Since being introduced to the market in 1948, the Ford F150 has become the most iconic full-size pickup in history. Ford has improved the F150 model from generation to generation and is poised to launch the Ford F150 Lightning to break into the Pickup EV market alongside the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian.
The Ford F150 has been the highest-selling vehicle in North America for the past four decades. The resale value of the Ford F150 is very good, and the powertrain options are tried and tested. The Ford F150 must be on top of the buyer’s shortlist, whether buying new or used.
After fourteen generations of the Ford F150 since 1948, and sales of 787,422 in 2020 the future for the Ford F150 looks poised to see it become one of the most successful models and a model that will enjoy a century in existence.
The current model year 2021 has a comprehensive range of powertrains and features, setting the Ford F150 up for success. Let’s look at some of the reasons why the Ford F150 is the most important model in the US.
Why The Future Of Ford Depends On The F150
The success of the Ford F150 during the past seventy-three years has been the foundation of the Ford brand’s financial viability and success. When GM and Chrysler needed an $85 billion bailout during the 2008 global financial crisis, Ford managed their way through the tough times and back to prosperity.
Ford leadership has also started with the transition to EV with comprehensive research and development that has led to the launch of the most anticipated model in the US in 2021, the Ford F150 Lightning. The Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian are also highly anticipated and have pre-sold a lot of units.
The competition in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment has been fierce and has helped Ford improve the F150 model that Tesla and Rivian have yet to learn.
The JD Power Verified Consumer Ratings for the Ford F150 has consistently placed this model in the top five in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment. Since 2017, the JD Power ratings have placed the model at:
2017 – Best Large Light Duty Pickup of 2017
- Ford F150 – 81,
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 80,
- Toyota Tundra – 80,
- Ram Truck 1500 – 78,
- Nissan – 78,
- GMC Sierra 1500 – 76
2018 – No 4 of Large Light Duty Pickup
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 83,
- GMC Sierra 1500 – 80, 2. Toyota Tundra – 80,
- Ram Truck 1500 – 79,
- Ford F150 – 78
2019 – No 2 of Large Light Duty Pickup
- Nissan Titan – 84,
- Ford F150 – 83,
- GMC Sierra 1500 – 82,
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 81,
- Toyota Tundra – 80,
- Ram Truck 1500 – 77
2020 – No 2 of Large Light Duty Pickup
- GMC Sierra 1500 – 86,
- Ford F150 – 83,
- Toyota Tundra – 83,
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 83,
- Ram Truck 1500 – 80
2021 – No 5 of Large Light Duty Pickup
- GMC Sierra 1500 – 85,
- Nissan Titan – 83,
- Toyota Tundra – 83,
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 82,
- Ram Truck 1500 – 81,
- Ford F150 – 79
Tough competition in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment has resulted in Ford continually driving the improvement of quality and reliability of the F150. The JD Power method of vehicle ratings uses customer feedback over the first three years of ownership and is the global measure of quality and reliability.
It is imperative for Ford, GM, and Tesla to achieve success with their large light-duty pickup models for the US automotive industry to stave off the onslaught on the EV market from China, Japan, and South Korea. If there is one segment where Ford has set the benchmark since 1948, it is with the Ford F150.
What To Look Out For When Buying A Ford F150
During the past five model years, 2018 was the worst one for the Ford F150, according to carcomplaints.com. The bulk of the problems related to engine issues with excessive engine noise and rattles, engine stalling, knocking or misfiring, and the presence of antifreeze in the oil are the most reported issues. Ford has been praised for attending to customer problems and carrying the cost of repairs.
The Ford F150 comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The diesel engine comes with a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty. The extensive dealer network throughout the US also means that help is never far away.
An important factor when considering the Ford F150 is whether to choose the gasoline or diesel powertrain. It would help if you considered how much driving you will be doing and whether you will be towing heavy loads. The diesel engines in the Ford F150 give you a lot of torque at low engine speeds, making it ideal for high mileage and towing heavy loads.
Conclusion
Ford has already announced that it plans to stop making passenger cars and focus on its strengths, the Ford F150 and other F-series trucks and SUVs. The Ford F150 Lightning EV is highly anticipated and can propel Ford into the future as one of the most successful US brands.
Ford can be criticized for many product failures in their past, but the F150 has been a great success and is evidence of their engineering and manufacturing capability. The demand for the Ford F150 in the used market is very high, and in the present market, the sweet spot is two, three, and four-year-old models.
If you are in the market looking for a full-size light-duty pickup, the Ford F150 has a proven sales track record, quality, and reliability history of making you’re shortlisted three models to consider. The modern Ford F150 with lightweight aluminum body panels to save weight and conserve fuel or battery power is a great vehicle to consider.
If you’re considering buying a used Ford F150 it’s worth investing a few dollars to check the VIN number against the vehicle database. An audit with a company like VinAudit (links to VinAudit) will guard against Mileage fraud, Salvage rebuilds, Title washing, Vin cloning, and a ton of other uglies.
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- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.