The 1996 Ford F-150 topped the American market for the first time in several years.  Behind this return to market dominance were several key selling points: buyers flocked to the 96 Ford F150, drawn by its variety of trims (Standard, XL, XLT, and Eddie Bauer trimlines were available), its range of configurations (choices between stepside and styleside; long-bed and short-bed models; and cab setups ranging from 2-door and 4-door standard cabs to the extended-cab supercab), and above all, its selection of powerhouse fuel-injected engines, from a 4.9 liter straight-six clocking in at 150 hp to a 7.3 liter PowerStroke turbo-diesel V8 putting out 210 horsepower.

Four-wheel-drive options and safety features like automatic locking hubs made the 1996 Ford F150 a favorite of off-road enthusiasts.  The pickup's ruggedness and durability made it the choice for farm and ranch uses, and its solid heft has kept it on the road for more than a decade.  You'll still find plenty of these old-school muscle-trucks out there, either pampered by tuners or doing workhorse duty in fields and back roads.