2013 Ford F-150

Most of the changes for the 2013 models concentrate at the top of the range. A new Limited model—it features unique 22-inch wheels; body-colored front and rear bumpers, side-view mirror caps, an upper fascia, a grille surround; HID headlamps; and a full-grain leather interior—tops the lineup. Hill-descent control comes standard in the FX4. New options include power telescoping-and-folding, trailer-tow side-view mirrors.

When it comes to the exterior of the 2013 Ford F-150, it shows no drastic changes. The truck still features the box-like styling and heavy-duty look it has possessed for several years. However, with certain models, the driver will notice the same body color on the bumpers as the rest of the truck, which gives it a more sleek and uniform look. There is a step onto the tailgate, which allows for people to easily step into the bed of truck. This is something other trucks on the market do not have and just one of the benefits of the F-150 for the 2013 model year. There is also the option of getting a bed extender for better hauling abilities.

The interior of the 2013 Ford F-150 looks rather surprising considering the rugged appearance of the truck's exterior. Ford takes the time to ensure those who drive feel comfortable. First off, the cabin stays eerily quiet when driving down the road thanks to the new product materials used to minimize the noise in the cabin.

Secondly, there is a ton of storage in the cabin. From the middle console to the back seats laying down to store items, it means the driver never has to fear items rolling around, out of reach, or having to stow these items in other ways. The Super Crew Rear seat can be lifted slightly to place items below while still seating passengers. It can also be completely folded to allow for more cargo room in the cabin. The versatility makes this a unique interior feature of the truck.

The overall layout of the interior looks very impressive as there are options for leather seats and tons of extras in the cab. The navigation system with Ford My Touch technology sits in the dashboard.

Cargo wise, the F-150 has the ability to tow more and haul more than most trucks on the market thanks to its heavy-duty construction.

Safety features of the 2013 Ford F-150 include a Personal Safety System. This includes seat belt reminders for those who do not fasten their seat belts, seat belt tensioners, releases that kick in during a crash, and airbag deployment upon being hit. There is also the added benefit of the truck having crush zones and a steel design to ensure that the vehicle takes on the majority of the impact rather than the passengers. This technology has those crush points absorb the majority of the force. Airbags include dual frontal side-impact airbags and head airbags for the front row of seats.

Other standards include the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control technology that helps protect passengers in the event of a rollover, an SOS Post Crash Alert system, and a dual note horn. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes and traction control. The truck also includes towing sway control to greatly improve the ability to control the F-150 with a trailer.

The 2012, which is virtually the same, receives four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2013 Ford F-150 a top safety pick in its class. Very few pickups on the road offers higher quality safety features.

The 2013 Ford F-150 features four engine sizes. All engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine is a 302-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine size gives 17/23 mpg city/highway. Also available is a 365-hp, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine with EcoBoost technology and an impressive output of 420 lb-ft of torque. A 360-hp, 5.0-liter, V-8 produces 380 lb-ft of torque with only a slight decrease in fuel economy. The largest engine, a 6.2-liter V-8, produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the largest engine set only reaches 13/18 mpg city/highway.

The 2013 F-150 is a big truck; however, it seems relatively easy to drive. Thanks to the design of the truck, it has hardly any blind spots. The acceleration is responsive, and the cabin stays surprisingly quiet for such a large truck. However, it experiences some amount of engine noise, especially with the larger engines. Overall, it performs extremely well, and there's a reason the F-Series is one of the highest-selling lines vehicles in the history of automobiles.

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