The full-size pickup truck segment in Brazil began in 1957 with the F-100. However, in the 1970s, the oil crisis and high gasoline prices led automakers to seek alternatives. Thus, in 1979, the Ford F-1000 was launched, equipped with a diesel engine.

What few could have imagined is that this pickup truck would become part of the history of Brazilians and leave behind many fond memories. 

To inform you and honor the vehicle, we at Senhor Carros have done a detailed analysis of the F-1000 from its inception to its retirement. Want to take a look?

Ford pickup trucks were predominantly used in rural areas. But that changed in 1979 with the arrival of the F-1000. 

What few people know is that the number 1000 referred to the amount of cargo it could carry: Up to 1000 kg.

As a way to prove that it could make pickup trucks for urban use, Ford installed a 3.9-liter MWM diesel engine in the F-1000, producing 83 horsepower and torque in the range of 25 kgfm. This guaranteed enough power and torque to handle the demands of urban environments. 

Besides its strength, another appealing aspect of the Ford F-1000 was its fuel economy, which was approximately 401 liters per 100km lower than its main competitor at the time. Chevrolet D10 that was powered by gasoline. 

The F-1000's top speed was 125 km/h. That was considered high for the early 1980s, especially for a large pickup truck. 

When it first appeared, the F-1000 used the same body as the F-100 and was sold at a premium due to its great success. 

The F-100, in turn, was gradually sidelined by both buyers and Ford itself, and began to be sold as an entry-level option in the pickup truck lineup. 

One of the main highlights of the F-1000's success was the availability of front disc brakes and optional power steering. This was another bonus that made it popular with the public. 

What many people don't know is that in order to become legal for using a diesel engine, even while using the same body as its predecessor, the F-1000 needed some improvements to be able to carry 1,000 kg of cargo. 

This is because, according to Brazilian legislation at the time, any vehicle with a diesel engine needed to carry more than 1 ton to be approved for road use.

Gradually, small improvements were made to please consumers. By 1985, the Ford F-1000 was a sales success. 

Because of this success, Ford decided to launch two new versions: the F-1000 SS, called the Super Series, and the F-1000A, powered by ethanol, with a 3.6-liter engine producing 115 horsepower.

In the same year, the competition made a move, and the rival D10 became the D20 with new standard features and minor cosmetic improvements. 

In 1986, Ford introduced changes to the visual identity of the F-1000.

Thus, the pickup truck gained new double square headlights aligned with a new, more rectangular grille, with indicator lights positioned close to the main headlights. 

The turn signal indicator lights were also repositioned and installed below the dual headlights in a more rectangular shape. 

At that time, as the customization trend was gaining momentum and followers, Ford adopted the concept and applied it to the pickup truck.

This made it possible to buy the pickup truck with two-tone paint, which became a craze. In addition, radial tires and aluminum hubcaps were also available and could be chosen when purchasing the truck.

Inside, Ford went all out to attract younger consumers. The seats were upholstered in fabric, and the ventilation system was improved, but the star of this entire restyling was the addition of a sunroof. 

The Ford F-1000 was (and still is) one of the few pickup trucks to offer a sunroof. 

In the early 1990s, the F-1000 was the first Brazilian-made pickup truck to be equipped with a turbocharger system for its diesel engine. 

Thus, its power increased to 119 horsepower, bringing improvements in torque and acceleration. At the time, it was capable of reaching 100 km/h in 18 seconds. Something impressive for a vehicle that could carry up to a ton of cargo. 

The Ford F-1000 only received its second generation in 1992, and this gave the pickup truck a new lease on life. 

Despite being competitive and having a lot of technology and standard features available, it began to lose ground to the Chevrolet D20. This was mainly in terms of style, which was something that consumers were increasingly demanding.  

To meet these demands, the new generation of the pickup truck gained a new interior with extra attention to the driving position, a new center armrest, and a redesigned sunroof made of glass. 

The modifications also extended to the engine. The turbodiesel engine was boosted to 122 horsepower with a torque of 37 kgfm. 

Visually, the front featured larger, even more rectangular headlights, although it no longer had the double lenses present in the previous generation.

The grille was slightly smaller, and the now more square turn signal repeaters were located at the ends of the headlights. 

In 1994, a pleasant surprise: The model gained a 4x4 version aimed at more adventurous consumers. An extended cab version was also launched. 

And in 1996, the F-1000 gained a 4.9-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine with 148 horsepower and electronic fuel injection. 

The last update to the pickup truck came out in mid-1996. That's when the F-1000 gained more rounded lines with smaller headlights than the previous model. 

The front grille was once again wider and featured horizontal slats, giving it a more aggressive look than the previous model. 

In 1998, the pickup truck gained a version called the Lightning. The same name used by the Ford SVT in the USA.

Under the hood was the same 4.9-liter V6 gasoline engine. The bumpers were painted the same color as the body, the windows were slightly greenish, and the aluminum wheels completed the look of the last Ford F-1000.

And finally, 1999 was a year of transition. When the F-1000 was discontinued at the end of 1998, it paved the way for its successor: the equally famous and beloved F250.

The pickup truck market in Brazil is long-established and constantly evolving. Although pickup trucks may have experienced a downturn at times, an article in Istoé magazine shows that this type of vehicle is once again on the rise. 

Big stars like the F-1000 and the D20, for example, were so successful that they remain famous to this day. Similarly, new models have also gained their place, such as... Hilux and the S10.

Further proof that the pickup truck market is expanding is the number of pickup truck launches scheduled for next year. 

After learning about the glorious history of the Ford F-1000, we invite you to check out what are currently the best pickup trucks in Brazil and the anticipated new releases for this growing sector. To find out more, just click below!