October 16, 2008
F-150 gets pumped up over past decade
During a walk through Ford’s Rouge Factory in Dearborn, Mich., this week, I saw a three-generation lineup of the Ford’s F-150 pickups. I was aware of significant styling differences, but until I saw the new-generation 2009 F-150 next to its predecessors, I didn’t realize how drastic the changes have been.
Macho is the ticket, and Ford, as well as its competitors, have the view that truck buyers – hard-core and personal-use (image) buyers alike – want a pickup with pumped-up size and looks.
Dodge, back in 1994, pioneered this trend toward amplified looks with its revolutionary “big-rig” Ram styling featuring a giant grille and lowered front fenders.
When Ford changed F-150 styling in 1997 from the traditional flat-nose look to a sleek, “modern” design with sweeping headlamps and fenders, there were complaints from die-hard truckers that the look was too feminine.
In 2004, Ford remedied the situation by introducing an F-150 with a more macho, squarish design with tall bed sides, favoring its larger Super Duty sibling.
For 2009, the power look is further amplified.
What do you think about the evolution of Ford truck design? Is Ford hitting the target or has it gone over the top?
Posted by Tim Spell at October 16, 2008 08:56 AM
http://blogs.chron.com/carsandtrucks/2008/10/f150_gets_pumped_up_over_past.html
