Ford's first straight-6 engine was introduced in the 1941 Ford. The company continued producing straight 6 engines until they were replaced in the mid-1990s by more compact V6 designs.

First Generation

226

The first Ford six displaced 226 in³ and produced 90 hp - the same as the Flathead V8 that year. The 226 was used in the full-size Ford cars and the new 1948 F-series pickup truck, with power up to 95 hp.

Second Generation

The second generation was produced from 1952 through 1964.

215

A completely new OHV six was offered for the 1951 F-series. It displaced 215 in³ (3.5 L) and produced 101 hp. It was also used in the 1952 full-size Ford cars.

223

The 215 grew to 223 in³ (3.7 L) for the 1954 F-series. Output was now 115 hp (as the "Mileage Maker" in the trucks) and 120 hp in the 1955 cars. Power was up to 137 hp in the 1956 trucks.

262

A 262 was also produced.

Third Generation

The third generation was produced in Lima, Ohio from 1960 through 1983.

144

170

The original 1964 Ford Mustang used a 170 in³ (2.8 L), 101 hp version.

200

The Mustang was also available with a 200 in³ (3.3 L) version that produced 116 hp. Power was up to 120 hp in 1967, and the Mustang continued to use this engine as the base until it was dropped in 1970. The 200 reappeared as the middle engine in the 1979 Mustang, now producing 94 hp. This was the base engine again on the 1980 pony, but was dumped in 1983.

250

A 250 in³ six was offered in 1967 in the Mustang and 1970 in the large Ford cars. Output was 155 hp in the Mustang, and the engine became the base on that car in 1971. Power was down to 98 hp for 1972 and just 88 hp the next year.

Fourth Generation

Produced in Cleveland, Ohio.

240

The 240 in³ (3.9 L) six for 1965 cars and trucks produced 150 hp.

300 and 4.9L

A big 300 in³ (4.9 L) six was added for the F-series in 1965. It produced 170 hp. This engine was produced for many years, becoming the base F-series engine for 1978 at 114 hp.

Engine sizes were converted to metric for 1983. Fuel injection and other changes in 1987 caused the 300 to become the 4.9L, with output up to 150 hp. This engine was gradually phased out, ending production in 1996 and replaced in the F-series trucks with their 1997 redesign. However, it was renowned for its durability and many continue in service.