Ford+-+Trucks


 * Brief truck history:**
 * < **1948-1952** ||< "The first F-Series, called the F-1 (half ton), F-2 (three-quarter ton), or F-3 (Heavy Duty), were introduced as **1948** models. A few "modern" improvements over Ford's previous pickups were smoother body contours, integrated headlights, a bigger cab and a one-piece windshield. Two engines were available: a 226-cubic-inch inline six rated at 95 horsepower and a 239-c.i. V8 that put out 100 horses." ||
 * < **1951** ||< "brought a new base engine, a 215-c.i. inline six with 101 horsepower." ||
 * < **1952** ||< "The F-Series continued through **1952** with some cosmetic revisions (such as different grille inserts) as well as mechanical upgrades (such as a waterproof ignition) to improve performance and durability." ||
 * < **1953-1956** ||< "A somewhat sleeker look appeared for **1953**, with the hood flowing into the grille and front fenders, as opposed to sitting on top of them. The consumer-oriented pickups were now called the F-100 and F-250. Heavy-duty versions were renamed F-350. " ||


 * Current Generation**

"Ford took a risky route and went for a very different look when it redesigned its F-150 in **1997**. The best-selling vehicle, let alone truck, in America for 13 years now sported a smooth jellybean-like style that stands in sharp contrast to the chiseled box look that endured for so long.

A trio of new engines are charged with propelling the F-150: a 4.2-liter V6 with 202 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, a 4.6-liter V8 rated at 231 horses and 293 lb-ft and a 5.4-liter V8 pumping out 260 horses and a stout 350 lb-ft of twist. (Note: Engine specifications are for 2002 models.)

As before, a dizzying variety of F-150s are offered. Regular cab, SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (a crew cab introduced for 2001) body styles cater to passenger-carrying requirements. A choice of standard or Flare side bed styles are offered (except on SuperCrew — standard bed only) and trim levels consist of base XL, midlevel XLT and plush Lariat. In addition to those, the Lightning made its tire-scorching comeback in 1999 sporting a supercharged 360-horsepower 5.4-liter V8, high-performance suspension, 18-inch wheels and a quarter-mile time of around 14 seconds. Another special F-150, the Harley-Davidson edition came along the following year. The Harley edition (based on a 2WD SuperCab) came with black paint with orange accents, huge (20-inch) wheels, special leather interior trim, and, of course, plenty of badges.

Leaving no stone unturned, Ford later brought out a couple of additional trim levels for the SuperCrew: a loaded "King Ranch" edition with two-tone paint and a cabin that would make a Texan proud with its abundance of saddle leather trim, and the latest Harley-Davidson edition that again features 20-inch chrome wheels wearing fat 275/45R20 tires, special black paint scheme with flame striping and obligatory Harley emblems and a black leather interior.

The other F-Series models, the 250 and 350, soldiered on with the pre-1997 body style and platform until 1999, when the heavy-duty brutes were completely revamped. A massive grille and a more traditional squared-off design separate these big boys from their smaller F-150 brother. Three body styles; regular cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab are available in the traditional Ford truck trim levels dubbed XL, XLT and Lariat.

Moving the F-250 and F-350 trucks are the same 5.4-liter V8 available in the F-150 and a pair of stump-pullers; a 6.8-liter V10 with 275 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque and a 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8 with 235 horses and a walloping 500 lb-ft of twist.

Ford chose to quietly mark the F-150's 50th anniversary in **1998**. Very quietly, as the celebration consisted chiefly of a 50th anniversary decal affixed to the windshield. An STX package became available on XLT 2WD models and featured 17-inch alloy wheels and a color-keyed grille. The top-dog Lariat now had a leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn signal indicators incorporated into the side mirrors.

A few years after the revamping of the light-duty trucks, the heavies got their turn for **1999**. Unlike the rounded styling of their F-150 and F-250 siblings, the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty versions had prominent grilles, angular body lines and "stepped-down" front side windows, all of which reinforced their big truck status. Regular Cab, Super Cab and Crew Cab body styles were offered, as was a variety of power plants that included the Power Stroke turbodiesel V8.

Y2K, otherwise known as the year **2000**, brought the Harley-Davidson edition of the F-150. Fitted with special leather trim, this special SuperCab Flareside 2WD also had black paint with orange accents, the 5.4 V8, massive (20-inch) chrome wheels and plenty of Harley emblems festooned about the body and cabin. The Super Duty trucks picked up ABS brakes (in Lariat trim) along with power windows and locks as standard for the XLT trim levels.

A crew cab body style, dubbed "SuperCrew," came aboard for **2001**. The Harley-Davidson edition adopted the SuperCrew body this year, and a new top-o'-the-line trim debuted, called King Ranch. Named after a huge Texas cattle ranch, not a new salad dressing, the King Ranch featured a handsome leather interior that called to mind a Western saddle. Four-wheel ABS became standard across the line as did power-adjustable pedals on the Lariat models. A trio of new options (heated front seats, power sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system) became available late in the year.

The Harley-Davidson edition added some bite to its bark for **2002**, in the form of a supercharged version of the 5.4-liter V8 that sent 340 horsepower to the rear wheels. Flame-styled pinstriping and a billet-style grille insert further distinguished the H-D F-150 from its predecessors and siblings. A SuperCab version of the King Ranch debuted as did an FX4 off-road option package (for Lariat and XLT 4x4s) that featured Rancho shocks, skid plates and unique accents.

Knowing that an all-new F-150 was just around the corner, Ford brought out a "Heritage Edition" for **2003** that featured special wheels, paint scheme, pinstripes and lower valance panel. Also bowing this year was a revamped STX edition geared toward youngsters that grouped a sound system with MP3 capability, a monochromatic body treatment and, of course, different wheels. Also helping to carry the F-150 through its last year of this generation were upgrades to the upper trim levels, namely faux wood trim and an in-dash six-disc CD changer for the King Ranch as well as a Pioneer audio system for the Lariat."

Reference: //Edmunds.com//. Admunds inside line, 2008. Web. 06 Oct. 2009. [].