Ever since Ford introduced the F-Series back in 1948, their trucks have been leading the automotive industry, not only in the United States but in the whole world. The iconic F-150 is America's favorite pickup truck used by construction firms, farmers, and any company that needed a big, bruising, barbarian, pickup truck.

RELATED: Here Are The Coolest Ford Pickups You Can Get For $10,000

But, as the years have gone by, the legacy wasn't the only thing Ford pickups were offering. Nowadays, it's all about the luxury and technology combined with remarkable handling and stunning performance. That's why we felt the need to compile a list of Ford's best pickup trucks.

7 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum

2009 Ford F-150 Platinum
via pinterest.com

We're starting off the article with the F-150 Platinum truck launched in the summer of 2009. Although its release was followed by many conspiracies about Ford, as soon as truck enthusiasts drove it, they fully understood it was the ultimate work truck.

2009 Ford F-150 Platinum
via driving.ca

The 2009 F-150 Platinum came with an integrated trailer brake controller, pop-out side steps, and all the luxuries that a worker could ask for. Starting from the 8.5-inch navigation screen, moon roof, leather seating, and retracting running boards. No wonder it's one of America's favorite trucks.

6 1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition

1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition
via flickr.com

The Nascar edition of the F-150 was introduced back in 1998 in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASCAR. It was considered Nascar's official truck, and its production was limited to only 3000 units. However, the truck was mostly sold in the southeastern states where NASCAR races were more popular.

1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition
via classiccars.com

This special edition of the  F-150 was painted all in black with NASCAR graphics. The interior as well was customized, fully to let the customer know they're driving a NASCAR car, the whole time. The engine, on the other hand, was a 4.6 liter V-8 available either with a 5 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic transmission. We cannot help but love it.

5 1940 Ford F-2

1940 Ford F-2
via mecum.com

It all started in the late '40s when Ford sold and built the first F-series to exist. One of those was the F-2, a truck that still manages to steal the hearts of all classic car collectors. How can it not? With one look, this truck transports you back to the good old '50s.

1940 Ford F-2
via mecum.com

Nevertheless, the F-2 was Ford's first 3/4 ton pick up truck. It was built with an eight-foot bed and its gross mass was around 5,700. Truly legendary, and the start of an era. Today, you can purchase one for not more than $40,000.

4 2004 Ford F-150

2004 Ford F-150
via caranddriver.com

Ford needed to do whatever they could to stay on top. Ever since the F-series became the best selling full-size pickup in the U.S for decades, there's no more make or break for them. Only in 2002, the F-series was sold more than the combined sales of Nissan, Mercedes, BMW and VW in the U.S.

2004 Ford F-150
via dragtime.com

Now, you understand why they cannot afford to make a single mistake when it comes to the F-series. And the F-150 in 2004 came with a very basic approach in terms of design. Yes, it looked much more masculine with all the exaggerated features, and it affected its weight. But the engine was a 5.4 liter Triton engine, rated at 300 horsepower. Absolutely amazing!

3 Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake

Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake
via motor1.com

Forget all the other Ford trucks you've encountered in your life, this one is absolutely crazy! If you've ever fancied the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, but wishes a truck version of that-your dream came true. We're talking about the 2020 Shelby F-150 Super Snake Sports, that kick out more horsepower than even the most powerful production Mustang.

Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake
via pinterest.com

We're not even kidding. The F-150 received a performance makeover from Shelby American. That means a 5.0 liter V8 fed by a supercharger responsible for bringing out all that damn power. This truck reached60mph in a matter of 3.45 seconds. Now you never have to worry about speed when you're driving a pickup truck.

2 Ford SVT Lightning

Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake
via caranddriver.com

Ford fans are absolutely obsessed with the SVT Lightning. That's no wonder, of course. Simple idea, amazing execution, what's not to love? The SVT Lightning was created purely to have higher speeds and great handling. Although, most people want a truck for for work, that doesn't mean there aren't those who prefer going fast.

Ford Lightning
via mecum.com

Ford, in fact, had to make sure that the SVT Lightning is just as capable and as great as the F-150. All the hauling, towing that the F-150 could do? Don't worry, the SVT Lightning does it better. Not to mention the edge-cutting technology it had to feature for all the performance. It's quite rare today, so if you encounter one, don't let it go.

1 2007 Saleen S331 Supercharged

2007 Saleen S331 Supercharged
via motorbiscuit.com

Let's get something out of the way: the Salen 331 Supercharged is anything but a normal truck. In fact, it's ridiculous-for good. The moment you realize what an exceptional truck it is, is when you climb into it. It's almost like climbing into a space shuttle.

2007 Saleen S331 Supercharged
via motordesktop.com

First, the S331's life began as a normal F-150. Only after Saleeen manufactures turned it into a high performance vehicle it becomes the masterpiece it is today. We believe, it's quite hard to find a more refined aftermarket truck than the S331. Although obnoxious, the main feature we have to talk about is the supercharged 5.4 liter V8 engine that boasts 450 horsepower. Something you'll fall in love with.

2020 Ford F-150 Raptor

[caption id="attachment_399582" align="alignnone" width="2362"] 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor via caranddriver.com[/caption] If you want a truck to completely own the road, then it's no other than the F-150 Raptor. For this feature alone, it had to make this iconic list. The Raptor's big all-terrain tires, combined with the stance and widened body, give it jaw-dropping off-roading capabilities, and at the same time, absolute comfort. [caption id="attachment_399580" align="alignnone" width="1200"] 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor via bumperstock.com[/caption] The F-150 Raptor comes with a 450 horsepower twin-turbo V-60 and a 10 speed automatic transmission. This beast can reach 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds. This Raptor, compared to anything full-size pickup truck in the market, it's on another level. RELATED: 15 Things You Should Know About the Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford V8

[caption id="attachment_400899" align="alignnone" width="1280"] 1954 Ford V8 via youtube.com[/caption] Automotive trends come and go, however, only a few have been as present as the V8 engine. And who initiated the use of a V8 engine for the first time in a production car? No one else, but Henry Ford himself. But that was in the year of 1932. In 1954 something else happened!  [caption id="attachment_400898" align="alignnone" width="4608"] 1954 Ford V8 via pinterest.com[/caption] We're talking about the brand new V8 engine for the F-series. It was indeed an amazing engine, that came as a result of a bunch of research and development. It was this exact engine that has formed the basis for the modern V8 everyone uses. So every time you drive a Mustang, or a F-250 just silently say "thank you" to the 1954 Ford V8.  RELATED: 16 Coolest Vintage Trucks That Went From Rust To Brand New

 2018 Hennessey Velociraptor

[caption id="attachment_399589" align="alignnone" width="2000"] 2018 Hennessey Velociraptor via hennesseyperformance.com[/caption] If you think the Raptor is the best truck you could've possibly imagined, but unfortunately it lacks a V8, the folks at Hennessey Performance Engineering have sold that problem for you. They built just what everyone needed, a V8 Raptor.  [caption id="attachment_399588" align="alignnone" width="2000"] 2018 Hennessey Velociraptor via hennesseyperformance.com[/caption] Thanks to its supercharger, the VelociRaptor V8 makes 758 horsepower. It's absolutely crazy! We have no idea how to call this creature? Super truck doesn't seem to cut it. In addition to that amazing engine, the VelociRaptor got new front and rear bumpers, extra front lightning and an upgraded suspension. For all the truck enthusiasts, this one is a dream come true! NEXT: We’d Love To Own These Modified Ford Pickup Trucks