Loading

Did Ford make a truck car?

Yes. Ford has produced both traditional pickup trucks and car-based pickups, notably the Ranchero (1957–1979) and the modern Maverick (introduced for the 2022 model year). Ford’s broader lineup also includes standard body-on-frame pickups like the F-Series and mid-size options like the Ranger.


This article explores Ford’s long history with trucks, clarifies what counts as a car-based pickup, and highlights notable examples across eras to answer how Ford has approached the idea of a “truck car.”


Car-based pickups in Ford’s history


What counts as a car-based pickup?


A car-based pickup, often called a coupe-utility or car-truck, sits on a passenger-car platform and uses car styling with a cargo bed. It contrasts with traditional pickups built on a truck chassis with a separate bed. Ford has experimented with both formats over the decades, culminating in models that blend car practicality with pickup utility.


Before listing the major examples, it’s useful to note two representative Ford vehicles that fit the car-based pickup idea and what they represent in Ford’s lineup.



  • Ford Ranchero (1957–1979): A widely cited car-based pickup offered during several generations, blending car styling with a cargo bed.

  • Ford Maverick (2021–present): A modern, compact unibody pickup introduced for the 2022 model year, reflecting a current approach to car-based utility.


These entries illustrate Ford’s willingness to pair passenger-car design cues with bed-equipped practicality, a path distinct from traditional body-on-frame pickups.


Traditional Ford pickups: the backbone of the brand


Beyond car-based concepts, Ford has long dominated the conventional pickup segment with body-on-frame trucks built for workhorse durability and versatility. The following lists highlight the core lines that have defined Ford’s truck strategy.



  • Ford F-Series pickups (debuted in 1948 and continuing to today): The flagship line that has become synonymous with Ford trucks in the United States and many global markets.

  • Ford Ranger (mid-size pickups; originally produced 1983–2011 in the U.S., reintroduced for 2019–present): Ford’s mid-size option that complements the full-size F-Series.


The F-Series and Ranger have provided Ford with flexible platforms to serve work, lifestyles, and evolving consumer needs across decades, complementing car-based experiments.


What this means for the question


The answer is that Ford did indeed build a vehicle category that blends car design with truck utility. The Ranchero is the classic example from mid-20th century Ford, and the Maverick represents a contemporary, unibody interpretation of a car-based pickup. Ford also continues to offer traditional trucks like the F-Series and Ranger, which underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to trucks in multiple formats.


Summary


Ford’s history shows a clear trajectory: a long-running line of traditional pickups (F-Series, Ranger) alongside notable car-based pickups (Ranchero, Maverick). The existence of these models confirms that Ford has both produced pure trucks and experimented with car-based trucks, reflecting shifts in design philosophy and consumer demand over time.

Did Ford make a car truck?


Trucks have been a regular part of Ford Motor Company's lineup since 1917. The earliest models were utilitarian with chassis and bodies based on the company's automobiles. But their low cost and reliable service made Ford trucks popular with farmers and business owners, and with municipal and military operators too.



Is Ford making an $8000 truck?


No, Ford is not making an $8,000 truck; this is a hoax spread through clickbait videos and social media, possibly based on outdated information about the original, low starting price of the Ford Maverick. Current information and discussions about an $8,000 truck usually link to misinformation or outdated content, with legitimate reports showing that the cost of new trucks, including the Ford Maverick, has increased significantly. 
This video explains why the $8,000 Ford truck is a hoax: 49sCar Reviews hubYouTube · Apr 16, 2025

  • Hoax and misinformation: The idea of an $8,000 Ford truck is a widespread hoax fueled by clickbait videos and social media posts that lack factual evidence, as pointed out by Reddit users. 
  • Outdated premise: The claim might stem from the Ford Maverick's initial low price when it was first released, but its price has since increased substantially. 
  • Real-world pricing: Ford's current lineup of trucks does not include any model priced at $8,000, and the cheapest models are significantly more expensive than that figure. 



How much is a 1970 F-100 worth today?


The value of a 1970 Ford F-100 varies widely, from approximately $15,000 to over $27,000 for models in average to good condition, though exceptional examples can fetch prices up to $277,500 or even higher if heavily modified. Factors like the model (Sport Custom vs. Custom), engine, condition, mileage, and any modifications or special features significantly impact the final price.
 
Factors that influence value

  • Condition: A truck's overall condition is a primary factor. Excellent, well-maintained trucks in original or professionally restored condition will be worth more than those with rust, damage, or poor past repairs. 
  • Trim and Engine: The specific trim level, such as the Sport Custom, and the engine it's equipped with (e.g., 6-cylinder vs. V8 options like the 302 or 360 cid) all affect value. 
  • Modifications: Significant modifications, especially those done well with high-quality parts, can increase value. Conversely, poorly executed modifications or changes that detract from the truck's originality will decrease its value. 
  • Mileage: Lower mileage typically commands a higher price. However, in the classic car market, sometimes a low-mileage vehicle with an unknown history or title issues can be less valuable than one with higher mileage but a solid background. 
  • Documentation and History: A truck with a clear history, clean title, and maintenance records will be worth more than one with a questionable past.

Examples of recent sales
  • Low: $15,382$ 15 comma 382$15,382 for a 1970 Ford F-100 Sport Custom in good condition with some original parts but requiring maintenance. 
  • Average: Approximately $24,263$ 24 comma 263$24,263 for a 1970 Ford F-100 Sport Custom in good condition with average specifications. 
  • High (modified): $28,000$ 28 comma 000$28,000 for a custom F-100, and a heavily modified 1970 F-100 sold for $135,000$ 135 comma 000$135,000. 
  • Very high (rare/exceptional): $277,500$ 277 comma 500$277,500 for a rare, well-maintained example. 

Where to find your truck's value
  • Online Valuation Tools: Services like Hagerty can provide estimated values based on the truck's condition and features. 
  • Recent Sales Data: Classic.com and auction sites offer recent sold prices that can help you gauge the market. 
  • Professional Appraisal: For the most accurate valuation, consider getting a professional appraisal, especially if the truck is in excellent condition or heavily modified.



What is the Ford car truck called?


Ford truck names include the F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350, etc.), Ranger, Maverick, and the electric F-150 Lightning. The F-Series is a broad lineup of trucks with different weight classifications, while the others are distinct models with different sizes and purposes, such as the compact Maverick or mid-size Ranger.
 
Current truck lineup

  • F-Series: A broad lineup of trucks that includes the F-150, Super Duty models (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550), and others. 
  • F-150: The best-selling full-size truck, known for its versatility and durability. 
  • F-150 Lightning: An all-electric version of the F-150. 
  • Super Duty: A heavy-duty line that includes models like the F-250 and F-350, designed for demanding jobs. 
  • Ranger: A mid-size pickup truck. 
  • Maverick: A compact, smaller truck. 
  • E-Transit: An electric van, not a truck, but part of the commercial vehicle lineup. 

Historic/discontinued models 
  • Bronco/Bronco Sport: While they have truck-like capabilities, they are generally classified as SUVs. 
  • Econoline/E-Series: A series of vans.
  • Courier: A compact pickup truck from the 1970s and 1980s. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.