Generation history
The Ford F-150 has been through 14 generations, starting in 1948, 1953, 1957, 1961, 1967, 1973, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2009, 2015 and 2021. The gaps were 5, 4, 4, 6, 6, 7, 7, 5, 5, 7, 5, 6, 6 years, an average of 5.6. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2021. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2026 through 2028, centered on 2027. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The 14th-generation Ford F-Series was introduced for MY 2021 through a streamed Internet presentation on June 25, 2020. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Ford F-150 model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 1948–1952 | The first-generation F-Series pickup (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the previous car-based pickup line introduced in 1942. |
| Second generation | n/a | 1953–1956 | For the 1953 model year, Ford introduced a second generation of the F-Series trucks. |
| Third generation | n/a | 1957–1960 | Introduced in 1957, the third generation F-Series was a significant modernization and redesign. |
| Fourth generation | n/a | 1961–1966 | Ford introduced a new style of pickup in 1961 with the fourth-generation F-Series. |
| Fifth generation | n/a | 1967–1972 | Introduced in 1967, the fifth-generation F-Series pickup was built on the same platform as the 1965 revision of the fourth generation. |
| Sixth generation | n/a | 1973–1979 | |
| Seventh generation | n/a | 1980–1986 | The seventh-generation F-Series was introduced for 1980, marking the first ground-up redesign of the model line since 1965. |
| Eighth generation | n/a | 1987–1991 | The eighth-generation F-Series was introduced for 1987 as a major revision of the 1980–1986 generation. |
| Ninth generation | n/a | 1992–1997 | The ninth-generation F-Series was introduced for 1992 as the second redesign of the 1980 F-Series architecture. |
| Tenth generation | n/a | 1997–2004 | For the 1997 model year, Ford made a substantial change to the F-Series range of trucks, splitting its pickup line into two vehicle families. |
| Eleventh generation | n/a | 2004–2008 | For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform, which has a fully boxed-in frame and introduced rear shocks to mount outside of the frame for decreased wheel hop and improved ride quality. |
| Twelfth generation | n/a | 2009–2014 | The twelfth-generation F-150 was introduced for the 2009 model year as an update of the Ford full-size truck platform. |
| Thirteenth generation | n/a | 2015–2020 | Ford introduced the 13th-generation F-Series for model year 2015. |
| Fourteenth generation | n/a | 2021–present | The 14th-generation Ford F-Series was introduced for MY 2021 through a streamed Internet presentation on June 25, 2020. |
The Ford F-150 spent 5.6 years per generation on average. The current one is 5 years old. Treat 2026 to 2028 as a range, not a date.
Source: Ford F-Series (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Ford F-150 model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The first-generation F-Series pickup (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the previous car-based pickup line introduced in 1942. The F-Series was sold in eight different weight ratings, with pickup, panel truck, parcel delivery, cab-over engine (COE), conventional truck, and school-bus chassis body styles.
For the 1953 model year, Ford introduced a second generation of the F-Series trucks. Increased dimensions, improved engines, and an updated chassis were features of the second generation. In another change, the model nomenclature of the F-Series was expanded to three numbers; this remains in use in the present day. The half-ton F-1 became the F-100; the F-2 and F-3 were combined into the 3⁄4-ton F-250, while the F-4 became the one-ton F-350.
Introduced in 1957, the third generation F-Series was a significant modernization and redesign. Front fenders became integrated into the body, and the new "Styleside" bed continued the smooth lines to the rear of the pickup. The cab-over F-Series was discontinued, having been replaced by the tilt-cab C-Series. In 1959, Ford began its first production of factory four-wheel-drive pickups.
Ford introduced a new style of pickup in 1961 with the fourth-generation F-Series. Longer and lower than its predecessors, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and gearbox choices. Additionally, the 1961–1963 models offered an optional unibody design with the cab and bed integrated. The traditional separate cab/bed was offered concurrently.
Introduced in 1967, the fifth-generation F-Series pickup was built on the same platform as the 1965 revision of the fourth generation. Dimensions were increased, engine options were expanded, and plusher trim levels became available during the fifth generation's production run. Changes during the 1967–1972 run were minimal, but notable. In 1968, to comply with FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), marker lights were added to the rear bedside and front sides of the hood. 1970 saw a switch from metal bar style grillwork to the plastic eggcrate style.
The sixth-generation F-Series was introduced in 1973. This version of the F-Series continued to be built on the 1965 fourth-generation's revised platform, but with significant modernization and refinements, including front disc brakes, increased cabin dimensions, full double-wall bed construction, and increased use of galvanized steel. The FE engine series was discontinued in 1976 after a nearly 20-year run, replaced by the more modern 335 and 385 series engines. In 1975, the F-150 was introduced in between the F-100 and the F-250 to avoid certain emission control restrictions.
The seventh-generation F-Series was introduced for 1980, marking the first ground-up redesign of the model line since 1965. Alongside an all-new chassis, the pickup trucks received a completely new body. While distinguished by straighter body lines, the aerodynamics of the exterior were optimized to improve fuel economy. Sharing their cab structure with F-Series pickup trucks, medium-duty trucks (F-600 through F-800) underwent their first redesign since 1967.
The eighth-generation F-Series was introduced for 1987 as a major revision of the 1980–1986 generation. While the cab's sheet metal was carried over, many body panels were revised, including a completely new front fascia; composite headlights, the first full size American truck to feature them; the interior also underwent a redesign. The long-running Flareside bed design was retired (until its return in the 1992 ninth-generation), with all examples produced with Styleside beds (except for a very small number of 1987 models).
The ninth-generation F-Series was introduced for 1992 as the second redesign of the 1980 F-Series architecture. Adapting design elements from the newly introduced Explorer and redesigned E-Series and Ranger, the F-Series received a slightly lower hood line, rounding the front fenders, bumper, and grille. The light-duty F-Series received a driver-side airbag starting in the 1994 model year. After a six-year hiatus, the Flareside bed made its return, becoming a sub-model of the F-150.
For the 1997 model year, Ford made a substantial change to the F-Series range of trucks, splitting its pickup line into two vehicle families. Alongside vehicles designed exclusively for work use, the market segment saw a major increase in demand for dual-purpose vehicles for both work and personal use, effectively serving as a second car.
For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform, which has a fully boxed-in frame and introduced rear shocks to mount outside of the frame for decreased wheel hop and improved ride quality. This new body style kept the fully independent front suspension introduced in the last generation, but added vacuum-driven front wheel hubs for the four-wheel drive (4WD) versions. The previous generation had full-time connected front axles. The improvement saves fuel and by default goes into a wheel-locked position.
The twelfth-generation F-150 was introduced for the 2009 model year as an update of the Ford full-size truck platform. Similar to its predecessor, these trucks are distinguished by their Super Duty–style grilles (adding a third horizontal bar) and Edge/Expedition-style headlights. Regular Cab models now have two doors again instead of four from the last generation. The manual transmission was dropped for the first time, and the Flareside bed was continued until the end of 2009 (thus making it the very last factory stepside-style pickup truck to date).
Ford introduced the 13th-generation F-Series for model year 2015. Previewed by the Ford Atlas concept vehicle at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the new design was noted for its extensive use of aluminum to reduce curb weight by nearly 750 pounds without reducing its exterior footprint. Aluminum body stampings replaced steel with the exception of the firewall. The frame itself remained high-strength steel.
The 14th-generation Ford F-Series was introduced for MY 2021 through a streamed Internet presentation on June 25, 2020. Despite resembling the 13th generation, every exterior panel was revised. Powertrains include a 3.3 L V6, 2.7L and 3.5 L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6s, a 5.0 L V8, and a 3.0 L diesel V6. Marketed as PowerBoost, an optional gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain has been offered, pairing an electric motor with the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6.
Generation notes adapted from Ford F-Series (Wikipedia).
Today's Ford F-150