People are passionate about their trucks. To the hard-working men and women who drive them, a pickup is not just a beast of burden; it’s a stake in the ground. Few topics rouse the same level of fiery discussion than which brand is better. To many, it’s akin to a favorite sports team and just as much a statement of identity.

There are other brands out there. So what makes a Ford truck person a Ford truck person? What is it about the company, the product and the intangibles that keeps the Ford F-Series the best-selling pickup truck for decades?

We recently posed this question to our Built Ford Tough® fans on the Ford Trucks Facebook page. After sifting through the over 500 comments we received, it was clear that the reasons why Ford is number one are as unique as the owners. While everyone has their own story, there are a lot of common themes.

It’s All in the Family

Like that old watch that gets passed down from generation to generation, Ford trucks tend to stay in the family. In fact, “Family tradition” was, by far, the most frequent answer to the question of “What makes you a Ford truck person?”

For some, like Henry C. it’s a bond that goes as far back as the birth of the automobile.

“I am a fourth generation Ford owner,” he says. “My great grandfather always talks about his old Model T, my grandfather has always had one, my dad has one and I got one for my first truck.”

Others, like Pamela G., have roots that go so deep that Ford isn’t just a brand – it’s part of the family.

“My dad worked for Ford for 30 years.  I figure that Ford raised me.  So the least I can do is pay a little back and drive them!  Good vehicles that last!”

The Ford tradition didn’t come so easy for a lot of our fans though. Some, like William R., had to go against the grain. But his persistence is paying off.

“Family was die hard GM products.” William admits. “Slowly one by one I’ve converted them. Now we are a Ford truck family. Nice to know that I’ve put my family in a truck that will last.”

Like William, Bayley W., grew up on the other side of the tracks.

“My family was a die hard GM family,” Bayley admits, “But the first time I drove an F-150 it completely changed my mind! Now we have a 7.3L F-250 and a 5.4L Expedition, love the power and handling. Hoping to add a 6.4L F-350 to the family soon!”

Trucks That Last

The family bond is a powerful one. But as was the case with our friends William and Bayley, it can be broken. You need a good product to keep the tradition alive and the Ford pride flowing.

John S. says that, “Buying dependable trucks has been our family tradition.” And that tradition means, “Ford every time.”

As Eddie S. puts it, “There is only one word that keeps me buying Ford trucks, quality!”

It’s that quality that not only keeps our fans driving F-Series trucks, but other Ford products as well. Take Blake M., for instance.

“My driveway looks like a Ford dealership!” he admits. “1997 F-150 with 133k never left me stuck anywhere! And a 2002 Explorer v8,  with 160k, plus a Taurus, and 2 Focus.”

Don’t let us put words in your mouth, though. Tell us what makes you a Ford truck person by uploading a video or a story. We’re even giving away Ford Social shirts to the first 50 members who get their video published, so don’t be shy.