Stiffer CompetitionFord thus couldn't afford to make mistakes with this full-size pickup. It faces stiffer foreign competition from Toyota and Nissan, not to mention high-volume competitors from Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge.
The 2004 F-Series initially arrives with the popular F-150 designation. It's roomier, longer and wider, besides being built more solidly. (Heavier-duty, lower-volume versions arrive later.)
Styling is more aggressive because some critics felt the old look was too "soft" for a rugged truck. There are muscular contours and exaggerated features, which even include an oversized blue Ford oval insignia.
Many ImprovementsThere also are added power, crisper steering, sharper handling, an improved ride and larger brakes.
The new F-150 costs more to build than its predecessor. Prices for the 2004 model range from $21,215 to $35,570. Comparably priced 2003 models went from $20,970 to $34,935.
(Some versions of the 2003 F-150 continue unchanged as the F-150 Heritage through the 2004 model year with pricing starting at $19,125.)
Various Trim LevelsThe new F-150 comes with rear- or 4-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Returning are regular-, extended- and crew-cab body styles with three larger bed lengths. All cabs now have four doors because more pickups are being used as family vehicles. Upgraded interior designs thus are more car-like.
The regular cab and SuperCab have standard rear-hinged "half doors," while the SuperCrew crew cab returns with four front-hinged doors, which are a lot more convenient.
New V8I tested the $34,185 SuperCrew 4-wheel-drive version. This is the roomiest new F-150, with space for five tall adults. It was powered by the F-Series' new 5.4-liter 300-horsepower V8. An improved 4.6-liter 231-horsepower V8 is available, but don't count on it for strong acceleration.
Neither engine will get a fuel economy prize, but they work with a responsive 4-speed automatic transmission.
The 300-horsepower V8 delivers strong acceleration to 65 mph, but provides average 65-75 mph passing times. That shouldn't be surprising because the SuperCrew is large and heavy, with a 139-inch-wheelbase. It's awkward to park and often impossible to put in an average-size garage. Those with barns are ahead of the game here.
However, an increasing number of people prefer huge, roomy pickups.
A strategic option is the $245 reverse sensing system. It warns of unseen objects behind the truck.
Car-like MannersThe steering provides good road feel. It's geared right�not too fast or too slow for a high, heavy vehicle. Handling is car-like, and the brake pedal has a reassuring feel.
The firm ride is composed on decently paved roads, but the back end hops on bumpy surfaces with an empty pickup bed.
My nicely painted test SuperCrew didn't have many options, but could have done without the $300 black tubular running boards. They look good, but are too narrow to be of much use when getting in this high truck, a maneuver that requires extra effort.
Large outside door handles can be easily grasped, as can the inside handles. Also, substantial front grab handles can make it easier to climb aboard.
Interiors EmphasizedFord is emphasizing the five new F-150 interiors, which are intended to enhance differences between various versions of this truck.
My test truck had a sporty "FX4" interior with "warm steel" (like aluminum) accents on the instrument panel, console, doors and steering wheel. The instrument cluster was aircraft-inspired and the dashboard had carefully positioned chrome-ringed vents. The shifter look as if from a sporty car.
The $595 front "captain's chairs" were firm, but supportive. They had "sporty cloth" and also are offered with "sporty leather."
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