If you're searching for the best used Ford F-150 years, you're in luck. The Ford F-150 is a consistent standout in the pickup industry, with dozens of model years topping the lists of best trucks of the year. However, which of these years deserve your attention, and which ones should you consider staying away from?
At Pettijohn Ford of Trenton, you can explore our used inventory and try out our used Ford F-150 trucks. Let's take a digital tour first.
Shopping for a used Ford F-150 for sale provides over a dozen years to choose from. This workhorse's longevity is legendary, so you can even see models from the early 2000s on our lot from time to time.
The best used Ford F-150 years combine consistent performance with a comfortable driving and towing experience to craft a pickup that's valuable for every mile. They have well-performing engines that have served American families well for years, such as the 5.0-liter V-8 or 3.5-liter V-6.
Here are just a few of the most relevant pre-owned Ford F-150 model years that you might find on our lot.
| 2009 Ford F-150 | 2014 Ford F-150 | 2017 Ford F-150 | 2020 Ford F-150 | 2022 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ford F-150 | 2026 Ford F-150 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Horsepower | 320 | 411 | 450 | 450 | 450 | 720 | 720 |
| Max Torque | 390 lb-ft | 434 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft | 640 lb-ft | 640 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 11,300 lbs1 | 11,300 lbs1 | 12,200 lbs1 | 13,200 lbs1 | 14,000 lbs1 | 13,500 lbs1 | 13,500 lbs1 |
| Max Payload Capacity | 3,030 lbs2 | 3,120 lbs2 | 3,270 lbs2 | 3,270 lbs2 | 3,325 lbs2 | 2,445 lbs2 | 2,440 lbs2 |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 14 / 19 / 163 | 16 / 22 / 183 | 19 / 26 / 223 | 21 / 29 / 24 (Diesel)3 | 25 / 25 / 25 (Hybrid)3 | 22 / 24 / 23 (Hybrid)3 | 22 / 24 / 23 (Hybrid)3 |
| Consumer Reports Satisfaction (Out of 100) | 634 | 645 | 656 | 627 | 648 | 679 | 6610 |
Some model years within this timeline are also well-respected, such as 2019 and 2021. However, drivers don't recommend models from 2004 to 2008 – especially when equipped with the Triton V-8, an engine infamous for complications. Other years, such as the 2010 Ford F-150, were the starter year for their generation, and can suffer from engine inconsistencies and software issues. They can still be fantastic pickups, but may require some extra elbow grease.
Ford engines are built to last, so even older models can serve you and your family well for years to come. However, Ford F-150 engine reliability by year continues to degrade, with older F-150s having powertrains worn down from years of work. Even when these models are lauded for their engines, such as the 2016 and its 5.0-liter V-8, they're approaching an age when they'll naturally be worn down.
Let's do two examples:
The latter makes sense: the 2017 model generally won't have the same mileage metrics as the one from 2009, and more of its parts are readily available compared to an older model. A strong maintenance history matters a lot more than age, though: if you want to find the best used F-150 for the money in our inventory, talk with our team about receiving the CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™.
While the focus of this piece is the best used Ford F-150 years, it's notable that you can avoid a lot of the issues with these models by checking out the 2026 Ford F-150. A 2009 F-150, for example, has lax safety and comfort features, as well as a relatively low towing capacity at 11,300 pounds.1 The 2026 F-150, meanwhile, has a much higher towing capacity at 13,500 pounds,1 a redesigned central touchscreen, and hybrid engine options.
Since it's the newest model of the current generation, it also has the most active support base: dealerships like Pettijohn Ford of Trenton will rarely have to order in genuine parts for a 2026, but may have to for older generations. Going for a new Ford F-150 for sale is always a safe bet.
With that in mind, the best used Ford F-150 years are tops for a reason. At our dealership, we often see these model years roll through our lot. Keep an eye on our inventory: you might see a 2017, 2022, or even a 2009 F-150 before long!
According to Consumer Reports, one of the most reliable used Ford F-150 years was 2024. This year, the 14th generation of Ford trucks finally settled into a rhythm, avoiding recalls and most major issues, and Consumer Reports gave it a 42/100 reliability score.9 This might sound low, but most full-size pickups hover in the high 30s, so this is a rather impressive number.
Generally, the answer to "how long do Ford F-150s last" is anywhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Ford trucks, when properly maintained, are natural-born workhorses. They're built for hard labor, so their chassis and engines are designed to cover the distance. However, it can only do so with regular checks, fluid replacements, and upkeep. For more information, please talk with our team about service schedules.
According to drivers, you should avoid 2004 to 2008 due to the Triton 3-valve V-8, a disastrous and infamous engine. Some model years, like 2014 and 2016, had significant transmission issues. Trucks with the 5.4-liter engine can occasionally have issues, as well. These models can often be consistently excellent companions, but test them well before purchasing.
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content. Horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
3EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2009/overview/
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2014/overview/
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2017/overview/
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2020/overview/
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2022/overview/
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2024/overview/
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2026/overview/
11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/ford/f-150/2009
12Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/ford/f-150/2017
