Ford built Tough - Ford F-150 was redesigned for the 2009 model year
By Edmunds
The Ford F-150 is part of the F-Series, a descriptor used to cover the
entire succession of Ford pickups that have been in production for 60
years. Since that genesis, millions of Ford trucks have been sold. In
fact, the F-Series has been the most popular vehicle sold in the United
States for nearly every year of the past three decades.
Originally conceived as a rugged, no-frills workhorse, the Ford F-150
has since morphed into a well-appointed ride. Versatility is the goal:
This pickup truck can handle the needs of small businesses with the
same aplomb it brings to a night on the town. And it isn't just
ranchers and contractors who cherish it: Anyone who needs to tow a
boat, haul stuff or transport recreational cargo can take the F-150 to
heart.
There's a lot of competition in the full-size pickup truck market
segment these days. To keep its truck fresh, Ford has just introduced a
fully redesigned F-150, which boasts more power and new features. Used
F-150s are also a great choice, as the truck's wide array of
configurations and numbers sold means you're almost guaranteed of
finding the right truck.
Current Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 was redesigned for the 2009 model year. The base
4.2-liter V6 from the previous generation has been replaced with a
248-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. The two other available V8 engines are a
high-output 4.6-liter (292 hp) and a 5.4-liter (310 hp). The base 4.6
is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the high-output
4.6 and 5.4 are mated to six-speed automatics.
The F-150's configurations seem to be limited only by the imagination
of the buyer. There are seven trim levels: XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat,
King Ranch and Platinum. There are also two driveline configurations,
three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Towing capacity, at more than
11,000 pounds when properly equipped, is impressive.
The design of the Ford F-150 says "truck" in a commanding
voice. The tall front end and slab sides of the body give the vehicle a
massive, no-nonsense look. Still, this pickup truck is more nimble than
the previous generation. The interior, depending on trim level, is a
far cry from the no-frills cowboy conveyance of yore. And in the
upscale Platinum trim, you could easily feel as if you're sitting in a
plush Lincoln. Modern gadgetry is also present. Sync, Ford's popular
communications and entertainment system, is available, as are
navigation and a back-up camera. Stability control and a full
complement of airbags are standard equipment.
In reviews, we found the F-150's ride and handling to be superb
and its interior to be comfortable and quiet. The base V8, which only
comes with the four-speed auto, is a bit outmatched by the truck's
heft. Either of the more powerful V8s will be better choices for most
buyers. And though the Ford has a power deficit on paper when compared
to competing trucks, we've found it isn't nearly as significant in
real-world use.
