Overview

Ford F-150 has been the best-selling full-size pickup for 27 consecutive years, and it's the most important, most profitable vehicle Ford makes. Last year Ford threw away the old formula and created a new F-150 from the ground up. The 2004 F-150 earned numerous awards, including North American Truck of the Year.

The F-150 more than delivers on all the truck attributes of toughness, strength, and cargo capacity, with a maximum tow rating of up to 9,900 pounds and a maximum payload of up to 3,000 pounds. Being able to get the work done is important, but the F-150 offers new levels of refinement, comfort, style, driving dynamics, and safety.

For 2005, the F-150 gets an expanded lineup. At the top is a new King Ranch model lavishly outfitted in Castano leather. At the bottom is a new V6 model available with an automatic or manual transmission. An inexpensive Work Truck model has been added as well. In between is the industry's widest variety of body configurations: three cab styles, three bed lengths, two bed styles, and a choice of V8 engines. Six distinct trim levels are thoughtfully designed to address the needs of individual buyers with distinct needs and wants.

The F-150 is bigger, heavier, and more costly to build than the previous version, but it offers excellent handling, a quiet and refined ride, and comfortable interiors that show attention to detail. The F-150 comes equipped with dual frontal airbags designed to deploy according to the severity of the crash and who or what is occupying the seat. Seat belts, your first line of defense in any crash, are equipped with pre-tensioners and energy-management retractors.

Model Lineup

Ford offers six distinct trim levels of the F-150 to better meet the individual priorities its owners. The XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, and King Ranch each boast their own interior style and features. Engines, suspensions and cab configurations are designed to meet specific needs. A myriad of configurations and options within these model lines ensure buyers can select the right pickup for them.

Three engines are available: a 4.2-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8, and a 5.4-liter V8. The V8s come with four-speed automatics (different ones), while the V6 offers a choice of automatic or five-speed manual.

XL is the budget-priced truck with a work-truck interior: 40/20/40 bench seats in vinyl or cloth, an all-plastic dashboard, and black vinyl floor covering. XL is readily identifiable by its black grille and fascia and 17-inch steel wheels, though it comes with chrome bumpers. XL is available in regular cab or SuperCab (extended cab) styles. An F-150 XL 4.2-liter V8 Regular Cab 2WD automatic short wheelbase retails for $21,455, but a V6 manual will lower that price to $19,610; a long-wheelbase 4x4 V8 automatic SuperCab is priced at $29,690. (Manufacturer's suggested retail prices are subject to change and do not include the destination charge of $795.)

STX is sportier than the XL, with a body-colored grille-surround for the black bar grille, and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. STX comes in Styleside (flat) and Flareside (fendered) body styles, in regular cab or SuperCab, with either a 6.5-foot or a 5.5-foot cargo box. An audiophile sound system with subwoofer and six-disc CD changer is optional. STX starts at $22,285.

XLT is the most popular model, nicer and better-equipped than XL though not as luxurious as Lariat. It comes with a honeycomb grille that sets it apart from the other models. XLT comes in regular cab, SuperCab or SuperCrew, with a choice of 5.5-, 6.5-, or 8-foot bed lengths, and Styleside or Flareside body styles. A premium cloth interior is standard on the bench seats or optional captain's chairs. The XLT instrument panel gets more flash than either the XL or STX dash. SuperCab, as well as SuperCrew versions, get power windows for the rear doors. The XLT also features an overhead rail console system that the owner can tailor to his or her needs. Fog lamps come standard on 4X4 XLTs. An XLT SuperCrew 4x4 5.4-liter V8 automatic retails for $35,275.

FX4 is a special off-road model. The interior features chrome trim and markings, and a floor shifter. FX4 is available in regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles, with either 5.5-foot Styleside or 6.5-foot Flareside or Styleside bed designs (no 8-foot bed). The standard engine is the 5.4-liter V8. The FX4 has its own instrument package as do the rest of the models, with carbon mesh accents on the metallic dashboard. Captain's chairs in cloth or leather are optional, and 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are standard. An F-150 FX4 SuperCrew retails for $34,605.

Lariat is the luxury model. It has its own grille design and comes standard with 18-inch wheels. Lariat features black-on-cream instruments, lots of wood trim and brushed metal, a multi-function steering wheel, and a shiny floor shifter mounted in a floor console. A power 40/20/40 split bench seat with seat memory is standard, along with power-adjustable floor pedals, an in-dash message center, and climate control. Heated power leather captain's chairs are optional. Lariat 2WD models are available in all three body styles, but 4X4 versions are only available with Styleside fenders. An F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 starts at $35,875.