The Best Ford Truck for Every Type of Buyer

Intro

People have been buying Ford trucks for a long time. And now they buy hundreds of thousands of them each and every year. The great thing about Ford trucks is that there is an almost endless number of models and configurations available to choose from. The same holds true for the Ford truck buyers themselves. Not every buyer is looking for the same thing or has the same budget. Some want a truck to go fast, and others want a truck that can tow ten tons. With that in mind, we decided to play a game of truck matchmaker. We came up with a list of ten different Ford truck buyers and are matching them up with the perfect truck for them. What do you think of our matchmaking skills? Would you pair up a different set of trucks for these types of buyers?

10. The First Timer – 2024 Ford Ranger

Are you dipping your toe into truck ownership for the first time? If so, jumping right into a Super Duty or even an F-150 might be a bit too much. The new Ford Ranger might be the perfect solution for you. You can get a very nicely equipped 2024 Ranger for about $40,000. And with that you get a truck that can tow 7,500 pounds, and haul 1,805 pounds. And the Ranger comes with a 5-foot bed which is just half a foot smaller than the smallest F-150 you can buy. Yet the overall length of the Ranger is nearly two whole feet shorter than a 5.5-foot bed F-150. The shorter length combined with the creature comforts combine to give the Ranger a car-like feel. All this while still being enough truck for most users. Perfect for the first timer.

9. The Serious Worker - Anything with the 7.3L Power Stroke

Let's say you drive and tow and haul a LOT. You want a Ford truck powered by the greatest diesel engine ever, the 7.3L Power Stroke. The engine first came out as an option on the 1994 Ford heavy duty trucks. It would carry on as an option through 2003. It has been out of production for over 20 years now and yet people still seek out trucks with this engine because of its legendary reliability. If you don’t care about looks or the latest technology and you just want something to get the job done for years to come, then you have to give 7.3L Power Stroke trucks a long look. You will not regret it.  

8. The Sensible Off-Roader – F-150 Tremor

We all love the F-150 Raptor for its power and desert running capabilities. But the F-150 Raptor has gotten quite expensive. And the Raptor R is out of reach for most buyers. But if you are looking for a newer off-road capable truck, the F-150 Tremor is probably all you will ever need. 33-inch all-terrain tires, special Tremor-specific monotube shocks up front and twin-tube shocks at the rear, The FX4 Off-Road package, and a 5.0L V8 are some of the Tremor highlights. Take the $15,000 you saved buying this instead of a Raptor and book that family fishing vacation to Alaska that you always dreamed of.

7. The Classic Truck Enthusiast – 1948 – 1952 F-1

Some people just like the classics. They might not be the best choice as a daily driver but there is no denying the appeal of a vintage pickup truck. If you love those old trucks and are looking for something fun to add to your collection, then take a look at the very first F-series generation. Sure, the old Flathead V8 may have only 100 horsepower, but are you in a hurry? This is a truck to take to shows and to cruise down main street during Independence Day parades. You are driving a piece of American history.

6. The Connoisseur – 1967 – 1977 Ford Highboy

You know your trucks. You know what you want. And you know that Ford F-250 made from 1967 through 1977 with four-wheel drive is a bit special. It is known by Ford fans as the Highboy thanks to the divorced transfer case which required more clearance. The result is a truck direct from the factory that looks like it has an aftermarket lift kit installed. These are some of the best-looking trucks ever made. And if you really want to roll in something special look for a 1977 model with the 360 V8 engine, disc brakes and open knuckle axle. This configuration was only offered for a short period of time but you are a Ford truck connoisseur and appreciate things like this.

5. The New Truck Deal Seeker – 2024 F-150 XL Regular Cab

Do you like to buy brand new trucks, but want the best deal possible? Well friend, take a look at the 2024 F-150 XL Regular Cab pickup truck. The 2024 F-150 models might be the most advanced and capable ever, but they are also quite expensive. So, finding a deal is not easy. But the regular cab truck might be the best deal out there. The base MSRP is $36,570 which makes it the least expensive new F-150 you can get. This cab configuration is offered only on the base XL trim. So, don’t expect massaging leather seats. But come on, do you really need that in a truck? What you do get standard though is the Coyote 5.0L V8 engine. You also get plenty of other standard features to make this truck comfortable enough to work as a daily driver. And that V8 engine is easily modifiable if you decide to go down that route.

4. The Sport Truck Enthusiast – 1993 – 1995 F-150 SVT Lightning

If you want a new sport truck the 2024 F-150 XL Regular Cab we just discussed is a perfect choice. But if you like things a bit more old school, then you will love the first-generation F-150 SVT Lightning. It started the Ford sport truck genre thanks to a powerful V8 engine under the hood. It is a Mustang GT with a truck bed. And the best part about these trucks is depreciation is a thing of the past. Whatever you pay for one of these you will get back (and likely even more) should you ever decide to sell it.

3. The City Dweller – Ford Maverick

Do you want some pickup truck utility but drive mostly on tight city streets with limited parking? The Ford Maverick is the answer. Yes, we hear the bellyaching that the Maverick is not a “real” truck because it uses unibody construction. Fine, if the term truck bothers you so much, call it something else. But there is no denying that for many people the Maverick is the perfect solution to their transportation needs. Not everyone lives on a farm in Texas. Smaller can be better if you have limited space. And if you need just a bit more utility than the standard hatchback or wagon can provide, the Maverick is perfect. It is also reasonably priced, and fuel efficient. It might not be right for every buyer, but it is perfect for some buyers.

2. The Construction Business Owner – 2024 F-350 Limited

Do you own a successful construction business? Do you need to take clients to job sites, but want to get them there in style and comfort? You have a six-figure truck budget? A new Ford F-350 Limited might be the truck for you. With destination charges it starts at right about $100K. But it comes with just about every piece of technology that Ford has ever invented. And you don’t need to worry about money, right? You get the 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel. The most powerful engine in its class. You also get the Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch, Pro Power Onboard, a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers, and special Limited Admiral Blue/Light Slate two-tone leather seats. And yes, those seats will massage you. When you want the best of the best, this is your truck.

1. The Keep it Simple Type – Eighth Generation F-Series (1987 – 1991)

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have the truck buyer that likes to keep things simple. If you are looking for a simple, reliable truck without a ton of electronics to go wrong but still modern enough to get the job done the eight generation F-series is worth a look. You do need to keep an eye out for rust, but these trucks are simple tools that should last you a long time. They were built in a time when most shade tree mechanics could work on them and keep them running. If that sounds like you, then we suggest you look for one of these classic trucks.

Images: Ford