I don't know how long this current model configuration has been around but isn't' the F-250 model due for a remake? Maybe a more refined look vs the current box-like design?

 

They do change and there isn't that much to change into unless you want them to look like something they aren't, get it? Plus it costs money to keep changing all the time. Did you want a space age looking F-150?

 

I think it is one of the best looking trucks ever made. Can't make many improvements on perfect. haha

 

I don't understand these comments. The 2011+ trucks look a lot different than the 08-10 trucks and they look drastically different than the 2000-07 model year trucks.

I don't see how people can keep accusing ford of selling the same truck for 15 years.

 

2016 seems to be the year, but I agree, don't fix what isn't broken

 

While I do love the looks, the changes basically are minor cosmetics. Essentially nothing more than changes to the grille and headlights is all that seperates a 1999 truck from a 2014 model...and some interior changes. Yes I know it's more dramatic than that in reality...but not really.

heck, you can install all the 2014 exterior changes on a 1999 model with relative ease. hardest part of the install is the $$$ aspect



all that said, I don't see the need for a major redesign. F-250 from 1982 through 1997 anyone?

 

Changes were big enough to get me to pay for a 2011 instead of going for a much cheaper 2008. Especially engine and transmission but the interior is a very welcome upgrade too.

When you think about it all cars are the same. What is the difference between a sedan from today and one from 10 years ago? Same body shape, mostly same interior. Crossovers are basically a way to market station wagons. Roadsters are nothing new. Maybe SUVs are new to the last 2 decades but since then have not changed; basically a minivan with 4x4 and higher off the ground.

 

i think what I find amusing about the complaints to the "same design for 15 years," is the idea that it's some sort of conspiracy on the part of Ford. Ford like any automotive company spends a lot of money on market research. They know what people like and don't like, and they know when their share is declining and the other brands are rising. They can't fool anyone, as it's up to the 'votes' of the consumer to determine when they need to change and in what ways they need to change.

Frankly - I think the design is very nice, and it's easily one of the reasons why I can't go with a Chevy or Ram. My only concern about an impending redesign by Ford is whether I should wait for the new model, but you can play that game forever....

The interior has to be one of the biggest areas of improvement for Ford, and with the Super Duty the big change looks like it came in 2008. I can almost guarantee that I would not buy a new F-250 with a pre-2008 interior. In the past few years, Ford has consistently across their product lines, done a fantastic job on interior design. Sure - they don't use the same quality materials that you can get with some German vehicles, but the overall design is very solid. The new Chevy/GMC exterior is quite nice, but the interior is cheap looking in my opinion, and a key reason why I wouldn't buy one.

 

backbeat great post sir!

 

Thank you, ShowMe-Pickers.

 

I think a lot of it also has to do with the image of the pickup. I'm pretty sure that a good % of F150 buyers could do everything they need to do with a smaller SUV and maybe even just a car with a roof rack. Maybe less with bigger trucks as I think those are bought by people who can't make it work with the F150.

Everywhere else in the world you see those small trucks with very low sides to carry cargo. They seem to work for the rest of the world. Why are our pickups so big and why are the sides so high? Probably partially from cheap gas prices and for the image of a big truck.

In north america we buy the cowboy image. The best trucks are lariats and king ranchs. Not many of those are actually used on farms and ranches.

Ford once said that if he asked his customers what they wanted they would have said a faster horse. Change almost always comes from outside. Someone who does not lead in pickup sales will come up with the next big change. Until then market research is only about incremental changes.

 

Fast i fear the day when there are no big trucks to drive... haha

 

I said they do change. Also, drastic changes would probably actually hurt sales. Elvis changed a lot of clothes but you could always tell it was him.

 

In North America we buy the cowboy image. The best trucks are Lariats and King Ranches. Not many of those are actually used on farms and ranches.

What you posted is most true. In essence John Wayneism is alive and well and Ford loves it. Especially when they have margins on these trucks in excess of 40%? And that's why bigness is better in this arena so why change it?

Being of a more practical type I would still bring about a more refined cabin look. If for no other reason than aerodynamic ones.

 

Did you want a space age looking F-150? Ahhhh, no. Some people (most in fact) do not like change. Then there are some of us who aren't afraid to "venture out." Change IMHO is good. Especially when it means better fuel economy.