For 1993, a turbocharger became available on the 7.3L “IDI” diesel. In the middle of the 1994 model year (referred to as “1994.5”), International replaced the IDI with the new 7.3L T444E turbo diesel, the first engine branded as a Ford Power Stroke. While sharing its predecessor’s displacement, the engine was an entirely new design.
For the 1997 model year, the ninth generation was gradually phased out of production; the F-150 was replaced by the tenth-generation F-Series (see below), with the F-250 (rebranded as the F-250 Heavy Duty) and F-350 remaining in production through the 1997 model year. Introduced in mid-1998 (as 1999 models), the larger F-Series trucks (and the F-Super Duty) were replaced by the Ford Super Duty line of pickups and chassis-cabs.[citation needed]
Tenth generation (1997–2004)
Main articles: Ford F-Series (tenth generation) and Ford Super Duty
1997–1998 F-250 XL
For the 1997 model year, Ford made a substantial change to the F-Series range of trucks, splitting its pickup line into two vehicle families. From the 1970s to the 1990s, pickup trucks had transitioned in usage. Alongside vehicles designed exclusively for work use, the market segment saw a major increase in demand for dual-purpose vehicles for both work and personal use, effectively serving as a second car. To further expand its growing market share, Ford sought to develop vehicles for both types of buyers, repackaging the F-150 in a more contemporary design (as a larger version of the Ranger) while retaining the heavier-duty F-250 and F-350 for customers interested in a work-use vehicle.
The tenth-generation F-Series was introduced on January 25, 1996[10] as a 1997 model. Initially released solely as the F-150, a higher-GVWR F-250 was released in 1997. The model line was marketed alongside its predecessor, pared down to the F-250HD and F-350; for 1999, these were replaced by the Super Duty trucks.[citation needed]
Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition
In the most extensive redesign of the F-Series in 17 years, the chassis received fully independent front suspension, ending the use of Twin-I-Beam front axles. Sharing only the transmissions with its predecessor, the 1997 F-150 received a range of engines new to the F-Series, including a 4.2L V6 and 4.6L V8; a 5.4L V8 was added during 1997. Introduced in the full-sized Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car sedans, the Modular/Triton V8 was the first overhead-camshaft engine to be installed in a full-size pickup truck.
Distinguished by its rounded exterior, the tenth generation was again offered in standard- and extended-cab (SuperCab) configurations. To improve rear-seat access, a rear-hinged third door (curbside) was introduced for the SuperCab; following its popularity, the SuperCab received a fourth door for 1999. For 2001, the F-150 became the first “1⁄2-ton” truck offered as a crew cab with full-sized doors; produced with a slightly shortened bed, the F-150 SuperCrew shared the length of a standard-bed SuperCab.[citation needed]
The SVT Lightning made its return for 1999, powered by a supercharged version of the 5.4L V8; over 28,000 were produced from 1999 to 2004. For 2002, Lincoln-Mercury introduced the Lincoln Blackwood, the first Lincoln pickup. Sharing the front bodywork of the Lincoln Navigator SUV and the same cab and chassis as the F-150 SuperCrew, the Blackwood was designed with a model-exclusive bed and was sold only in black. Due to very poor sales, the model line was discontinued after 2002.[citation needed]
For 1999, Ford redesigned the F-250 and F-350, introducing them as the first generation of the Ford F-Series Super Duty model line. While remaining part of the F-Series, the Super Duty trucks were designed with a different chassis, powertrain, and body design, as they are developed for heavier-duty work use. For 2000, the Super Duty line was expanded to include the medium-duty truck (F-650/F-750) series, designed in a joint venture with Navistar International.[citation needed]
Eleventh generation (2004–2008)
Main article: Ford F-Series (eleventh generation)
2004 F-150 FX4
For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform, which has a fully boxed-in frame and introduced rear shocks to mount outside of the frame for decreased wheel hop and improved ride quality. This new body style kept the fully independent front suspension introduced in the last generation, but added vacuum-driven front wheel hubs for the four-wheel drive (4WD) versions. The previous generation had full-time connected front axles. The improvement saves fuel and by default goes into a wheel-locked position. Should a failure occur in the vacuum solenoid, system, or hoses, the wheel hub defaults to a 4WD position to keep from leaving a driver stranded. Internally, a three-valve version of the 5.4L V8 was introduced and replaced the previous two-valve version. Externally, the 11th-generation model was different from its predecessor, with sharper-edged styling; a major change was the adoption of the stepped driver’s window from the Super Duty trucks. Regardless of cab type, all F-150s were given four doors, with the rear doors on the regular cab providing access to behind-the-seat storage. Ford also introduced additional variants of the F-150. The FX4 Off-Road package available since the 2002 model year became its own trim level. A sportier version of the F-150 became available as STX, replaced by FX2 Sport in 2007.
From 2005 to 2008, Lincoln-Mercury dealers sold this version of the F-150 as the Lincoln Mark LT, replacing the Blackwood.[citation needed]
In late 2007 for the 2008 model year, the Super Duty trucks were given an all-new platform. While using the same bed and cabin as before, these are distinguished from their predecessors by an all-new interior and a much larger grille and headlamps. Previously available only as a chassis-cab model, the F-450 now was available as a pickup directly from Ford.[11]
Twelfth generation (2009–2014)
Main article: Ford F-Series (twelfth generation)
2009 F-150 XLT SuperCrew
The 12th-generation F-150 was introduced for the 2009 model year as an update of the Ford full-size truck platform. Similar to its predecessor, these trucks are distinguished by their Super Duty–style grilles (adding a third horizontal bar) and Edge/Expedition-style headlights. Regular Cab models now have two doors again instead of four from the last generation. The manual transmission was dropped for the first time, and the Flareside bed was continued until the end of 2009 (thus making it the very last factory stepside-style pickup truck to date). Outside of Mexico, the Lincoln Mark LT was replaced by the F-150 Platinum. A new model for 2010 included the SVT Raptor, a dedicated off-road model. Initially only available in a SuperCab configuration, a SuperCrew was added for 2011.
Also for 2010, Ford shifted its electronics from a general electric module base to the computerized and programmable body control module, allowing for fewer parts differences and programmable upgrade options from the dealer or factory.
As part of a major focus on fuel economy, the entire engine lineup for the F-150 was updated for the 2011 model year. Ford reintroduced the 5.0L V8 in the F-Series with its new Coyote dual overhead cam TiVVT engine producing up to 360 hp. The F-150 also gained a new 3.7L base V6 engine, and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6, dubbed EcoBoost. A six-speed automatic transmission became the only version. Other modifications include the addition of a Nexteer Automotive electric power steering system on most models.[citation needed]
A recent study conducted by iSeeCars.com and published on the Ford Motor Company website listed the Ford F-250 Super Duty as the longest-lasting vehicle and Expedition, Explorer, and F-150 among the top-20 longest-lasting vehicles.[12]
Thirteenth generation (2015–2020)
Main article: Ford F-Series (thirteenth generation)
2016 F-150
Ford introduced the 13th-generation F-Series for model year 2015. Previewed by the Ford Atlas concept vehicle at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the new design was noted for its extensive use of aluminum to reduce curb weight by nearly 750 pounds without reducing its exterior footprint. Aluminum body stampings replaced steel with the exception of the firewall. The frame itself remained high-strength steel.[13][14] To test the durability of the aluminum-intensive design during development, Ford entered camouflaged prototypes into the Baja 1000 endurance race, where the vehicles finished.
The 2015 F-150 was the first pickup truck[citation needed] with adaptive cruise control, using radar sensors on the front of the vehicle to maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, decreasing speed if necessary.
The 3.7L V6 was dropped, replaced by a naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 as the standard engine, with a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 added alongside the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. While the 6.2L V8 was withdrawn, the 5.0L V8 continued as an option, with a six-speed automatic as the sole transmission.[citation needed]
For the 2017 model year, Ford debuted the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost along with the new 10-speed 10R80 transmission. The naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6, 2.7L EcoBoost, and 5.0L Coyote remained the same and both continued to be mated with the 6-speed 6R80 transmission. Following the introduction of the 2017 Super Duty model line, the F-Series (F-150 through F-550 and Ford Raptor) were again manufactured using a common cab, for the first time since 1996.
For the 2018 model year, the F-150 received a mid-cycle redesign, revealed at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.[15][16][17] The three-bar grille design was changed to a two-bar design that debuted on the 2017 Super Duty model line. The 3.5L V6 was replaced by a 3.3L V6 mated to a six-speed transmission.[18] The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine and 5.0L V8 engines were fitted with a 10-speed automatic (from the Raptor) and stop-start capability (previously only from the 2.7L EcoBoost).[19] In 2018, a Power Stroke diesel engine was fitted to the F-150 for the first time, as Ford introduced a 250 hp/440 lb-ft torque 3.0L turbocharged V6 (from the “Lion” lineup of engines shared by PSA Peugeot Citroën and Jaguar Land Rover).[19][20][21] Also new for 2018 was Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go.[22]
The SuperCrew version of the 2018 F-150 received a IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.[23]
Fourteenth generation (2021–present)
Main article: Ford F-Series (fourteenth generation)
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat w/Chrome Appearance Package
The 14th-generation Ford F-Series was introduced for MY 2021 through a streamed Internet presentation on June 25, 2020.[24][25] Despite resembling the 13th generation, every exterior panel was revised.[26]
Powertrains include a 3.3L V6, 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6s, a 5.0L V8, and a 3.0L diesel V6.[27] Marketed as PowerBoost, an optional gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain has been offered, pairing an electric motor with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.[27] The six-speed automatic has now been dropped, with all engines paired to a 10-speed automatic.[26][27] The 5.0L V8 has received a cylinder deactivation system, marketed as Variable Displacement Engine technology, similar to GM’s Active Fuel Management and Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System.[28]
Along with exterior aerodynamic refinements, interior revisions included fold-flat front seats and larger touchscreens (including a digital instrument panel);[27] as an option, Active Drive Assist was offered as a driver-assistance system.
A new F-150 Raptor was announced in January 2021, with a high-output version of the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine.[29]
A fully electric version of the F-150 was unveiled on May 19, 2021, marketed as the Ford F-150 Lightning.[27][30]
Special models
Throughout its production, variants of the Ford F-Series has been produced to attract buyers. While these variants primarily consist of trim packages, others are high-performance versions while other variants were designed with various means of improving functionality.
Unibody F-Series (1961–1962)
For 1961 into part of the 1963 model year, the Ford F-Series was offered with a third body configuration, integrating the Styleside bed with the cab. With the pickup bed stampings welded directly to the cab before both assemblies were mounted to the frame, the design simplified the assembly and paint process (the configuration was similar to that of the Ford Ranchero). Following a poor market reception, the unibody pickup bed design was withdrawn during the 1963 model year.
Specials (1962–1979)
From 1961 to 1979, Ford offered several Special option packages for the F-Series, typically designed for owners with specific uses for their vehicles. For 1961, the Camper Special option package was introduced; designed for owners of slide-in truck campers, the option package featured prewiring for the camper, heavy-duty transmission and engine cooling, and a larger alternator. For 1968, Ford introduced the Contractor’s Special, and Farm and Ranch Special, which featured toolboxes and heavier-duty suspension. The Explorer Special was introduced as a lower-priced variant of the Ranger trim. The Trailer Special was offered with trailer brake controller, heavy-duty radiator, transmission cooler, and tow hitch.
In 1980, the Special option packages were withdrawn as part of the F-Series redesign, while a number of features continued as stand-alone options; the Explorer continued as a variant of the Ranger trim through the 1986 model year.
F-150 Nite (1991–1992)
Sold from 1991 to 1992 on the Ford F-150 XLT Lariat, the Nite special edition was a monochromatic option package, featuring black paint and trim with a multicolor accent stripe. For 1991, it was exclusive to the regular-cab F-150; for 1992, it was available on all body styles of the F-150 and introduced on the Ford Bronco.
The Nite edition was available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with either the 5.0L or 5.8L V8; it also included a sport suspension and alloy wheels on 235/75R15 white-letter tires.
Eddie Bauer (1994–1996)
For 1994, Ford introduced the Eddie Bauer trim level for the F-150. In a fashion similar to the same trim packages on the Aerostar, Bronco, and Explorer/Bronco II, it consisted of outdoors-themed interior trim with two-tone exterior paint.
SVT Lightning
1993–1995
Main article: Ford SVT Lightning (1993-1995)
1993 Ford SVT Lightning
Introduced as a 1993 model, the Ford SVT Lightning is a high-performance version of the F-150 that was produced by the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Intended as a competitor for the Chevrolet 454SS, the SVT Lightning was derived from the F-150; to improve its handling, extensive modifications were made to the front and rear suspension and frame. Powered by a 240 hp version of the 5.8L V8, the Lightning used a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission from the F-350 (normally paired with the 7.5L V8 or 7.3L diesel V8). While slower in acceleration than the GMC Syclone, the Lightning retained nearly all of the towing and payload capacity of a standard Ford F-150. Produced from 1993 to 1995, the first-generation SVT Lightning was withdrawn as Ford readied the 1997 Ford F-150 for sale.
1999–2004
Main article: Ford SVT Lightning (1999-2004)
Second-generation Ford SVT Lightning
After a three-year hiatus, Ford released a second generation of the SVT Lightning for the 1999 model year. In line with its 1993–1995 predecessor, the second-generation Lightning was based on the F-150 with a number of suspension modifications; in a design change, all examples were produced with a Flareside bed. In place of a model-specific engine, the second-generation was powered by a supercharged version of the 5.4L V8 from the F-150, producing 360 hp (increased to 380 hp in 2001).[31] As before, the higher-output engine was paired with a heavier-duty transmission from the F-350 pickup.
For the 2004 redesign of the Ford F-150, the SVT Lightning was not included, leaving 2004 as the final year for the model line. While of an entirely different design focus from the SVT Lightning, the SVT/Ford Raptor is the succeeding generation of high-performance Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
Harley-Davidson Edition (2000–2012)
From 2000 to 2012, the Harley-Davidson Edition was an option package available on the F-150. Primarily an appearance package featuring monochromatic black trim, from 2002 to 2003, the edition included a slightly detuned version of the supercharged 5.4L V8 engine from the SVT Lightning. For the 2011 and 2012 year models the 5.4L engine was replaced with a naturally aspirated 6.2L v8. In 2003, a 100th Anniversary Edition was produced for F-150 SuperCrew trucks. For 2004, the Harley-Davidson option package became available for F-250/F-350 Super Duty trucks. After 2008, the option package adopted many of the options featured from the Platinum trim level, featuring leather seating produced from materials reserved for Harley-Davidson biker jackets.[32]
For 2013, the Harley-Davidson Edition was replaced by the Limited trim level, retaining a monochromatic exterior appearance (shifting past motorcycle-themed trim).
SVT Raptor (2010–2014); Raptor (2017–present)
Main article: Ford Raptor
F-150 SVT Raptor
For 2010, the SVT Raptor was introduced as the second F-Series truck upgraded by Ford SVT. In contrast to the enhanced on-road performance of the SVT Lightning, the Raptor features upgraded off-road capability in line with a Baja 1000 desert racing truck (though preserving its status as a road-legal vehicle). Sharing only its cab with the F-150, the Raptor is fitted with a long-travel suspension, larger tires, and a model-exclusive front fascia. For the first time on a Ford vehicle since 1983, the Ford Blue Oval emblem was replaced by FORD lettering.
For the 2015 redesign of the F-Series, the model was placed on a two-year hiatus, with a second-generation Raptor (dropping the SVT prefix) released for 2017 production. Now derived from the thirteenth-generation F-Series, the Raptor adopted an aluminum-intensive body (reducing its weight by over 500 pounds). In another change, the V8 engine of the previous generation was replaced by a twin-turbocharged V6 unit.
The third-generation Raptor was released for 2021 (coinciding with the release of the fourteenth-generation F-Series). The rear suspension switched to coil springs (dropping the previous leaf springs), larger tires added, and the SuperCrew becoming the sole cab configuration. For 2023, a V8 engine returned to the Raptor as an option.