Ford F-150

Intro

The Ford F-150 is the truck to beat when it comes to ½ pickup trucks. Year after year, the Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck on the market – not only in the United States, but in the entire world. Boasting an impressive track record, the Ford F-150 has won multiple awards and continues to generate incredible sales numbers, year after year.

Origins

The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular and iconic pickup trucks in history. In fact, when most people imagine a ½ pickup truck, the Ford F-150 immediately springs to mind. Interestingly, this prominent vehicle was not part of the original F-Series lineup when production began in 1948; rather, it was introduced in response to the demand for improved emissions standards. The F-150 was marketed as a tough, hardworking ½ ton, and quickly became the star of the entire F-Series.

Now in continuous production for nearly 40 years, the Ford F-150 has easily overshadowed all competitors. It adapted to the changing times when necessary, but has endured a remarkably low number of adjustments overall. It is no question that the F-150's versatility, dependability, and efficiency have made it an enduring classic.

About

The 2013 F-150 is as competitive as its predecessors, living up to its successful nameplate with its unparalleled versatility and immense variety. Considering the ever-increasing popularity of this timeless machine, and the long list of features and add-ons available to customize your F-150, don't be surprised if you have trouble finding two that are the same.

Features

With each 2013 Ford F-150, consumers are presented with the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; regular cab, supercab, or crew cab; a 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, or 8.0-foot cargo bed; and one of four available engines. Drivers can also choose between one of the ten trim levels: the base XL, the STX sport-inspired trim, the feature-packed XLT, the tough FX2, the heavy-duty FX4, the off-road monster SVT Raptor, the upscale Lariat, the western King Ranch, or the elite Limited or Platinum trims.

Engine options on the 2013 F-150 include a 3.7-liter V-6, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, a 5.0-liter flex-fuel V-8, and a 6.2-liter V-8.

Evolution

The first appearance of the modern Ford F-150 was actually the sixth generation of the F-Seriestruck. The F-150, a ½ ton positioned in between the existing F-100 and the F-250, was labeled the "heavy half-ton" due to its massive payload capacity compared to the F-100. The F-150 first made the scene in 1975, and by 1979, it had no competition in the ½ ton pickup truck market. The 1978 model year featured the addition of the Lariat trim to accompany the existing Ranger and Custom trims. A version of the Lariat F-150 endures to this day.

There were some significant changes between the sixth and seventh generation F-Series trucks. The whole series experienced a redesign, with an eye towards better fuel economy and a more aerodynamic ride. An entirely new chassis graced the F-150, along with a larger body with new exterior styling, featuring the classic Ford Blue Oval centrally located on the front grille. The Ranger trim was dropped, to be used as the nameplate for a new compact pickup truck. In 1987, the "3 on the tree" three-speed manual transmission was dropped from the F-150 features list.

The 1987 model year presented a more streamlined F-Series design, as well as standard rear anti-lock brakes. Trim lines included the Custom, XL, XLT, XLT Lariat and, in 1991 only, the Nite trim. Available engines included a 4.9-liter six-cylinder, a 4.9-liter Windsor V-8, and a 5.8-liter Windsor V-8.

The ninth generation of F-Series represented a sharp division between the F-150 and other trucks. Following this generation, the Ford F-250 and F-350 received a special classification as F-Series Super Duty trucks. In 1994, a driver's side airbag was included in the F-150, as well as a variety of high-tech options like an in-dash CD player and remote keyless entry.

The tenth generation of the F-Series set the F-150 apart from the heavier, Super Duty models. It underwent a major redesign, which included a more rounded, aerodynamic front. This split seems to have worked in the F-150's favor, as it soared in sales and was named truck of the year in 1997. The ability to customize your F-150 became apparent with this model, offering the choice between a regular cab and SuperCab, short and long beds, and the addition of the Lightning, Harley-Davidson, STX, and King Ranch trims.

The current Ford F-150 has several updated engine options, most of which offer improved fuel economy. They are designed to more closely resemble their Super Duty cousins, and they come in a wide variety of trim levels and options.