Guess what’s the fastest growing segment of truck buyers?

Hint: It’s not men.

Yes, women do love trucks. Whether they’re jacked up and souped up, tricked out and screaming hot, or just plain naked the way God (or Detroit) intended, women love ‘em all.

Times have certainly changed. No vehicle manufacturer today is foolish enough to design trucks with only men in mind. The increasing number of women buying pickups isn’t lost on Detroit or Japan. Every major brand now has women contributing to the design and/or engineering of pickups

As a result, female-friendly features are being incorporated into more pickups, such as adjustable brake and gas pedals in Ford trucks, easier step-in and step-out, more storage compartments, bigger passenger cabins (for carrying children) and more carlike rides. These features don’t detract from the toughness or solidity of the trucks; in fact, they improve truck driving for both genders.

Ford says that women buy between 15-20 percent of its trucks, with more women buying compact pickups like the Ford Ranger, and fewer buying heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-Series Super Duty. (The full-size Ford F-150 light-duty pickup is right in the middle.) In general, the average age of Ford’s female pickup buyer is about 42 or 43 years old. According to the company, these figures are similar to competitive brands as well.

Here are some reasons women give for buying trucks.

- They’re great for hauling stuff.

- Their kids like them because they think it’s cool.

- They’re tough enough for pets.

- You have a better driving view and command of the road.

- They’re size makes you feel big and powerful.

- They handle crashes better.

- Husbands like them and they help eliminate excuses for why they can’t do home repair.

Okay, Ladies, head out for the highway….but first make a stop at your Ford Dealer to find the truck that’s right for you.