Over the years, Ford has created some of the most popular trucks. While most of them aren’t produced anymore, the L-series and C-series were capable work vehicles. And, last year, Ford’s most popular truck, the F-150, sold close to one million units. So, what’s the greatest Ford truck ever produced?

According to Edmunds, it’s the 1925 Ford Model T Runabout. It was made in the auto industry’s infancy, so its specs are nowhere near on par with modern trucks. This begs the question: Does being the first pickup truck really make it the “best”?

The history of the Model T

On the market since 1908, the Model T got a pickup trim in 1925. In addition to being popular among consumers, the car was also modified for use among firefighters, police officers, and coal miners. The Model T Runabout was widely regarded as the first affordable car, costing only $300 for the Pickup body edition. Adjusted for inflation, that’s only $4,450.

Built with a four-cylinder engine, its transmission had only two forward speeds and one reverse gear. The engine got 20 hp and had a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Still, this was one of the first pickup trucks ever made. The 1925 Ford Model T Runabout made life a lot easier for workers at the time and inspired other automakers to make work trucks, too.

Modern trucks

Back in the ’20s, the general consumer could choose between the Ford Model T or a horse-drawn buggy. Its only true competitor was the Chevy Silverado pickup released in 1918. The Silverado had a more powerful engine, but it wasn’t as popular because it was more expensive than the Model T. In 1948, Ford introduced the F-series line, which is now in its 13th generation. 

As trucks have evolved over the years, they have even more functions. Pickups can be used for both work and off-roading. Additionally, pickup trucks now have more standard safety features than ever. In addition to the standard blind-spot monitoring of smaller cars, some trucks have blind-spot monitors for their trailers and other useful features like hill start and descent assist.

The Ford F-150

The latest F-150 is bigger and stronger than any Model T. As opposed to the Model T’s singular engine, the F-150 has six engines to choose from. The most powerful one is under the hoods of the Limited and Raptor trims. It’s a V6 3.5-liter capable of 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Instead of a two-speed transmission, this engine pairs with a 10-speed. It can also tow up to 13,200 pounds.

When it comes to power, the F-150 is definitely greater than the Model T. However, the Model T didn’t have over 80 years of engineering to support it. It’s probably considered the greatest pickup for Ford because it paved the way for more powerful models.

The future of Ford trucks

The success of the Model T is one of the big reasons why Ford has become a top-selling automotive brand and continues to improve. In 2019, Ford released a new pickup truck for the midsize market, and it already has good reviews. The Ford Ranger has a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine capable of 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.