty to become Ford’s commercial pickup truck series. Ford also started offering a V6 engine as the base engine, with larger V8 engines available on higher trims. Make sure to check your model year has enough towing capability for your projects, and the right body style for you. The grille unfortunately shrank quite a bit and certain model years are not the most attractive.
Sixth Generation 2004 – 2008
This generation offers more in cabin comfort than any other previous generation, focusing on a driver experience with passenger comfort. The sixth generation of F-150s makes for a reliable working pickup and comes closer to modern numbers of horsepower and towing capability. This generation started the growth of the F-150, and the pickup has become slightly larger with every iteration since then. They also featured a 5-star safety rating, making it the most family friendly F-150 yet.
Seventh Generation 2009 – 2014
The EcoBoost engine is featured on this generation, with six cylinders displacing 3.5 liters. With rounded styles becoming less popular, the seventh generation returns to a boxy look making the F-150 more rugged like the current models. This model introduces luxury features from Lincoln, and more creature comforts in the lineup. Ford also introduced trims that we know and love, the Tremor, SVT Raptor, and Platinum.
Eighth Generation 2015-2020
Aluminum panels have arrived! This generation featured the first NHTSA 5-star safety rating, and continued to be the best selling truck in America. Not only that but in 2017 the Ford F-150 Raptor was introduced and offered all of the off-roading goodies possible. Updated engines and towing capabilities are offered plus a suite of modern creature comforts. The F-150 went through a weight loss treatment, and now featured aluminum body panels that enhanced the fuel economy of the pickup and reduced the overall weight of the pickup.
Current generation 2021-2023
Ford continues to dominate the truck market by producing a truck that anyone can love. Not to mention the hybrid powertrain and the Ford F-150 lightning that entered the mix. Not only that but across the lineup any family can find the perfect trim, engine, and features for them. This generation offers the best features Ford has made yet.
Summary
The Ford F-150 is a great choice. The more recent years will definitely offer more creature comforts than older years, but older years offer memorable options with powerful engines and a steel frame. The best part is that there are options available across the board and each F-150 offers a reliable truck that gets the job done.