Year after year, one vehicle stands atop the sales numbers across the U.S.: the Ford F-150. In fact, the F-150 has held that title for the past 39 years. As competent as the F-150 is, it's somewhat surprising that a full-size pickup truck has so completely captured the heart of the American buying public. After all, most people don't need a vehicle capable of towing giant trailers or carrying over a thousand pounds.
But it goes beyond mere payload ratings and ever-increasing engine technology. The Ford F-150 is also an institution, a symbol of American pride and hard-working people across the land. One could say that just as the country has grown and changed over the years, so has the F-150. From the vast farms of the midwest to the suburbs of major cities and everywhere in between, the Ford F-150 is a vehicle that Americans want to make theirs.
But what are some of the specific features that make the Ford F-150 so popular? Let's explore what makes the Ford F-150 the best-selling vehicle in the U.S.
The Ford F-150 Offers Classic American Style
With a front end that just says "let's go to work" and a muscular silhouette, the Ford F-150 is a symbol of American grit, ingenuity, and old-school values. Looking back on even the earliest versions of the Ford F Series pickups, way back in the late 1940s, they have an honest, tough persona that looks ready-made for a day working on a farm or hauling lumber to a construction site.
As the years have gone by, the Ford F-150 has become more rounded and aerodynamic but has never lost the down-home, made in the USA feeling it's always had. Today, the Ford F-150 is reminiscent of a draft horse; its roof is over six feet tall, and its substantial wheels and tires roll along like those on a locomotive. When a freshly washed and waxed F-150 rolls down the boulevard, it's an appealing sight to see, with various bits of shining metal and beautiful paint to shine in the sun.
This classic American style continues to define the Ford F-150 and the U.S. buying public agrees, purchasing nearly one million F-150's in 2019 alone.
It Has The Tools For Any Job
As great as the Ford F-150 is, all of that style wouldn't matter much if it didn't have capability to go along with it. From construction sites to grocery runs, the F-150 can handle it all.
It all starts with its available payload and towing, both being best-in-class. If you're a boat enthusiast or need to tow heavy equipment, the F-150 is good for up to 14,000 lbs. And due to the F-150's use of military-grade aluminum alloy, it can handle a staggering payload of 3,325 lbs.
The available Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) system continually adjusts the stiffness of the suspension, responding to road conditions and driver inputs. And an especially useful feature is the first-in-class onboard payload scale that connects to the Ford Sync interface, so you know just how much you're carrying.
A spacious, organized cabin gives plenty of space, whether at work or play. Thoughtful features to increase productivity like the stowable shifter, cloud-based connectivity, and large interior work surface are designed to help you get things done.
Even though it's a pickup truck, with its versatility, the Ford F-150 is a good choice for just about any buyer.
There's A Trim Level For Everyone
The Ford-150 has a trim level for a variety of buyers, based on their needs and preferences. Though the basic XL model will still toe the line when it comes to getting a job done, the higher-level trims like XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch add a bevy of technology and luxury features that are hard to pass up.
One of the most exciting developments in the F-150 line is the introduction of the Lightning model. A fully electric truck with capability that sets a new standard, the Lightning paves the way for Ford as the F-150 endures into the 21st century. Though still using traditional Ford styling, the F-150 Lightning is a technological powerhouse with the ability to act as a power generator when plugged into a home.
For the off-road enthusiast who wants to tackle any terrain without compromise, the F-150 Raptor is like a motocross bike on four wheels. In production since 2010 and continually improved with updated engines and design touches, the Raptor looks ready to run the Baja desert right off the showroom floor.
The real story of the F-150 Raptor is its long-travel suspension that can absorb large jumps and drops the same way a full-suspension mountain bike does. In 2021, with the Raptor now in its third generation, suspension travel is an amazing 14 inches in the front and 15 inches in the rear.
With its all-American persona, classic styling, and useful features, the Ford F-150 is a vehicle for just about any purpose. It's easy to understand why it's been the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 39 years running.