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Trucks are considered one of the many icons of American culture because they are a common sight on the country's roads and highways. Trucks are also a popular choice for many Americans regarding personal transportation, which is why many automotive brands have released and updated their trucks for evolving consumers. No exception to this is Ford, known for its F-Series trucks. Among the many products under the F-Series banner, the F-150 is one of the more well-known variants because it's a versatile vehicle used for work and recreation. The F-Series has been in production since 1948, though the F-150 has been around since 1975. This is a testament to Ford's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Beyond that, few people know more about the F-150, so we'll discuss some of them in this article. #1 - The Ford Ranger Was Supposed to Be an F-150 Trim The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck in production since 1982. It's a popular choice among consumers who want a smaller truck. However, the Ranger was supposed to be a trim level of the F-150, but it became its own truck in 1982. #2 - The F-150 Got an Aluminum Body in 2015 The F-150 is a strong truck known for its durability and reliability. That's why it's no surprise that it's made with an aluminum body. This change was completed in 2015 and helped improve the truck's fuel economy. #3 - The Ford F-150 Raptor Is a High-Performance Model The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance model that was first introduced in 2010. It's powered by a V8 engine and features a unique suspension system. The Raptor is also one of the most expensive F-150 models, with a starting price of over $60,000. #4 - The Ford F-150 Lightning Was a Performance Model The Ford F-150 Lightning was a performance model from 1993 to 1995. It was powered by a V8 engine and featured a unique suspension system. The Lightning was also one of the most expensive F-150 models, with a starting price of over $40,000. #5 - The F-150 Got a Better Suspension in 1965 In 1965, the Ford F-150 got a new suspension system that made it more comfortable to ride in. The new suspension improved over the previous system, which was bouncy and uncomfortable. #6 - 2018 Saw the Highest Sales for the F-150 Ford saw 2018 as the biggest year for the F-150 because the company sold about 1 billion units. This was the highest sales year on record for the F-150. #7 - The First-Ever Monster Truck Was an F-250 In 1974, Bob Chandler built the first-ever monster truck, which he called “Bigfoot.” Bigfoot was originally an F-250, but it has since been rebuilt as a Chevy Silverado. #8 - The F-250 Was the First Pickup Truck to Have a Crew Cab In 1965, the Ford F-250 was the first pickup truck to offer a crew cab. This cab is also called a "quad cab" with four doors. The crew cab offered passengers more space and comfort, quickly becoming a popular option for truck buyers. #9 - The F-150 Has a High Resale Value According to Kelley Blue Book, the Ford F-150 has the highest resale value of any vehicle in the United States. This means you can expect a higher percentage of your original purchase price when you sell your truck. Should You Get a Ford F-150? If you're looking for a truck with a stellar reputation, the Ford F-150 is a great option. It has a long history of being a top-selling truck with excellent resale value. It's also a great choice for anyone who wants a truck that can tow a lot of weight and haul a lot of cargo in its bed. Conclusion The Ford F-150, or any other product in the F-Series, is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a vehicle that can tow a lot of weight. If you decide you need a new one, you can still get a considerable return when you sell it. All that matters is that you take care of it and keep it in good condition. If you’re looking for a Ford dealership in Hickory, NC, Cloninger Ford of Hickory is for you! We offer brand-new and pre-owned selections and provide service and maintenance services for affordable prices. Simply go to our website and take your pick!

The 2021 Ford F150 is the toughest, most luxurious and most hi-tech F-150 pick-up ever. This iconic Ford pick-up has been the best-selling vehicle in America since 1981. Whether looking to buy your first F-150 or if you are already a committed fan, you can now look forward to a better than ever 2021 model. more 2021 Ford F150 Basics Ford released the 14th generation F-150 pick-up in late Fall 2020. Like with previous revisions, the new 2021 model is available with several different engines and trim levels. Engines There is an engine to suit every user. There is a 3.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter V6 versions, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6. Each engine is married to a smooth 10-speed auto transmission. Trim Levels There are six trim-lines available, with one to suit most budgets. The most basic trim is the no-frills XL. The XLT version is a step-up from the XL, while the Lariat is more luxurious and has extra features. The high-end King Ranch, Platinum, Limited-Edition models are for those who want the ultimate F-150 experience. Pricing The base XL model starts at around $30,000. If you want more luxury and features, the next step-up is the XLT at $35,000 and the Lariat at $45,000. For those with a larger budget the King Ranch starts at $55,000, the Platinum is $60,000 and the Limited Edition costs around $70,000. The Exterior Ford has added a new chrome grille that shouts muscle and bling. Ford fans will also love the four-door cab, which is now standard. The exaggerated wheel-arches and large tires give the truck an imposing presence. The Interior The seats are thick and comfortable with plenty of leather accents. There is a surround sound music system and quality touches like the interactive touch-screen. The cabin is very spacious, with the rear seats giving plenty of room for full-size adults. Technology and Safety The standard 8-inch touch screen can be upgraded to a giant 15.5-inch model, which dwarfs the 12-inch screens of competitor pick-ups. A lot of connectivity comes as standard, including Apple Carplay and a wi-fi hotspot. Many functions can be customized to provide the information that is important to you. Automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning functions make driving safer. The adaptive cruise-control makes long-distance driving easier. Some competitor pick-ups offer more driver-assist functions at extra cost, but the F-150 comes with the major safety features as standard on many trim levels. The 2021 model boasts a dazzling range of trims, engines and hi-tech features. The Ford F150 remains a reliable workhorse with great towing and load carrying ability. This truck's imposing styling and luxurious interior will please everyone, from farmers to suburban families. Pay us a visit at Cloninger Ford of Hickory and book your test drive. Our friendly staff is always delighted to greet you and help you.

The 2020 Ford F150 is back with a wide range of trim levels, powertrains, and features that are sure to leave both loyal Ford fans and new customers alike in awe. Whether you're looking for a classic work truck with a regular cab or a family-friendly four-door with all the latest amenities, Ford has got you covered with the most reliable and luxurious trucks on the market today. We believe Ford is still the top pickup truck, and here's why. more Different Trim Levels The F150 comes with seven trim levels that each vary significantly. The base trim levels are the XL and XLT,  followed by the Lariat and King Ranch, the Raptor is a special, high-performance off-road model, and the Platinum and Limited are the luxury options.  As you go up in trim level, the features increase, getting more powerful and luxurious as you go. The XL and XLT have a standard six-speed automatic transmission and an option to upgrade to the ten-speed transmission that is standard in the other trim levels. There are also three different bed lengths, three cab styles, and six different engine options that you can choose from regardless of the trim level. Sync 3 At the forefront of Ford's Advanced technology features is Sync 3. This user-friendly, voice-activated technology is backed by an eight-inch touchscreen that serves as the base of your infotainment system. Your smartphone can be synced, and your Ford's smooth interface will take over and control your favorite mobile device apps such as music, phone calls, text messages, and much more. With pinch-and-zoom for easier access and navigation through voice commands, you can enjoy all your smartphone has to offer without ever touching your phone. With AppLink, connect to the Ford+Alexa app and have Alexa control any of your devices normally supported by Smart Home. You can also use voice navigation to receive traffic information and shop using Amazon Prime. AppLink also connects you to the Waze app to beat traffic and communicate with users in your area. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included for compatible devices, USB ports are located throughout the cabin, and a wireless power charging station is standard on certain trim models or available as an upgrade. Ford Co-Pilot360 Co-Pilot360 further assists you in any navigation needs. Whether it be crowded roads, accidents on the highway, or blind-spot monitoring, Co-Pilot360 is always alert and ready to help in any way it can. The available features vary by trim level, but some of the features include Auto High Beams, BLIS, Lane-Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist. Drive with confidence knowing you have this smart technology working with you every time you hop in the driver's seat. With all the different trim levels available, there truly is an F150 for everyone. No matter what your needs for a truck are, we are certain that we can find the perfect truck for you. Pay us a visit at Cloninger Ford of Hickory and one of our dedicated staff will be delighted to assist you in picking your F150.