If you follow online forums dedicated to trucks, it’s clear truck owners can get passionate about their favorite makes, models, and trims. Sometimes, discussions are downright hostile as people get bent out of shape when someone says something negative about their favorite trucks.
But no matter what the fans say, there is an undisputed leader in the space. And that happens to be the Ford F-Series.
It’s the best-selling truck in the United States and has been for decades. Whether you like it or loathe it, the F-Series lineup consistently outsells other pickup trucks. Kelley Blue Book reports that Ford’s F-Series trucks are the best-selling vehicles mid-way through this year.
In a press release late last year, the company announced it sold north of 700,000 Ford F-Series trucks in the U.S. in 2023. That feat makes Ford the best-selling truck manufacturer in the country for the 47th straight year.
What’s the Allure?
If you own an F-Series truck, its allure might be no surprise. Whether or not that’s the case, there’s just something about these trucks.
So here are 15 reasons Americans can’t seem to get enough of the Ford F-Series truck lineup.
Ford Knows Its Customer Base
In the press release mentioned above, Robert Kaffl, director of U.S. sales for Ford, says the success of the F-Series comes down to “excellence, innovation, and understanding the needs of our customers.” The “Built Ford Tough” tagline is something the vehicle manufacturer takes seriously, and it appears Americans believe it.
Ford Offers New Digital Experiences
Kaffl adds that Ford offers consumers new digital experiences, which he says is a factor in the success of the F-Series. He mentions Pro Power Onboard, a technology that helps drivers power work sites and residences when the power grid goes down. Other technologies facilitate hands-free driving and towing.
Ford Offers Many Powertrain Options
Kaffl says consumers also appreciate the variety of powertrains available. Whether for work, the family farm, or fun while out and about, truck owners want powertrains that meet their needs.
The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, which Ford says is the best-selling full-size hybrid truck in the U.S., and the all-electric F-150 Lightning are two popular powertrains.
Ford Offers Tons of Customization Options
F-Series pickup trucks are popular because of the customization factor. Truck buyers have many options for models, layouts, and trims. Whether you need something for serious towing and hauling or you want one because you want one, Ford offers customization options to get the job done.
Ford Offers Great Towing and Hauling Specs
If towing and hauling is your thing, Ford has a truck for that. One example is the Ford F-150 with a 3.5L PowerBoost complete hybrid V6 engine. It has 430 hp and tows up to 11,200 lbs. Of course, you can get an F-250, F-350, or a higher model for even more towing capacity.
Ford F-Series Trucks Have Relatively High Resale Value
While vehicles typically lose some of their value the moment they drive off the lot, that doesn’t mean depreciation hits the same for all vehicles. Some depreciate more than others. For instance, an F-250 Super Duty will keep almost 90%—87%, specifically—of its value over five years. The F-350 and F-150 do almost as well.
Ford F-Series Trucks Are (Relatively) Fuel Efficient
People who buy trucks don’t typically fret over fuel efficiency specs. They assume that lousy gas mileage is part of the package. However, Ford offers hybrid powertrains and EcoBoost engines that make its F-Series trucks more fuel-efficient than many of its rivals.
Ford F-Series Trucks Have a Good Reputation
You don’t become the best-selling lineup of trucks for nearly half a century without a good reputation. Truck owners flock to the brand and return for more when upgrading to something new. As the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding.
Ford F-Series Trucks Are in High Demand
According to one source, north of 909,000 F-Series trucks were sold in the U.S. in 2018. That works out to around 2,491 daily, nearly two pickups per second, and one F-Series every 53 seconds. That was in 2018. While last year’s total sales were lower, it was still good enough for the top spot.
Ford F-Series Wants to Be All Things to All Motorists
Ford’s focus on gas, electric, and hybrid models is part of its commitment to “offer a truck for every customer—one that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.”
Ford F-150 Lightning Offers Bidirectional Charging
Another reason the F-Series is so popular is the F-150 Lightning, an electric truck that offers bidirectional charging. Unlike most EVs that can be charged but can’t discharge energy to charge other EVs, homes, and other external devices, the F-150 Lightning can. Its bidirectional charging capabilities make this possible.
Ford F-Series Trucks Are Comfortable
Yet another reason F-Series trucks have such a loyal following and continue to outsell other trucks—and other vehicles, period—is the comfort factor. Their spacious and supportive seating gets top marks.
Ford F-Series Trucks Are Reliable
Chula Vista Ford says new Ford F-150 pickups have reliability scores ranging from 78% to 86%. It adds that the F-150 Lightning has been lauded by the likes of MotorTrend and Kelley Blue Book.
Ford F-Series Trucks Make Great Fleet Vehicles
From government agencies to businesses, many decision-makers choose F-Series trucks for fleet vehicles. The configurability, reliance, and relatively low cost of ownership are among the reasons why.
Ford F-Series Trucks Benefit from a Strong Dealer Network
Ford also has a strong dealership network across the country. That makes it easy for consumers to buy, maintain, and repair their F-Series pickup trucks. And that can increase customer satisfaction.
The F-Series Is Popular for a Reason
Giving credit where credit is due is always in order. The Ford F-Series lineup continues to be the best seller across the country and will likely continue to be in the foreseeable future.
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