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What was the last year of the Flareside Ford F-150?

The Ford F-150 Flareside, a classic pickup truck design, had a long and storied history before being discontinued. The last year the Flareside version was produced was 1996, marking the end of an era for this iconic truck.


The Flareside Ford F-150


The Flareside Ford F-150 was a variant of the popular F-150 pickup truck that featured a distinctive bed design. Unlike the more common Styleside model, which had a smooth, flush-mounted bed, the Flareside had a "flared" or "fender-mounted" bed that extended beyond the truck's cab. This unique design gave the Flareside a more rugged, muscular appearance that appealed to many truck enthusiasts.


The Flareside's Discontinuation


The Flareside Ford F-150 was produced for many years, but by the mid-1990s, it was becoming less popular compared to the Styleside model. Ford decided to discontinue the Flareside version after the 1996 model year, focusing instead on the more streamlined Styleside design. This decision was likely driven by changing consumer preferences and the need to modernize the F-150's appearance to keep up with the competition.


The Legacy of the Flareside


Despite its discontinuation, the Flareside Ford F-150 remains a beloved and iconic truck among enthusiasts. Its unique design and rugged character have made it a sought-after collector's item, with many well-preserved examples still on the road today. The Flareside's legacy continues to live on, serving as a reminder of the rich history and evolution of the Ford F-150 lineup.

Is stepside and flareside the same?


Flareside, or stepside, trucks are the more traditional style, even though they're uncommon in modern trucks. Essentially, this is the “two-box” pickup design. The cab and bed are bolted separately to a ladder frame, creating a clear division between them. The bed itself is narrow with flares around the rear wheels.



What year F-150 transmission to avoid?


The 2004, 2005, and 2010 models offer the most Ford F-150 transmission problems.



What is the best year of the Ford F-150?


The 12th generation of the Ford F-150, produced from 2009 to 2014, is often considered one of the best years to buy a used Ford F-150. These models feature robust construction, a variety of engine choices, and modern conveniences. This wide selection of options makes them some of the best years for a used Ford F-150.



What is the most reliable F-150 year?


2009-2014: The 12th Generation
The 12th generation of the Ford F-150, produced from 2009 to 2014, is often considered one of the best years to buy a used Ford F-150. These models feature robust construction, a variety of engine choices, and modern conveniences.



Which Ford 5.4 to avoid?


The second generation 5.4L, produced from 2004 to 2014, has three valves per cylinder. This one has several problems, some of which are related to inadequate oiling. Upon tearing apart failing engines, mechanics discovered the buildup of sludge and debris clogging the oil passages, particularly in the cylinder heads.



Does Ford still make a flareside?


Flareside beds are no longer available on newer F-150 and Super Duty models.



What year did they stop making dent sided Fords?


The sixth generation of the Ford F-Series, also known as the "dentside Ford" to enthusiasts, is a line of pickup trucks and medium-duty commercial trucks that were produced by Ford Motor Company from the 1973 to 1979 model years.



What was the last year of the Ford Flareside?


The manual transmission was dropped for the first time, and the Flareside bed was continued until the end of 2009 (thus making it the very last factory stepside-style pickup truck to date).



What year of F-150 to stay away from?


If you want an F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then avoid model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.



When was the last stepside made?


Dodge was the first to abandon the step-side style following the 1985 model year, while Chevy and Ford soldiered on with the configuration until 2006 and 2009, respectively. The reason for the extinction was multifold.


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.