Sunset Ford Dealer Blog

(This article is part of a larger series on the history of Ford F-Series trucks. If you’d like to read the series from the beginning, click here to read Ford Trucks: The First Generation.)

The next major redesign of the F-Series came in 1980. Throughout the early eighties, major changes were taking place in the commercial truck market as more and more people were buying trucks because they wanted them, not because they needed them. The now famous blue oval logo replaced the long standing spaced out Ford lettering n 1982, and it’s been there ever since. The Ranger trim model was removed as the ranger was becoming a line of its own.

By 1982, Ford had removed the F-100 as the base model of the line and replaced it with the F-150. The V8 5.0 liter engine changed over to fuel injection as an option in 1985, followed by standard introduction in 1986. The line went back to including the F-800 in its line up in the eighties following a few years of disappearance.

The early eighties was a time of various cosmetic changes to the Ford F-Series. Numerous trim models were released during this period, from the tough and heavy duty Standard edition to the plush and luxury Lariat XLT. Power windows and door locks were also introduced to the F-Series line at this time. Customers could choose striped graphics packages, customizable interior dashboard trim, specialized colors for carpeting and interiors, and more. As the best selling truck in America, buyers wanted their trucks to look different from all the rest.

If you’re in the market for a new Ford truck of your own, stop by Sunset Ford to take a look at the new inventory of Ford trucks and SUVs, take a test drive, or ask about new specials.

Despite financial concerns running rampant, the Ford Motor Company is excited about some of the new products the automaker is putting on the market. With six new major launches hitting the North American market this year alone, officials and employees at the company have every right to feel elated.

One of the more promising Ford cars hitting dealerships later this year is the Ford Flex. This crossover vehicle is coming out as early as June in some major markets. Its fuel efficiency and unique design make this one of the most anticipated products for the 2009 model year.

“Hopefully,” according to Mark Fields, president of Ford’s American operations, “these are products that people really want.” He said this to the audience at the Global Automotive Conference in Lexington last month. But the excitement isn’t just about the cars.

Fields also said that officials at the Ford Motor Company are “very, very confident” that the automaker is going to reach its goal of returning to profitability by 2009. The confidence arises from the excitement that these new vehicles are going to be great for the automaker and bring more customers to the dealership to “Drive One,” as the new slogan encourages.

And once you’re at the dealership, you might notice a more interactive atmosphere from the staff and sales representatives. Ford has been working closely with dealers throughout the country to help them become more involved in the marketing and advertising process. The Dearborn-based automaker is truly reviving its reputation as it slowly but surely climbs back to the top of this ultra-competitive industry.