Throughout its history, the Ford F-150 has remained the best-selling truck in the US and has been ahead of the competition for over half a century. In recent years, its reputation has taken a bit of a hit, but even so, it still sells well. It's not as if the competition isn’t up to the mark, it's just that somehow, the Ford F-150 established its dominance in the truck market.
Updated June 2021: Whether you're looking to buy a used Ford F-150 or just a fan of trucks or Ford vehicles in general, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article with the latest information to help you make a better and more well-informed decision.
Now that Ford has revealed its electric version, many feel that Ford is about to create a revolution of sorts in the truck bazaar.
That said; it's not as if every model year of the Ford F-150 is the best or perfect for every customer. There have been a few disappointing models in between but we aren’t here to talk about the bad, just the good. If you are on the lookout for a used Ford F-150, these are the model years to look out for, because in these years, Ford outdid even itself…
Taking into consideration customer satisfaction and overall vehicle ratings, here are the best model years of Ford F-150 ranked from the good to the best.
10 1994: Driver’s Side Airbag
In 1994, The Ford F-150 received an airbag at the driver's side for the first time in its long and colorful history. Not only could the driver now feel safer behind the wheel of his favorite truck, but he could also sing along to his favorite tunes as there was another the first for the 1994 model year — a CD player. Looks-wise, the F-150 was just about as aesthetically pleasing as a Ford F-150 could possibly be.
The truck wasn't lacking in the power department either. It was packing a 4.9-liter V8 that produced a very decent 190-horsepower. The '94 F-150 also had a CFC-free aircon as well as a center-mounted stop lamp. Additional door side beams also made the truck safer and people flocked to buy the '94 model.
9 2018: Fewer Recalls
So far, there really haven't been many recalls or reported issues with the 2018-year model of the Ford F-150, which of course makes it a very attractive option on the secondhand market. In addition, since the truck is fairly new, buying a used one means it should last you years, maybe even decades to come if properly maintained.
Another cool thing about the 2018-year model was that buyers had tons of options when it came to customizing it to their specifications, meaning literally every truck could be made unique. It was also filled with plenty of awesome technology and left its buyers rather happy with their choice of vehicle.
8 1996: Better Safety
The 1996-year model of the Ford F-150 was the last of ninth-generation models, and it was as good as this generation could possibly be. The interior was upgraded with better and safer interior upgrades. The new seat design had an integrated headrest for better comfort as well as an automatic locking restraint mechanism in the seatbelt.
There were seven models available, including the Eddie Bauer styles with wood grain trim. The 5-liter V8 was now more powerful, producing a very respectable 205 hp, making it one strong contender on the market at the time. Yet again, Ford had built a superior model with long-lasting prowess.
7 2009: All-New Luxury
By 2009, the '90s models were nothing but a faint memory, especially once people found themselves behind the wheel of the latest F-150 with its 248 horsepower V8 — there was no V6 offered this year. 2009 was also the first year for the Platinum trim level on the F-150. With its big body and ultra-sleek and plush interiors, this truck truly was a winner.
The 2009 F-150 was long-lasting and rather quick for its size. In addition, all work trucks came with special options. Even the base trims were decently loaded with features, making consumers fall in love with the 2009 Ford F-150.
6 2012: Truck Of The Year
2012 was the year Motor Trend decided to award the Ford F-150 with the Truck Of The Year award, making it all the more coveted by pickup fanatics. The truck still had that big and boxy design that made it so appealing, and the range of engine options certainly helped make it more popular with buyers.
Features like hill assist and neutral tow-assist made the 2012 F-150 a great work truck, plus the nine different trim options also meant it would fit any budget. Of course, the high-end Platinum trim was a lesson in how to design a plush, comfortable, and highly capable truck.
5 2001: Very Long-Lasting
The 2001 model receives a very impressive 4.7-star rating at Kelly’s Blue Book. Sure, it's not the most powerful truck ever made, especially seeing as this was the decade of the performance trucks. Still, it was very durable and there are plenty of models that still see daily use, having clocked in excess of 200,000 miles.
Clearly, this was a pickup truck that was built to last and deserves its spot on our list of the best Ford F-150 models ever made. Most consumers who bought this model agree that it was built very sturdy and is one of the best work trucks they've owned.
4 1993: The Birth Of The Lightning
1993 was the year when Ford launched the F-150 SVT Lightning pickup, and frankly, that in itself is enough to make this year a big hit. Granted, the Lightning wasn’t exactly the ideal work truck, but then again, it was never meant to be.
The XL was now the new base model, and although it didn't pack a ton of creature comforts, it was the perfect truck for those looking for a cheap, bare-bones workhorse that was capable of pulling heavy loads. For those with a need for speed, there was the Lightning. Even Lady Gaga drives an original 1993 SVT Lighting that's in mint condition.
3 2003: The Perfect Tow Monster
The 2003 Ford F-150 has legendary prowess, so much so that its fuel economy was a poor 12 miles per gallon. The powerful engine and the very durable powertrain and transmission meant this the truck became not just a favorite for those with work needs, but also those with adventure needs.
Hauling an RV or even a boat was as easy as pie with the 2003 F-150, and Ford said that this year, the F-150 came with over 75 improvements to it, making it all that much better than its previous years.
2 1998: Could Do No Wrong
1998 was one cool year for the Ford F-150 in that it came with very few issues or recalls and was based on a rather robust engine and body design. Many of these are still around and their Triton V8s, the engine of that decade, still purrs as smooth as smooth can be.
Buying one of these on the used truck market means that you may have to spend a little on its upkeep and maintenance considering the number of miles it may have already done, but that is balanced against the fact that they come cheap and still come strong.
1 2015: Welcome, Aluminum
The 2015 Ford F-150 may not have sold in droves, mostly because Ford went against market favor and launched their all-new F-150, with an aluminum body. According to Ford, this not only increased the strength of the truck but also the performance.
This body lightness, by some 700 pounds, decimated the competition in terms of not just fuel economy but also when it came to towing and payload. While aluminum meant it could be easily damaged if overloaded, the benefits outweighed the shortcomings.
Sources: MotorTrend, TheDrive