Americana: The Ford F-150

 

It came as a surprise to me to learn that the Ford F-150 pickup truck has been America’s best-selling vehicle a total of 24 years. And it came as an even bigger shock to learn that one of those years was 2010 – in the era of high gas prices, that’s a pretty remarkable feat. Ford sold more than 500,000 units last year. To put that in perspective, Chevy sold about 345,000 Silverados, and Dodge sold less than 200,000 Rams.

Ford introduced its F-Series trucks back in 1948, with such exciting options as a passenger-side wiper, a passenger-side visor, and a windshield washer (operated by a foot pump). Ford is now on its twelfth generation F-150, and creature comforts are now promoted as fervently as payload and towing. Today’s pickup owner wants “seating comfort” and “acoustical quality.”

The respected edmonds.com car-buying website says in its review:

Originally conceived as a rugged, no-frills workhorse, the Ford F-150 has since morphed into a well-appointed ride. Versatility is the goal: This pickup truck can handle the needs of small businesses with the same aplomb it brings to a night on the town. And it isn’t just ranchers and contractors who cherish it: Anyone who needs to tow a boat, haul stuff or transport recreational cargo can take the F-150 to heart.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQc-osKQRn8]