A Far Too Brief History of the Ford F Series 

Fun fact. Automatic and power steering were not available on 4x4s until 1973.

My first car ever was a 1998 f-150, I miss it so much.

2011 F-150 XLT here with a twin turbos , 3.5 liter engine with 6 speed trans. We have been using it for pulling our 8500 pound camper and our flat bed trailer with ATV's for about 12 years now. Seems to have been a good choice at $30,000 at the time. Gets about 20 MPG empty. ( thanks for taking the time to present this interesting information Jon )

I have a 1968 Ford F-250, that I pretty much built from the ground up. 2 door standard cab, bench seat, 2 wheel drive, 8 foot bed. 390 four barrel/ C6. Since I live near Phoenix, AZ, I even put A/C in it. This model was designed back when trucks were trucks, and were designed for hauling cargo, not people. It's as basic as it gets. Yes, it gets 8 mpg in town, between 12-14 on the highway. But it is also paid for, and has very low insurance and registration costs, so I can afford the gas. It's been over 10 years since I finished building it, and it has not needed any repairs since. I maintain it well. The suspension is somewhat stiff, but it is a 3/4 ton truck, not a luxury car. I love the Twin-I-Beam front suspension, though I would have actually preferred a solid front axle with leaf springs. Sadly, most people today are too wimpy to drive a truck like this. But they do notice it. Every time I go to the gas station, which is quite often, I get questions and compliments on it.

I have this 1981 ford f150 4x4 300 straight 6 paired with a 4 speed granny low T18. We knew the first owner of that truck and he used it as a daily driver for 12 years until he passed away from appendicitis. Then my uncle bought it from him in 1993, I’ve heard stories about how my uncle abused that truck off road and also used it as a daily driver but he said it never once let him down and he hardly had to do anything to that truck. He sold it in 2009 to a friend of the family and he drove it for years and mainly used it to pull his boats. Then one day about 6 months ago I got the opportunity to buy it from him for $500. Now 43 Years and probably half a million miles later that same original old 300 6 purrs like a kitten and has never had any major work done to it. There’s to no telling how many miles that truck actually has on it but I can say they don’t make em like they used to.

The Lincolns are so cool, I work at a tire shop as an alignment tech and we have one local guy with a Blackwood. Whenever he brings that thing in I’m all over it.

Sending the frame of a 1976 F250 4wd off to the sandblaster in the next week or so. Always love Ford trucks

Very nicely done, Jon. Your histories are always top notch.

Well done. Thank you Jon. It still stuns me that an entry level pick up truck costs more dollars than our first house. So much deterioration of the U.S. dollar.

I've got my Dad's '63 F100 that he used as a chore truck on the farm. He also had a 1965 red and white Ford pickup that when it sold at the farm auction about 10 years ago was still just like new. You had to roll down a window a bit when closing a cab door or the air pressure spike in the cab would pop your eardrums. Wish I could have kept them both but I only had room for one and the chore pickup meant more to me. It wasn't about money.

Ive had multiple gens F150/250s/350s the best one is my 89 F250 IDI 5spd ext cab just rolled over 87000 miles I got it with 34000 it just keeps on giving but it came from NE and has serious rust issues. However I just drug a 87 F250 6.9 IDI C6 ext cab out of my neighbors goat pen 67K miles zero rust except some minor surface on cab top where the chickens where roosting. My plan was to pull the non running engine out (neighbor said he couldnt get it too run) and swap the 7.3 IDI 5spd into it but one day of tinkering on the Glowplug circuit and fuel delivery and it fired right up with 2 new batterys.

Very nice video! One thing I’d like to mention is from 73 to 97 they all had the same rear window

Holy shit, the Model T chassis was versatile

I love my ford trucks. My issue comes in the form of options. I want a single option, but it leads to several other items in a bundle that i dont want. I want to be able to order a robust truck that doesnt have a ton of electronics to inflate the price and only serve as a problem while driving down the road. I miss key ignition, comfortable bench seats, am/fm radio with a simple cd player, maybe a usb that will read and play music. Heat, air-conditioning and manual lever engagement for 4x4 trucks. Im fine with a rubber floor instead of carpet.

1994 Splash Edition 4x4 is honestly gonna always be my favorite truck ever made

Great history Jon. While I’ve had my fair share of issues with Ford cars, I have owned three F-150s (as well as a 2000 Ranger) and they have all proven to be dependable trucks.

I love my 2002 SVT Lightning ⚡️⚡️⚡️ It’s a great truck and I love the sound of the 5.4 S/C. I bought it new in May 2002. It only has 32k miles.

I have a 90 F150 300 six auto, reg cab, long bed, in the family since new, 400,000 miles, the ONLY issues since new, 2 alternators, 1 water pump and fan clutch, it needs a 1lb of freon every 3 years (we converted it to R134a....no road salt hear, so that helps, but I honestly believe these older trucks can go 1-M miles over 100 years with no issues...

My grandad has a 2019 f-150, and my uncle has a 1999 f-350 that he inherited from my pawpaw. My youth pastor has a really cool f-350, and it is a newer model. My grandad had a 2008 f-350 king ranch but traded it for the f-150.

Love my 15 supercab with the 2.7. I was heartset on getting a 5.0 but one test drive i was sold. Only issue is the damn door latches when its cold

My dad had a 71 F100 Sport Custom back in the day. Each year during the summer we would go camping with it. Those were good memories.

Happy Gen 13 owner here. I salute your thorough efforts on this enjoyable episode. 🤟😎

I have a 1990 F250 XLT Lariat that has crank windows. It all other options except leather.

I like Ford over Chevy and have owned both, but I currently own a Ram 2500. Once I had all the emissions controls ripped out, the truck runs better and gets better mileage. I like older Fords, my last one was an 07 and I bought it with 175,000 miles on it. I'm mainly a Toyota guy and I was shocked that that F150 was not only NOT falling apart, it actually ran good! It didn't smoke or rattle or anything. I traded it in on a new Tacoma in 2014. My Chevy truck was a '97 and it flat fell apart at 90,000 miles. I had an '86 Toyota pickup that lasted 270,000 miles before the timing chain went out and I sold it. Most of the external engine parts needed to be replaced over the years but it was simple enough to work on so I did most of the work myself. The Chevy and Ford were too complex for me.

I have a 2011 Ford F150 with a 5.0L Coyote V8 in it with 160,000 miles on it and still going strong and its a beast and it sounds like a beast with the Borla ATAK exhaust on it as well. I also have a 1996 Ford F150 with a 5.0L (302) Windsor V8 with 210,000 miles and still going strong as well.

87 was a very pinnacle year

You knocked this video out of the Park. The amount of information and photos you shared in a very short time. Excellent 👍

My Dad had a 2015 F150 Lariat and recently traded it for a 2023 F150 Lariat.. excellent trucks!!

Wow, that vehicle has deep roots. It was an interesting video.

The Dodge Power Wagon had factory installed 4x4 right after World War II, and the 4x4 system found its way into their more modern pickup trucks (also known as Power Wagon) in 1957. Just saying!

I love how before I made it here I watched a gmc truck ad

Am I the only one that has grown to love the 10th generation? I hated it when it came out.. it has grown on me. Looks classic now.

The ninth generation F-series are my favorite.

Gen 9 stepbed has got to be my all time favorite truck.

Cool show Jon and this is definitely a tribute to my 2017 F150 . 😊

The ford 8GA motor is such a badass motor tank crews often said about how reliable those motors were and you can even put it in cars!

Love every body style ford truck

Nice job! I definitely learned a few things. I didn’t know the 09-10 used 2 versions of the 4.6 and no V6 offering! I have a 2018 regular cab short bed 2WD 2.7L and it’s been an awesome truck so far! Had it almost a year now, bought it from my dad who ordered it brand new in 2018.

Great Video Jon...keep pumping the time into your channel and I can see you hitting 100,000 subscribers in the next 18 months or less....

Love the History of Ford vehicles

My dad has 3 F350’s (1986, 1990, and 2016), an F450 (1988), and had a F600 and F750 (1971 and 1970)

I still believe that the F-series pickups should always have choices of V8 engines. Turbo V6 engines are sacrilege for true fullsize truck buyers. Nobody buys fullsize trucks for fuel economy. If they say they do, they're lying to themselves.

Great video, interested in one where you continued the heavy duty lineup info

Loved the video Jon! Fantastic job as always

We have a f150 lariat 1984 and it’s the only gas truck that I ever have watch puff black smoke like a diesel and I love it even tho the engine runs a little wonky P.S. it’s the same year as my 1984 winabago lesharo turbo diesel that’s also why I like it

I love my 1994 f250 2wd single cab. nothing like Bench seats and none of that modern bs

Ninth gen is still my favorite

Fun fact: before Ford completely gave up on Brazil there was a completely local version of the Ford F- Series, we had F-1000, F-4000 in all shapes and sizes

Great video. Love your history’s.

I’ve owned f series trucks from 350s to 450s from 1980 to 1989

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the 66 Ford F150 was very famous at its time because of the power of its engine and the solidity of the suspension systems, and it is still preserved to this day, after 57 years, as a keepsake.

My favorite was my reg cab short bed 94. It was 300 with 5sd. But being in the north east was very nice to it, went to the bone yard with 250k on it in 2012. There wasn't much left😢

Had 2003,2015,2018,now 2021 hybrid love them all. My Dad has a 2007 Lincoln MKLT great truck as well. Got my brother out of a Toyota he had a 03 F150 and loved it. 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇲🫡

My family had a 2004 Ford F-150 XLT Triton when I was little.

Great job on video. I believe the OBS 250/350’s were only available til 97, not 98.

The 4.2 V6 was from 1997 to 2008.

Wipers were not electric in 56. My first car Was a 56 F100. They were vacuum!

Love my ford trucks 🙏🏼❤️‍🔥

I got a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT 4WD in the summer of 2023 as a result of my 2000 Silverado Stepside Z71 being hit (it was parked) and totaled by a drunk driver. Got the Z71 for 4500 bucks a few years back, and the Mark LT for only $5,500 USD. It has much less miles than my previous truck at almost 215,000 miles now. I believe the exhaust manifold issue got to it before I got it, so its triggering some sensors, and we have had to replace the belt tensioner bearing recently. It is quite a fine and goofy looking truck but for getting to school and back for my last year of high school, its a pretty decent truck. Would I recommend one? Not particularly, you are better off getting a Silverado (GMT800 series) of that time period if you want a smoother and more truck-based ride.

Have 1951 F1. With 302, C4, and 9” rear end.

Got a 10th gen, 2002 F150 XLT. I love making fun of Fords but I’ll be honest, the 4.6L V6 is holding up much MUCH better than most of the 5.4L V8 Tritons and its been a fun build and, for a Ford, it’s bulletproof

Great vid!!!!!! 🤜🤛

My history with ford trucks is odd. I love the other brands like dodge and Chevy but the ford, ironically, is the most reliable of them all. I have a 2002 f150 king ranch that I bought last year. The truck has its moments but I still keeps going unlike my dodge I had years ago. Only thing I’ve replaced was an alternator meanwhile the dodge within one month needed a transmission then a fuel pump and tune up all in the same 6 month period. My f150 hasn’t failed me yet and I want to make it better cause it has served me this long. I’m actually thinking about getting another 10th gen someday.

2021 F150 with 2.7, its actually really reliable

Ford had a stretch cab (Supercab) back in the 1950s, but it was military only. At least one has survived.

From a handy reliable tool to an overpriced driveway ornament. How the mighty pickup has fallen.

In 2003, Ford sold both the "new" body style F150 and the "old" body style. The Old body style was called the Heritage Edition.

My 2014 FX4 5.0l is a beast😎

2008 Ford F-150 4.6L, just reached 375k miles. Runs and drives great

I use my wortrucks very rough.... Weve used F250s RAMS 2500s and GM 2500s... The GMs held up well, the RAMS are absolute JUNK and always broke, the F250s are absolute anvils and just get the job done.... Just purchased a 23 Raptor and its an amazing truck...

I've been a Ford guy for many years. I'm factory trained, I used to sell them tech them. Here's the problem that I have with Ford. The F150 has been essentially built off that 2009 model and hasn't had a radical departure since 1996. I have a 2003 lighting replica, I can't get rid of it because it's a great truck and the new ones are just way too pricey. I could go on. And on... and on.

They need to bring back the xlt for the reg cab with the 5.0

I only like the 1929 . 1951.1959 f250. 1974. F250. 1989. 2019 f450 .for door Dooley. 😊

I didn’t know Ford made dually trucks in 1930.

Not a Ford f series truck fan (but like them old rangers and Eddie Bauer expeditions) I'm a Chevy guy and own a 2012 RAM 1500 but Ford knows what they're doing when It comes to work trucks you can abuse and beat up working hàrd! Thank you Ford for giving GM and RAM some competition 😁🤭

The 1952 F1 was the first year with the straight 6 OHC through the mid 90s.

FYI Jon. Kyle Conner is trying to take delivery of a VF-8 this weekend.

I have a 1969 ford f100 pickup three on the tree with a 302 engine love my old truck I can work on the truck

Imagine choosing one of these off the showroom vs a GMT800

not even completely sure what trim mine is but it must be pretty low, the trim badges had rust under them and fell off lol. 1985 F-150 single cab and 8ft bed, 3 speed auto, 300 I6 and 2 wheel drive with dual gas tanks. no ac, not even an 8 track or cassete player

Have a 2002 ford f150 (287k miles) and had a 2017 ford f150 (150k miles) eco boost. Both great trucks, liked the 2017 better as the driver seats fitted my body anatomy better than my 02. The super cab 17 f150 was pretty spacious, I as 6’1 can fit comfortably in the rear suits. I like Chevy as well the same 2002-2005 ones that I’ve used, their window/lock buttons suck, and tailgates always give out.

The F Series is IMO the perfect truck.

You failed to mention the 3.0 V6 Powerstroke Diesel introduced in 2018 and axed in 2021

Woah we missed the introduction to the 6.9L idi for the 7th gen 😢

You forgot the mention the Introduction of the 6.9 IDI diesel in 1983

correction: 04-14, so 11th and 12th gen are basically the same trucks it was just a redesign to the body with better power options after 2011. The cabs are identical and most parts for them are listed as 04-14, such as the suspension. definitely not a radical redesign.

6.9 L diesel, I have one now, I have a 1985.

I’ve had a 07 lariat with the 5.4 triton super crew f150, 2012 lariat with 3.5 ecoboost super crew f150, 2016 supercab XLT sport 5.0 f150 , 2017 lariat sport FX4 5.0 super crew f150, and now a 95 XLT regular cab 5.0 f150 all in that order and my only complain is the triton v8 3valve is not a long lasting engine can phaser system is bad

Best truck ever...

lol didn’t even have a pic of my 1960 body style. It’s alright I still drive it daily

Interesting

My gen 10 (2002) Supercab is a 4-door; not sure when the 3-door disappeared.

I drive a 2010 F-150 XLT and love it. But what frustrates me is that starting with that generation and onwards, it's clear that these trucks aren't made primarily for work anymore. The abundance of crew cabs and leather trim and all the unnecessary fluff (like a motorized tailgate, really?) in both the actual trucks made and their marketing frustrates me to no end. I want a truck that I can use for work and actually treat like a truck, not something that costs more than my boss' house! I would never want one of the newer F-150 trucks. Not only are they way too expensive for a truck, but I've heard so many horror stories from a friend of mine whose family operates a Ford dealership near me about how many quality control issues they've had as of late. I just wish someone would offer a cheap, basic pickup I could use for work but I know the market demand doesn't match that desire unfortunately.

Ford Pick-Up trucks are the Best on the global market

07:22 beautiful Old English Sheepdog in the Ext cab version...I have 2 sheepdogs...

Twin I-beam suspension best suspension fucking ever indestructible 👍👍👍👍👍

I’m so old my first truck was a ford F1.

My brother has a 97 f-150 truck 4x4 and it's smaller than mine that's also a 1997 f-150 4x4. Mine is full size and boxier looking. What's up? Did they change models in the middle of the year?

Hadda 50 F1 chrome grill for far too short a time. Sadly, someone before moi stuffed a race cammed 350 into an otherwise stock truck. Didn't "go" well at all....

I thought the ST/X was a trim level for the Ranger pickup.