Car Review
Ford’s F-150 Lightning strikes thrice
The popular pickup truck is getting better with age.
Tyson Hugie | August 30, 2023
Discussed in this article
The Ford F-150 pickup has been a best-selling American favorite for over 40 years. And while most trucks historically have been known to serve the purpose of hauling and towing, some versions were built specifically with performance in mind. That’s where the Lightning came into play 30 years ago.
The F-150 Lightning has now existed in three different varieties, the first two of which were V8-powered muscle trucks with a track-tuned suspension. The most recent model uses a very different formula.
In October 2022, KSL Cars got a first look at Ford’s all-new — and now all-electric — F-150 Lightning pickup. Now that months have passed, let’s dive a little deeper into the background of the Lightning, along with its modern-day identity.
Shop Ford F-150 Lightning trucks here
Ford released its all-electric F-150 Lightning in 2022. (Photo credit: Ford)
1993 through 1995
The first Lightning was designed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, the company’s in-house performance division. It was based on the ninth-generation F-Series platform and was offered exclusively in a regular cab, two-wheel drive layout.
Many body and chassis enhancements set it apart from the standard truck lineup.
Suspension used anti-roll bars and a model-specific traction bar
Exclusive 17-inch wheels
Color-keyed front and rear bumpers added curb appeal
Bucket seats provided a more intimate driving experience
The 1993 Ford F-150 Lightning was only offered in two-wheel drive. (Photo credit: Ford)
Power came from a 5.8-liter Windsor V8 that was rated at 240 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission was a 4-speed automatic. There were 11,563 Lightnings produced for this generation.
1999 through 2004
The SVT again worked its magic when the 10th-generation F-Series debuted in the late 1990s. A new Lightning launched in 1999 and continued with the regular-cab, two-wheel drive formula, although the bed now had a stepside appearance.
In line with the truck’s performance minded aspirations, it received special ingredients such as a lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, an Eaton rear differential, a unique front fascia and upgrades to the charging and cooling systems.
The 1999 Ford Lightning added a stepside appearance to the truck bed.(Photo credit: Ford)
Power for this Lightning came from a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter Triton V8 with an Eaton M112 supercharger. When the generation launched in 1999, it was rated at 360 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. A midcycle update in 2001 bumped the horsepower to 380 and the torque to 450 pound-feet. The exclusive transmission available was again a 4-speed automatic. For this generation, 28,124 Lightnings were produced.
2022 to present
After an 18-year hiatus, the Lightning name was revived for an all-new, fully electric pickup. The announcement — and prototype — were made public at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the first unit rolled off the assembly line in April 2022.
There are two available configurations. The base has a 337kW battery rated at 452 horsepower and a 230-mile range. The upgraded version has a 430kW battery and is rated at 580 horsepower with a 300-mile range. In a shift from the prior versions of the Lightning, the new EV version is available only in a crew cab with full-time four-wheel drive.
No longer exclusively a street performance vehicle, the new Lightning shines in versatility. In addition to a traditional bed, it also has a front cargo area — which Ford calls a “frunk” — under the hood.
Trim levels are available in Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum, with suggested retail prices ranging between $59,974 and $98,074. In some trim levels, the Lightning reportedly can even power a small home for a few days if there is a power outage.
Old vs new
Does the new Lightning live up to the name? On paper its performance is, in fact, better than that of the original truck. A 1993 Lightning was tested at 7.2 seconds during a 0-60 sprint. Thirty years later, the new Lightning is capable of hitting the same speed in just 4.5 seconds.
The new EV version of the Lightning is available only with full-time four-wheel drive. (Photo credit: Ford)
Some may gripe about the lack of engine and exhaust growl, or the fact that the truck is now a high clearance four-wheel drive as opposed to a street ready two-wheel drive. There is no denying that automotive advancements have blessed the Lightning with some impressive technology — not to mention the fact that it offers heightened utility and can haul a few more passengers.
Whether you are looking for one of the original Lightning trucks or the newer electric version, find it on KSL Cars. The variety may shock you!
Shop Ford F-150 Lightning trucks on KSL Cars now
*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
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