It’s fair to say the Ford F-150 arrived modestly back then, positioned as a bridge between two familiar nameplates, the F-100 and F-250. The F-150 made its debut at the Detroit auto show in 1975, and in hindsight that low-key launch feels almost ironic.

The initial reception was cool: neither buyers nor Ford’s own leadership showed much interest. Yet within a short span, the picture changed dramatically—the market had other plans.

Today, the F-Series sits at the top of the North American market, and for 48 consecutive years the model has remained the most popular vehicle in the United States. Consistency like that rarely happens by accident.

The Ford F-150 holds the title of the world’s most in-demand pickup. That status is backed by respected automotive rankings and publications; notably, in the 2024 pickup ranking the F-150 once again took the top spot, reinforcing its popularity and success among buyers in different countries.