Introduction
Since its debut in 1948, the Ford F-150 has been the preferred choice for heavy-duty jobs and tough lifting tasks. For seventy-seven years, this full-size pickup truck has consistently ranked among Ford’s best-selling vehicles.
Now in its fourteenth generation, the 2025 Ford F-150 remains a highly sought-after top seller, available in eight different models. Ranging from the base model XL to the premium F-150 Raptor, this Ford pickup has a rich history of engineering advancements, making it a powerful option for towing and hauling, with plenty of space for both equipment and passengers.
With so many excellent models and years to choose from, we have created a comprehensive used buying guide to help you select the F-150 that best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- For fourteen generations, the F-150 has evolved from a replacement line to one of Ford’s most prominent and best-selling full-size pickup trucks.
- The first F-150 nameplate was introduced in 1975, a pickup truck between the F-100 and F-250.
- In 1986, the Ford F-150 5.0L V8 was the first fuel-injected engine in an American pickup truck.
- The 2018 F-150 was a top safety-rated pickup truck by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety rating.
First Generation Ford F-150 (1948-1952)
The first-generation Ford F-150 was rated by weight and sold in eight different classes. Its body styles included the pickup, panel truck, parcel delivery, cab-over engine (COE), conventional truck, and school bus chassis.
Second Generation Ford F-150 (1953-1956)
The second-generation F-150 debuted in 1953 as a bigger pickup truck with improved engines and new chassis.
This generation is significant to today’s model names because it introduced the F-100, the F-250, and the F-350, representing half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton, respectively.
This F-series also upgraded both interior and exterior design features, including the wraparound windshield and optional panoramic rear window.
Third Generation Ford F-150 (1957-1960)
The third-generation F-150 was modernized from bumper to bumper, featuring front fenders that integrated into the body for a sleeker, streamlined design. This generation was the first to produce factory four-wheel drive pickup trucks.
Fourth Generation Ford F-150 (1961-1966)
The fourth-generation F-series trucks were longer and included new engine and transmission options. This production featured an unpopular unibody design with cab and bed integration that has never returned to design choices in future models.
This fourth generation of F-series trucks first introduced the Ranger model to the lineup in 1965.
Fifth Generation Ford F-150 (1967-1972)
At its debut in 1967, the fifth-generation F-series pickup truck was larger and offered more engine options, and Ford introduced more luxurious trims to its lineup.
Sixth Generation Ford F-150 (1973-1979)
The sixth generation included engineering advancements like front disc brakes and the increased use of galvanized steel. The interior was modernized to match the updates in technology and comfort, which meant a larger cabin, new headlight designs, and more.
In 1975, Ford used the F-150 nameplate, and this truck was introduced between the F-100 and F-250 models.
In 1978, Ford introduced the Bronco F-series pickup, an important part of its historical and present production lines.
Seventh Generation Ford F-150 (1980-1986)
For the first time in seven generations since 1965, the Ford F-150 was completely redesigned from the ground up, featuring an all-new chassis and new body style.
Ford made engine adjustments to optimize power, and in 1986, the 5.0L V8 engine was the first fuel-injected engine in a domestic pickup truck.
The seventh generation F-series was the last lineup to offer a 3-speed manual transmission.
Eighth Generation Ford F-150 (1987-1991)
The eighth generation Ford F-150 was redesigned inside and out, including a new front fascia and headlights. Interior features were updated, with more room and upgraded sound system options.
Ninth Generation Ford F-150 (1992-1997)
The ninth-generation F-series pickup trucks celebrated Ford’s 75th anniversary with the 75th-anniversary package available for the 1992 F-Series lineup.
Tenth Generation Ford F-150 (1997-2004)
The tenth-generation Ford F-150 underwent a substantial redesign and upgrade, repackaging it as a modern pickup truck with contemporary design inspiration, rounder exterior features, and improved cabin designs designed with passengers in mind.
Eleventh Generation Ford F-150 (2004-2008)
The eleventh generation Ford F-150’s launch featured the introduction of four-door models and more cargo space and access.
Ford also debuted more F-150 variants, including the FX4 Off-Road package and the sporty STX model.
Twelfth Generation Ford F-150 (2009-2014)
The twelfth-generation Ford F-150 featured a grille with three bars, Expedition-style headlights, and a swap of four doors for two doors for a more compact look.
In 2010, Ford updated its vehicles with computerized and programmable body control modules, streamlining part replacement and programmable factory upgrades.
In 2011, Ford’s focus on fuel economy influenced a variety of engine innovations and updates, including the reintroduction of the 5.0L V8 and the new F-150 base engine, the 3.7L V6.
Thirteenth Generation Ford F-150 (2015-2020)
The thirteenth-generation Ford F-150 was launched in 2015 and became the first pickup truck to feature adaptive cruise control (ACC). This technology has since evolved into Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system that utilizes ACC along with other driver-assist features from the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system.
This generation of F-150 pickup trucks features EcoBoost engines, a regular cab with two doors, a return to the two-bar grille, and auto stop-start technology.
The 2020 F-150 SuperCrew was awarded a top Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety rating.
Current Generation Ford F-150 (2021- Present)
Still one of America’s favorite trucks, the Ford F-150 has been in its fourteenth generation of production since 2021, and these models are modern marvels.
From the large dashboard displays, large touchscreen, innovative technology connecting you seamlessly to your streaming content while you drive, plus wall-to-wall safety features and trailer assist technology, these F-150 models of this generation are next level.
This generation brought the fully electric Ford F-150 Lighting in 2021, LED headlights, and mechanical improvements.
The Truck That Delivers Year After Year
The Ford F-150 is a purchase and a gift that offers endless returns in reliability, safety, and capability, both on and off the road.
Whether looking for new or used Ford vehicles, the Alan Jay Automotive Network is the next place to shop to clear up the biggest item on your Christmas list: the best vehicle you have ever owned.
Happy Holidays from our family at the Alan Jay Automotive Network.