Ford Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar was Ford's first attempt at building a minivan, and was introduced as a 1986 model in mid-1985. It was the first Ford program to use the automaker's present alphanumeric pre-production code name system, and was designated VN01.Early models were available with Ford's "Lima" 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which at 88 horsepower was grossly underpowered for a van that could carry up to seven passengers and luggage. Available as an upgrade initially was Ford's also-underpowered 2.9-liter V-6; later models came with either the corporate 3.0-liter V-6 found in the Taurus and Ranger or the Explorer's 4.0-liter V-6.The Aerostar was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1990.The Aerostar was distinguished by using a modified pickup truck chassis integral to its unibody construction. This design was developed because the designers in the truck office were unfamiliar and uncomfortable with unibody construction, and essentially designed a frame into the unibody. The aerodynamic styling was similar to the Ford Taurus, which was introduced at the same time.The Aerostar was a rear wheel drive vehicle, unlike the pioneering Chrysler minivans. This compromised interior space somewhat but provided superior towing ability.Since the Aerostar used truck parts, essentially any interchangeable truck option for power and suspension was available. For example, the Eddie Bauer (Luxury) version was available with four-wheel-drive.The Aerostar received no major styling changes until 1992, when flush-mounted headlamps were fitted, and a new dashboard incorporated a driver's side airbag and a column-mounted gearshift, finally replacing the floor-mounted shifter that blocked access to the rear seats from the front.The Aerostar was produced at Ford's St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant.Ford eventually replaced the Aerostar with the Ford Windstar line in 1995. The Aerostar was sold until 1997.

Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco was a 4x4 SUV produced from 1966 through 1996, with four distinct generations.It was initially introduced as a competitor for the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout. A major redesign based on the Ford F-Series truck in the late 1970s brought a larger Bronco to compete with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger. The smaller Ford Bronco II accompanied the Bronco for several years in the1980s. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the return of the large Bronco, based on a newer F-Series.The full-size Broncos and the successor Expedition were produced at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan.The Bronco permanently entered popular culture in 1994 as the vehicle in which O. J. Simpson traveled during his (in)famous low-speed chase with police through the Los Angeles area. It was a white 1993 model owned by Al Cowlings.The original Broncos were small SUVs, intended to compete with Jeeps and International Scouts. Its small size made it popular for some but impractical for others; for example they were popular as light-duty snowplows, but had little towing capability.The redesign of the Bronco in 1978 was based on the F-100 truck, sharing many chassis, drivetrain, and body components. Ford started the redesign in 1972, codenamed Project Short-Horn, but introduction was delayed by concerns over the mid-1970s fuel crisis. The increased size allowed them to compete with the full-size SUVs offered by GM (Chevrolet Blazer) and Chrysler (Dodge Ramcharger).The second oil crisis of the 1970s increased emphasis on fuel economy and led to the Bronco II design, nearer in size to the compact Ranger pick up and again sharing some chassis and drivetrain parts. However, full-size Broncos continued to be produced.In 1987, the body and drivetrain of the full-size Bronco changed, as it was still based off of the full size F-Series. Again based on the F-Series trucks in their latest redesign, continued the towing capability and storage space that the compact Bronco II lacked. Along with the body change came EFI (electronic fuel injection), which improved power and fuel economy. They were built at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan on the same line as F150s.An update of the 1987 edition to go along with an F-Series truck update. Most changes were visible as cosmetics. Primary changes occurred inside of the cab, with changes concentrating in the dash and accessories. No major drivetrain changes occurred.In the 1997 model year, the Ford Expedition, which more effectively competed with GM's Chevrolet Suburban, was introduced as the successor to the Bronco. The Bronco name was dropped from production, but has been used on concept vehicles in 2004 and 2005.

Ford Bronco II
The Ford Bronco II was a compact SUV sold between 1984 and 1990 as a compact complement to the full-size Ford Bronco, as well as to compete with the Chevrolet Blazer and Jeep Wrangler. It was mechanically similar to the Ford Ranger, but had a 94 in (2388 mm) wheelbase and was enclosed in the rear.
The 1984 and 1985 models were equipped with a 2.8 L V6, which was similar to Ford's 2.8 available in Europe. The 1986 model year introduced a 2.9 L EFI V6. This engine was doomed from the beginning with design flaws, often suffering premature cylinder head failure and loss of valvetrain lubrication if not rigorously maintained. Although these flaws had been fixed by the 1989 model year, the Bronco II was steadily becoming unattractive to potential buyers due to safety concerns.The Ford Bronco II was known to tip over in some circumstances - as with most SUVs - due to the high center of gravity, and led to a NTSB investigation along with criticism by independent automotive safety groups. The Bronco II platform underwent a major redesign, and was re-released as the wider and longer Ford Explorer in 1991.Despite its reputation as an unreliable, unsafe vehicle, the Bronco II is still actively sought-after by those in the market for a cheap, solid 4x4 utility vehicle. Its similarities to the Ford Ranger make it an easy vehicle to work on as well. Many engine swaps that are popular with the Ranger, such as a Ford Windsor engine, are also easily possible with a Bronco II.

Ford Contour
The Ford Contour was a car produced for the North American market between 1995 and 2000; it fit between the subcompact Ford Escort and the large Ford Taurus. It was essentially a slightly modified version of the European Ford Mondeo but did not match its sales success. There was also a Mercury version produced, the Mercury Mystique (sometimes derisively called the "Mercury Mistake;" those who criticized the Contour, in turn, called it the "Ford Detour").The low-end engine available was a 2.0 L inline 4, which was standard equipment on the base, GL and more luxurious LX models. Available as an option on those, and standard on the sportier SE model, was a 2.5 L V6.A higher-performance SVT model was introduced in 1998, utilizing the same V6 but tuned to produce an extra 25 hp (19 kW). Improvements to brakes, suspension, tires etc. worked with the extra power to produce quite the sporty package.The base and GL models were dropped in 1998, and by 2000 only a Sport (a renamed SE) and, by special order, the SVT were available.In 2001, the Ford Contour factory was converted to build the Ford Escape.Many people believe the reason why the Contour and Mystique, which were seen by most buyers as a replacement for the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz, failed was because the cars' size was too close to the Ford Escort but its price was too close to the midsize Ford Taurus, several thousand dollars higher than the old models. This caused many people to pay a bit more for the larger Taurus, which was among the best-selling sedans in the U.S. at the time.

Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria is a variety of automobile made by the Ford Motor Company and sold mainly in the North American market. It is often referred to as the "Crown Vic."The first "Crown Victoria" appeared in 1955; it was a 2-door 6-seater hardtop coupe, part of the Ford Fairlane range, that differed from the regular Victoria model (named after a type of carriage) by having a lower, sleeker roofline and much more stainless steel trim, including a stainless steel band that 'crowned' the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line. That model did not outlast the 1950s.In 1979, Ford brought back the name on a deluxe version of the LTD full-size car line on the Ford Panther platform. It was recognizable by its four headlights with amber turn signals beneath them (base LTDs had two headlights, and clear turn signals in the grille). There was a 2-door coupe (all steel top this time), 4 door sedan and a wagon- the wagon became a "Country Squire" if fake-wood trim was ordered. Most had 5.0 L Windsor V8s, all had automatics.In 1992, along with dropping the LTD designation, the sedan body (production of the station wagon having ceased in 1991) was completely redesigned to the round, six-window shape (which shared many details with its contemporary, the newly refreshed 1992 Taurus), and there was a new 4.6 L modular engine. There was a further facelift in 1998 and chassis modifications for 2002.While the car has been highly rated for safety (and has in fact the highest rated safety for the money), there was some controversy and lawsuits in the 1990s over the car's gas tank leaking after certain types of high energy crashes, specifically when being hit at a certain angle offset in the rear at least over 85 mph (137 km/h). However, the safety ratings are still higher than any other vehicles at this price point. In fact the survival rate for these type of collisions was higher than any other mid-sized sedan, which perform worse due to their much lighter construction, lower weight, and shorter distance for a crumple zone. In the case of the Crown Victoria, it is a combination of factors including a number of different traits, such as the nature and position of the gas tank, and the unique circumstances of the car crashes.The condition may have been exacerbated by police equipment installers drilling over the package tray in the luggage compartment. Due to the gas tank's orientation, drilling through the package tray will result in drilling into the gas tank. The equipment installers would then install bolts that go into the gas tank and can cause sparking in an accident. Ford's solution in the form of a recall kit includes appliques to mark unsafe areas to drill in the luggage compartment, as well as a rear differential cover shield, and rear shock lower bolt shields.In 1998, the Crown Victoria's exterior styling, rear suspension, and ignition system were updated. The 1998-2002 "Crown Vics" have a revised 4-link rear suspension with a Watts linkage. The general road handling manners have improved, but towing capacity has been reduced. The Crown Victoria also uses a coil-on-plug ignition design rather than traditional spark plug wires. This design, already being used on the 1996-1999 Ford Taurus SHO 3.4L V8 engine, was later implemented on other users of the Modular V8, including the 1999-up Mustang GT, and many F/E-series trucks.
In 2003, the chassis was again redone with hydroformed steel. The front and rear suspension was also completely overhauled. New inverted monotube shocks are now used (replacing the old twin-tube shocks that had been around since the 1960s). In the front, new aluminum control arms, and rack and pinion steering (replacing the recirculating ball units) have been implemented. The rear suspension was redone for durability in police-duty applications and the rear shocks were moved outboard of the frame rails for better handling and ease of maintenance. As a result, the road-handling manners of the Panther platform cars have improved significantly. The engine output increased due to the addition of a knock sensor for more aggressive timing.The 2004-2005 Police Interceptors (referred to many as CVPIs, P71s) are rated for 250 hp (186 kW) because of the addition of a new air intake system. This includes a new air box that resembles the Mercury Marauder airbox (raised airbox lid, deeper bottom) with an integrated 80mm mass air flow (MAF) sensor that is part of the airbox lid. This allows for much more precise flow calibration and reduces the chances of air leakage. P71 zip tube (the flexible rubber hose between the throttle body and MAF outlet) is also used to reduce NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) as well as transfer air from the airbox to the throttle body with minimal flow resistance.Ford was rumored to be considering replacing the aging Panther platform with the front or all-wheel drive platform based on the D3 architecture. Ford has denied this.The Panther fanbase has requested more power from Ford, but the company has not yet given any specific answers. The likely scenario is that Ford will first implement various chassis/suspension changes in the near future up to the imminent cancellation of the Panther platform sometime in 2008-2010 without introducing drastic and expensive powertrain or drivetrain changes. The 5.7 L Hemi V8 used in the Dodge Magnum R/T and Dodge Charger R/T will be available for law enforcement packages in 2006, so Ford faces competition from higher-power vehicles in the future. The most likely replacement engine candidate for the Panther platform is the 3-valve 4.6 L and 5.4 L Modular V8 also used in the 2004-up Ford F-Series trucks and the 2005-up Ford Mustang GT.

Ford Escape
Ford Motor Company's Escape debuted in 2001 as a compact crossover SUV, priced below the Ford Explorer. It was jointly developed with Mazda, which Ford owns a controlling interest in, and was released a few months after the nearly-identical Mazda Tribute. A more upscale version, the Mercury Mariner, was introduced by Ford's Mercury marque in the 2005 model year. The Escape is sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick.It is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.In 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was launched. This hybrid electric vehicle is 75% more fuel-efficient than the regular Escape according to Environmental Protection Agency tests and is the first sport utility vehicle available to the public with hybrid technology.In 2010, all the N.Y. taxicabs are going to be hybrid vehicles (Ford Escape).The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), added airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats. The Mercury Mariner, new in 2005, was also introduced with these new features. It also included stylistic differences, such as a two-tone interior, European-style turn signal repeaters, monotone cladding, and the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille.

Ford Escort
The Ford Escort is a sub-compact car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1967 through 2003. Although it was originally a European model, the Escort badge has been applied to several different designs in North America over the years.

Ford Expedition
The Expedition is a large SUV from Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 and refreshed for 2003, it sits between the Ford Explorer and the now out of production, Ford Excursion and offers 9-passenger seating, and a range of V8 engines. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially for 2004 with the introduction of the Limited trim line. One million Expeditions have been sold since 2004, which is very good considering that giant size SUVS usually don't sell in these kinds of numbers.The first Expedition was intended to compete with the Chevrolet Suburban, and replaced the full-sized Ford Bronco. Seating options ranged to nine passengers, and the Expedition could tow 8,000 lb (3,600 kg). The truck was refreshed in 1999 with more power and trim.The 2003 Expedition shares the new Ford U platform for 8,300 lb (3,800 kg) towing and a more refined ride. A popular new feature is power folding third-row seats. An extended-length Expedition, introduced for 2006, will compete with the Chevrolet Suburban and will replace the larger Ford Excursion.The base 4.6 L V8 engine was dropped in 2005 as the 5.4 L V8 was updated with 3-valve technology.AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ is optional for 2005.The truck uses code U1 in the 5th and 6th positions of the VIN.

Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle sold mostly in North America built by the Ford Motor Company since 1991 and still in production as of 2005. It has been the best selling vehicle in its class each year since its introduction, and is one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road. The Explorer has also been involved in controversy, after a spate of fatal rollover accidents involving Explorers fitted with Firestone tires.Both two-door Explorer Sport and four-door models of Explorer have been sold. Part-time four wheel drive is an available option, and since 1995 this has been a 'shift on the fly' system with full protection against being engaged at too high a speed.1991 was the first year for the Ford Explorer. It was based on the Ford Ranger compact pickup and was equipped with a 4.0 L 155 hp (116 kW) V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. There were both 2-door and 4-door bodystyles with available 2- or 4-wheel drive. Explorers came in 4 trim levels: base XL, XLT, Sport, and upscale Eddie Bauer. A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1992, and the engine lost 10 hp (7.5 kW). 15 hp (11 kW) was added for 1993 for a total of 160 hp (119 kW). The Limited version was also added for 1993. Available only in the 4-door style, it was even more upscale than the Eddie Bauer version. It featured automatic headlights, foglamps, an automatic transmission as standard equipment, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a center roof console with compass and outside thermometer, special wheels, and a special grill.The Explorer saw significant exterior, interior and suspension updates in 1995. The former "Twin Traction Beam" (TTB) front suspension was replaced with a more car-like "Independent Front Suspension (IFS). The Ford model lineup now consisted of two models: 2-door Explorer Sport and 4-door Explorer. Two more trim lines were added as well, the Limited was a higher end 4 door, while the Eddie Bauer trim level was replaced with Expedition on 2-door Explorers (1995 only, the name would be reused on the 1997 Ford Expedition). A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.9 L "5.0" V8 engine was added for 1996 along with real all wheel drive on the Eddie Bauer and Limited in 1997. A more-powerful SOHC 205 hp (153 kW) engine came as an option in 1997 along with an optional 5-speed automatic. A Mercury twin, the Mercury Mountaineer was added in 1997 as well.2001 saw the introduction of the Explorer Sport Trac, which put a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors. The 2-door Explorer Sport also received the Sport Trac's more-rugged nose. The 4.0 L Cologne V6 was the only engine option. This generation Sport Trac remained in production through June of 2005, with no 2006 model year vehicles produced.The 4 door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all kinship with the Ford Ranger and the Explorer Sport. Engines were either the SOHC 4-liter V6 (210 hp/157 kW) or a 4.6 L 239 hp (178 kW) V8. with the 203 hp (151 kW) 4.0 L v6 still available on the Explorer Sport. Both manual and automatic 5-speed transmissions and 2-, 4-, and all-wheel drive are availabile. Trim lines were the base Sport Value, Sport Choice, XLS, Sport Premium, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and top Limited. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ are standard for 2005.The Explorer and Mountaineer are updated for 2006 on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive. Along with this new, stronger base are a new interior, redesigned rear suspension, and power-folding 3rd-row seats. A tire-pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control will be standard. Power running boards (like those on the Lincoln Navigator) that retract when the vehicle is in motion are an option. However, unlike previous Explorers, there will be no right-hand-drive version engineered. Ford Australia have a capable local equalivent instead, being the Aussie designed and developed Ford Territory.With the introduction of the 2nd generation Explorer in 1995, Ford Attempted to market the Explorer in the UK, similar to the Taurus ghia, Ford's attempt to makret the Taurus in Australia and New Zealand. The Explorer was a hopeless flop in the Uk, mostly because the Explorer was designed for comfortible city crusiing, rather than rugged off road capibility. Many UK buyers only bought SUVS if they needed string cargo felxibility or rugged off road capibility, and they looked at the SUV as less of a family car, as they still believed that station wagons were the best famiy haulers, unlike Americans. They meant that UK buyers stuck with Land Rovers or Jeeps, and didn't care to buy the Explorer. The Explorer's final blow came with the Firestone tire controversy, which finally made ford pull the Explorer from the UK market.In May 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford and Firestone about the high incidence of tire failure on Ford Explorers fitted with Firestone tires. Ford investigated and found that several models of 15 in (381 mm) Firestone tires (ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness AT) had very high failure rates, especially those made at Firestone's Decatur, Illinois plant.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Touting itself as the first sport utility vehicle (SUV) with an open cargo area, the new Ford Explorer Sport Trac is indeed based on an SUV, rather than a pickup truck that has been extended with two additional doors, known as a "sport utility truck". While this distinction is important to Ford, given their sales leadership in both SUVs and light-duty trucks, we drove the Sport Trac recently to find out if it really is a departure from the norm, or simply a line extension.Riding in the Sport Trac, you begin to appreciate the subtle differences between a vehicle that is based on Ford's best-selling Explorer SUV, and a regular pickup. Micro cellular urethane body mounts, the first of its kind in a Ford SUV, isolates the driver from road noise. Thick seals at the bottom of the doors aids in reducing wind leaks. The use of laminated steel rather than cold rolled steel from the footwell to the instrument panel eliminates most of the squeaks and rattles common to this area, and in another first, rubber flooring with an inch-thick insulating pad replaces the usual molded carpet, with Berber floor mats to lend a plush feel to an almost utilitarian interior. The factory shock absorbers are very weak. Owners will want to replace the factory shocks as soon as they are able. New shocks make the SportTrac a much safer and better riding vehicle.Ford execs told us the rationale behind all this attention to sound quality is due to the fact that they feel the Sport Trac buyer is an SUV buyer who occasionally needs the extra cargo space, without the mess associated with putting a mountain bike or a flat of Wildflowers inside a regular SUV. Compare that with the average truck owner, who uses the truck bed continually, and on occasion, needs a little extra room to carry additional passengers, and you begin to see where they are coming from.Stretching the Explorer's wheelbase 14.25 inches, or a little longer than a full Subway sandwich, may not seem like much, but when you stiffen up the chassis by 40%, add gussets all along the length of its new, thicker frame rails, employ larger brake rotors, and recalibrate the suspension with new thicker two-stage rear springs, you know the Ford engineers were working overtime on the Sport Trac.While 15" styled steel wheels are the norm, chances are you won't find too many in the base trim level. More than likely, 16" bright aluminum wheels mounting P255/70R-16s will get you where you need to be, until the time comes to replace them with something a little larger. On that note, Ford has also thoughtfully provided bigger brakes in the form of 12" front discs and 11" rear drums, so you won't have to, just like the standard 3.73-geared, limited slip rear end, or the optional 4.10 gears.When it comes to engine performance, the venerable 4.0L V-6 puts out 205 horses at 5,250 rpm, and 240 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,750 rpm in Sport Trac trim. Later in the year, Ford will replace the current intake manifold with one made of composite plastic materials, but none of the reasons for doing so have anything to do with performance. That's a pity; we were hoping for the 5.0L V-8 out of the regular Explorer, but alas, there are no plans yet to offer such a beast. Mated to the 5R55E automatic transmission, we may have to update this report when a 5-speed manual transmission becomes available this Fall.Inside, the Sport Trac swings open to twin front bucket seats, and a 60/40 split rear bench seat, which is supposed to carry up to five adults. Without having an adequate number of subjects available on the spur of the moment to put this to a test, suffice to say it doesn't appear that five adults could ride in comfort, although we heard no complaints from the little people, who are a big part of why there are so many SUVs in the first place. Titanium door handle accents, and a removable center console soft storage pack are two more items unique to Ford's hybrid SUV, as is the optional 6-disc, in-dash am/fm/CD head unit, whose 80 watts drives six pairs of speakers.Ruggedly handsome' is a way to describe the new front fascia, which the Sport Trac shares with its brother, the Explorer Sport. Sheet molded composite (SMC), a plastic material used to produce the cargo bed, is 20% lighter than steel, and its use allowed Ford designers to follow the unique shape of the cab itself more closely. A heavy-duty stainless steel Cargo Cage traps items in the bed securely, and conversely, swings out to extend the Sport Trac's bed to more than six feet.Unlike those that came before, this Explorer Sport Trac's a decidedly different animal. More SUV-like than the truck-based units to which it is most likely to be compared, the Sport Trac is perfect for those odd occasions where you want to have a pickup but can't justify having a truck and an SUV, or you're a clean freak who stresses out at the mere mention of dirt inside your SUV, at which point your only alternative is to see the Explorer Sport Trac for yourself; you'll be glad you did.

Ford F-100
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States (and possibly the world) for 28 years. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years.The first F-series truck from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a one-piece windshield and integrated headlights.The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.Another refresh came in 1967 along with a now-familiar name: the upscale Ranger trim line. The front leaf springs were replaced by coil springs in F-100s in 1968 along with a powertrain refresh. A 4-door crew cab version was introduced in 1969, still a popular option. The top trim for 1970 was named Ranger XLT.The truck was redesigned in 1973 with an automatic transmission option. Other changes included the introduction of the Twin I-Beam suspension, a name that is still used, and the 1974 introduction of the extended super cab version. A luxury Lariat trim was introduced for 1978. That same year, the F-series became the best-selling vehicle in America, a position it has continued to hold since.In 2004, Ford redesigned the F-Series using the new P2 platform. Initially, only Ford's 4.6 L Triton and new 3-valve 5.4 L 3V Triton V8 engines and automatic transmissions were offered on the new luxurious trucks. Work-oriented versions with an available 4.2 L Triton V6 and manual transmission will debut for 2005.The previous F-150 was continued in production until the summer of 2004 as the Heritage model.The new F-150 won the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2004. It also beat the three-time winning Chevrolet Silverado for Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck for 2004 and 2005. Additionally, over 912,000 F-150s were sold in 2004, giving it a single-year sales record.The F-150 will have a new Harley-Davidson trim line in 2006 with an available all-wheel drive, while the Super Duty will have an available Amarillo package or the Chrome Package for the Lariat.

Ford F-150
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States (and possibly the world) for 28 years. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years.The first F-series truck from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. The F-series was available as three models:The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.Another refresh came in 1967 along with a now-familiar name: the upscale Ranger trim line. The front leaf springs were replaced by coil springs in F-100s in 1968 along with a powertrain refresh. A 4-door crew cab version was introduced in 1969, still a popular option. The top trim for 1970 was named Ranger XLT.The truck was redesigned in 1973 with an automatic transmission option. Other changes included the introduction of the Twin I-Beam suspension, a name that is still used, and the 1974 introduction of the extended super cab version. A luxury Lariat trim was introduced for 1978. That same year, the F-series became the best-selling vehicle in America, a position it has continued to hold since.The next major redesign came in 1980. The new truck had a squarer look, with sharp lines and flat panels. The Ranger trim line was dropped in 1982, since that name was to be applied to the new Ford Ranger compact pickup. Trim options were now XL, XLT, and XLT Lariat. The big-block V8 was dropped for 1980, but added again in 1983 along with a Diesel option. The base model was renamed to the now-familiar F-150 for 1984. In 1985 fuel injection became optional in the 5.0L. In 1986 this became the only 5.0L offered.The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.

Ford F-250
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States (and possibly the world) for 28 years. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years.The first F-series truck from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. The F-series was available as three models: The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.The next major redesign came in 1980. The new truck had a squarer look, with sharp lines and flat panels. The Ranger trim line was dropped in 1982, since that name was to be applied to the new Ford Ranger compact pickup. Trim options were now XL, XLT, and XLT Lariat. The big-block V8 was dropped for 1980, but added again in 1983 along with a Diesel option. The base model was renamed to the now-familiar F-150 for 1984. In 1985 fuel injection became optional in the 5.0L. In 1986 this became the only 5.0L offered.The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.In 2004, Ford redesigned the F-Series using the new P2 platform. Initially, only Ford's 4.6 L Triton and new 3-valve 5.4 L 3V Triton V8 engines and automatic transmissions were offered on the new luxurious trucks. Work-oriented versions with an available 4.2 L Triton V6 and manual transmission will debut for 2005.The previous F-150 was continued in production until the summer of 2004 as the Heritage model.The new F-150 won the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2004. It also beat the three-time winning Chevrolet Silverado for Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck for 2004 and 2005. Additionally, over 912,000 F-150s were sold in 2004, giving it a single-year sales record.The F-150 will have a new Harley-Davidson trim line in 2006 with an available all-wheel drive, while the Super Duty will have an available Amarillo package or the Chrome Package for the Lariat.