Ford is the leading truck manufacturer in the world. Let’s take a look at where Ford started and how its trucks have changed to get where they are today.
The first version of the Ford truck launched in 1909. This was called model “T”, and the following model was model “TT” in 1917. The first Ford car did not have the truck bed, however the second model did have a third-party area in the back. Eventually, the first Ford was adapted to have the truck bed as well.
Fast forwarding to the “first generation” Ford truck, the F-series was released in 1948. This stayed popular for about 4 years. This was following World War II, so the Ford company was looking to build to the consumer with a range of adaptability. This generation, along with the second generation, were built to be less heavy duty and more practical for consumer use.
Though there was not much to say about the third generation of Ford in 1957, the switch from a rounded frame to a more boxy profile was the defining feature of Ford trucks for the next couple decades to come. While the fourth generation came with a rounder look, the quick transition in 1967 to the fifth generation was extremely square and boxy. Both of these models contained a longer truckbed than previous models, as well as the switch from solid-axle suspension to twin-I-beam design. The idea was that the truck would drive smoothly like a car but be able to do whatever work the driver needed. Additionally, the top-of-the-line trucks started to have accessories such as power brakes and steering and air conditioning.
Seventh and eighth generation trucks from 1980-1991 were similar because they were hyper fixated on aerodynamics on the outside and luxury on the inside. What had been considered expensive features previously was now standard equipment for all trucks. The truck bed was a little shorter than the F series, however the grille became flat and the machine was capable of 145 horsepower. Moving onto the ninth and tenth generations, they remodeled from the boxy frame to a design closer to the one today. A short side note, the tenth generation was one of the quickest trucks ever tested.
Eleventh and twelfth generation started to focus on the consumer. Multiple versions were available with different sizes of truck bed for different functions. Additionally, a new platinum rim, wheels, and vented seats were offered. More recently, the thirteenth and fourteenth generation’s biggest change from the eleventh and twelfth generations was the engines. For the thirteenth generation, a 3.3-liter V-6 replaced the old 3.5-liter V-6 engine. For the fourteenth generation, (2021-present), there were 5 engine options available: 5.0-liter V-8 and four V-6s: two twin-turbo engines displacing 2.7 and 3.5 liters, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, and a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter.
In its own category, the Ford F-150 Powerboost and Lightning models made the exciting transition to electric vehicles. This was meant to support the global climate movement as well as provide handy features for the user. This included dual electric motors to move goods long distances, plug in for power tools, or even as a stand-in generator.
Heres a user’s opinion on their truck: “Overall, I like the truck very much. I like the roominess in the cab. I also like the power of the 5.0L engine and how it drives. [but] I do not like the auto shut off when you come to a stop. There should be a way to disable that. I also don’t like that I have to re-sync the music on my phone almost every time I start it.”
Though Ford trucks have changed significantly over the years, nothing changes the classic feel of driving a car that you know has been developed over many many years. 
