What are the 1987 Ford trucks called?
They were known as the Ford F-Series pickups, with the core models being the F-150, F-250, and F-350. The lineup represented Ford’s flagship truck line for that year, complemented by the Ranger compact pickup in many markets.
The F-Series lineup in 1987
In 1987, Ford’s light-duty truck range centered on the F-Series, a family of pickups that dominated the market. The following models were the primary offerings in most regions for that model year.
- F-150 — base/light-duty pickup (half-ton)
- F-250 — medium-duty pickup (three-quarter-ton)
- F-350 — heavy-duty pickup (one-ton)
These three variants formed the backbone of Ford’s truck lineup in 1987, with a range of trims and cab configurations to suit workhorse and personal-use needs alike.
Compact and alternative options in 1987
Beyond the full-size F-Series, Ford offered the Ranger compact pickup, providing a smaller footprint and different payload/torque characteristics for buyers who preferred a lighter-duty option.
- Ranger — compact pickup with two- or four-wheel drive options and smaller cab configurations
The Ranger gave Ford a complementary line to the F-Series, appealing to buyers seeking maneuverability and efficiency in a pickup.
How the naming reflected the trucks’ roles
The F-Series naming convention (F-150, F-250, F-350) indicated approximate payload capacity and chassis size, helping buyers distinguish between light-, medium-, and heavy-duty work trucks. This structure remained a defining feature of Ford’s truck strategy through the late 1980s and beyond.
Summary
In 1987, Ford’s trucks were primarily referred to as the Ford F-Series pickups, with the F-150, F-250, and F-350 representing the core lineup. The Ranger compact pickup was also available as a smaller option, rounding out Ford’s truck offerings for that year.
What generation is the 1987 F-150?
Eighth Generation (1987-1991)
The eighth generation brought a more aerodynamic design, setting the stage for the F-150's future as a versatile and fuel-efficient pickup.
What is an old Ford truck called?
Old Ford truck names include early models like the Model TT (1917–1928) and Model AA (1929–1932), as well as the "Bonus-Built" F-Series trucks from 1948, which include iconic models like the F-1, F-100, and F-250. Many generations also have popular nicknames based on their styling, such as the "dentside" (1973–1979) or "bullnose" (1980–1986).
Early Models
- Model TT: 1917–1928
- Model AA: 1929–1932
- Model BB: 1933–1934
- Model 50: 1935
- Model 67: 1936
F-Series
- Bonus-Built: The first generation of the F-Series from 1948–1952, which included the F-1.
- F-100: A popular model that was produced for many generations, with the last one being made in 1983.
- Highboy: A nickname for specific 1967–1977 4x4 F-250 trucks.
- SVT Lightning: A high-performance version of the F-150 from various model years.
Nicknames by Generation
- 1948–1952: "Bonus-Built"
- 1953–1956: "Effy's" or "Fat Fenders"
- 1957–1960: "Fridge"
- 1961–1966: "Slicks" or "Flick 60s"
- 1967–1972: "Bump Sides"
- 1973–1979: "Dentside"
- 1980–1986: "Bullnose" or "Slant Nose"
- 1987–1991: "Bricknose"
- 1992–1996/97: "Aeronose" or "OBS" (Original Body Style)
What years are considered OBS Ford?
Ford OBS (Old Body Style) trucks primarily refer to the 1992–1996 model years of the Ford F-Series, though the term can extend to include 1997 F-250 and F-350 models as they were based on the same chassis before the full redesign in 1999. These trucks are known for their traditional, square-bodied design and are the ninth generation of the F-Series.
- Core years: The most commonly accepted range for the OBS Ford F-Series is 1992–1996.
- Extended models: While the F-150 was redesigned for 1997, the larger F-250 and F-350 models continued to use the Old Body Style chassis until the 1999 model year.
- Design: The OBS design is popular because it was the last of Ford's square-bodied trucks before the more rounded "New Body Style" was introduced in 1997.
What was the most popular truck in 1987?
TIL the Ford F-Series pick-up trucks have been the best-selling vehicle in the US since 1981. In 1987, the F-Series became the first pick-up truck sold without a carbureted engine.
