Did Ford ever make a square body?

Ford never marketed a model as a formal "square body." However, the company did produce several boxy, angular designs across decades, most notably the original Ford Bronco and various mid‑20th‑century F-Series pickups, which embody the era’s squared silhouette without carrying a GM-style nickname.

To understand the question, it helps to know what “square body” means in car culture. The term is most closely associated with GM’s 1973–1987 C/K trucks, whose flat panels and near-vertical sides earned the nickname “Square Body” among enthusiasts. Ford’s lineup, by contrast, often leaned toward boxier styling in certain periods but never adopted the same branded designation. The distinction lies in branding versus silhouette—Ford’s boxy shapes reflect design language of the time, not an official model name.

Ford models with boxy styling

Ford’s history includes several models that exhibit a boxy, angular aesthetic. The list below highlights some prominent examples that contribute to the brand’s boxy-era look, even though they weren’t marketed under a “square body” badge.

• Ford Bronco (1966–1977) — a compact SUV famed for its utilitarian, square-edged body, removable doors, and rugged stance.


• Ford F-Series pickups (1965–1972) — this generation introduced flatter panels and straighter lines that gave the trucks a more squared-off profile compared with earlier eras.


• Ford Bronco II (1983–1990) — a smaller, boxier SUV derived from a truck platform, reinforcing Ford’s reputation for square-edged design in the era.

These examples show that Ford did produce boxy vehicles and embraced squared-off styling in several segments. However, there was no official designation of a “square body” model line from Ford, unlike the GM-era nickname that traveling enthusiasts reference.

Historical context of Ford’s design language

Boxy cues in the 1960s–1970s

During the 1960s and 1970s, American pickups and SUVs commonly adopted broader, flatter panels and near-vertical edges. Ford’s F-Series and Bronco lines reflected that trend, delivering practical, workhorse silhouettes that prioritized functionality and ease of manufacture over soft curves.

The modern reimagining

Ford’s design language evolved with safety, aerodynamics, and technology in mind, but the 2020s revival of the Bronco nods to that classic boxy heritage. The 2021+ Bronco preserves the squared-off stance while integrating modern engineering, allowing Ford to market a contemporary boxy aesthetic that resonates with classic styling.

Summary

In short, Ford did not produce a model officially designated as a “square body,” but it did carve out a strong boxy styling language across several vehicles, most notably the Bronco and certain generations of the F-Series pickups. The square-edged look remains a recognizable thread in Ford’s design history, with the modern Bronco continuing the tradition in a contemporary package.

What is the Ford version of a square body?

Ford F-Series (7th Generation, 1980-1986)
Ford's 7th-generation F-Series introduced the”Bullnose” design while staying true to its square body roots. With its robust build and various engine options, this truck is still highly sought after for restoration and customization.

What is a Ford square body called?

The main Ford "box car" is the Ford Flex, a unique, boxy crossover that was produced from 2008 to 2019. Another is the 1949 Ford, which was nicknamed the "Shoebox Ford" for its slab-sided, "pontoon" design. Other models with boxy designs, particularly commercial vans, include the Ford E-Series and Ford Transit.
 

• Ford Flex: A three-row crossover with a retro, boxy design that was produced from 2008 to 2019. 
• 1949 Ford: The first major post-war American Ford line, nicknamed the "Shoebox Ford" because of its slab-sided design. 
• Ford E-Series: A range of full-size passenger and cargo vans produced since 1961. 
• Ford Transit: A line of light commercial vans that replaced the E-Series in North America in 2015. 

Did Ford make square body trucks?

Yes, Ford has made square body trucks, and the term "square body" is often used to describe the 1980-1986 and 1987-1991 generations of the F-Series, which have a more angular and rectangular design. The term "Old Body Style" (OBS) is also used to refer to the final square-body generation from 1992-1997, though some enthusiasts extend the term to include the earlier generations as well.
 

• Seventh Generation (1980-1986): This is the first generation referred to as "square body" and is also known as the "bullnose" for its squarer grille. It featured a complete redesign with flatter body panels and introduced the iconic Ford Blue Oval emblem. 
• Eighth Generation (1987-1991): This generation refined the square body concept with a more aerodynamic design and updated interiors, while maintaining the characteristic angular shape. 
• Ninth Generation (1992-1997): Known as the final "square body" or "OBS" generation, this model refined the design further and was the last iteration of the truck before a major redesign in 1997. 

While Chevrolet and GMC trucks from the 1970s and 80s are often the most famous "square body" trucks, Ford's models from the 1980s and early 1990s are also iconic examples of this design.

Are square bodies only on Chevy?

If you're wondering how Chevy trucks from that period earned that square-body nickname, it's because they were, in fact, quite boxy in their body design. Chevy was hardly the only automaker featuring boxy builds in the 1970s, but the term "square body" is applied largely to Chevy and GMC trucks from the era.