Building rock solid trucks that are performance driven and power laden is nothing new to Ford. They have been strong in the truck market for decades and even coined the phrase "Ford Tough" with their trucks in mind. The Ford F-150 is the entry level truck from Ford and it comes in so many different varieties that it is almost ridiculous. The base model Ford F-150 starts out around $20,000 but can be ramped up with so many extra features and option that it can be sold for as much as $50,000 when fully loaded.
Many other truck makers strive to keep up the high level of quality and performance that the Ford truck line offers. The Ford F-150 recently won the Car Of The Year award from Motor Trend Magazine and then won again this year. This truck offers a decent payload handling rated at 3,030 in the standard work truck model and up to 11,300 on the heavy duty model. There are many different cab and bed configurations to allow for each owner to customize this truck to make it perfect for their own needs. The F-150 does offer a lot of value and there are upgrades available to make this base model truck meet any personal or commercial need.
The Range
Bodystyles: Truck
Engines: 4.6L V-8, 5.4L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Models: XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, FX4, SVT Raptor, King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson
What's New
The 2010 model year marks the arrival of the off-road-oriented SVT Raptor plus the addition of MyKey to the entire range. Platinum models get a bevy of new standard features, including 10-way power adjustable seats, brushed aluminum interior panels, 20-inch wheels, six-disc in-dash CD changer, heated front and rear seats, power sliding rear window, and ambient interior lighting.
Exterior
The F-150's broad lineup means a variety of grille designs -- chrome or black, depending on trim level -- and wheel choices (up to 22-inches), plus unique appearance packages for the SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson models.
Interior
F-150s can seat from three to six passengers, depending on cab choice. Spacious SuperCrew models offer 43.5 inches of rear-seat leg room. Upholstery choices include vinyl, cloth, and leather. SVT models get unique cloth-trimmed leather seats.
Performance & Handling
The F-150's base 4.6-liter V-8 makes 248 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque, but gets slightly worse fuel economy than the more-powerful 292 horsepower, 320 pound-feet version, partly due to its dated 4-speed automatic. The range-topping engine is an E85-capable 5.4-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both of those engines come with a 6-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is available regardless of engine choice.
Safety
Six airbags are standard on all F-150 models, including front side-impact and side-curtain airbags for both rows in SuperCab and SuperCrew models. Stability control is standard, a rear-view camera and reverse sensing system are optional.
EPA Fuel Economy
4.6L 2WD: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
4.6L 4WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
4.6L (24-valve) 2WD: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway
4.6L (24-valve) 4WD: 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway
5.4L 2WD: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
5.4L 4WD: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Roomy cab
- Impressive capability
- Option versatility
You Won't Like
- Base engine's 4-speed auto
Sum Up
The total package
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra