5 Best Ford Trucks That Aren't F-Series
1. Ford Ranger
The Ranger debuted in 1983 as a compact, fuel efficient alternative to its big brother, the F-Series. The little pickup quickly became a beloved nameplate until its untimely demise (at least in North America) in 2012, ranking as the best selling compact truck in America from 1987-2004. The Ranger has lived on in other countries around the world, and will be returning to Ford's U.S. lineup in 2019.
>>Join the conversation about the best Ford trucks right here in Ford-trucks.com Forum!
2. Explorer Sport Trac
Built on the same platform as the Explorer SUV, the mid-size Sport Trac bridged the gap between the compact Ranger and the full size F-150 from 2000 to 2010. The Sport Trac was a sales success from the get go, offering impressive towing capability that outshined competitors like the Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma. Once the Explorer moved to unibody construction, however, the Sport Trac was doomed, despite its popularity.
>>Join the conversation about the best Ford trucks right here in Ford-trucks.com Forum!
3. Ranchero
Produced from 1957 to 1979, Ford's Ranchero was based on a two-door station wagon with an integrated cab and bed rather than using a truck platform. Over the years, the Ranchero was built on everything from the compact Falcon platform to the mid-sized Fairlane to the full size Torino. The Ranchero was successful enough to motivate Chevy to build the El Camino in 1959, and Ford's car-based truck sold over 500,000 units in its lifetime.
>>Join the conversation about the best Ford trucks right here in Ford-trucks.com Forum!
4. Econoline Pickup
Based on the Econoline van, which was built on the compact Falcon platform, the Econoline pickup was an interesting and unique vehicle in Ford's lineup. The cab-over-engine layout gave the Econoline a heavy front weight bias, necessitating a 165 lb counterweight that was installed over the rear wheels to improve balance. The pickup version of the Econoline only represented about 10% of the platform's 1961 production, but these charming trucks have remained popular among hot rodders to this day.
>>Join the conversation about the best Ford trucks right here in Ford-trucks.com Forum!
5. Model T/Model A Pickups
Long before the F-Series was even a sketch on Ford's design board, the Model T (and later) Model A pickups were doing the dirty work across America. The Model T was perhaps the most revolutionary vehicle of all time, bringing affordable transportation to the masses. The Model A was revolutionary in its own right, featuring conventional driver controls that have remained the standard to this day.
>>Join the conversation about the best Ford trucks right here in Ford-trucks.com Forum!
For maintenance and repair guides, browse our technical How-to articles at Ford-trucks.com!