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Acceleration
"V6 has adequate power for commuter duty, but struggles with even modest loads.
4.6 V8 has decent acceleration and works well enough for light-duty hauling.
Stronger 5.4 well-suited to heavy work, but trails Dodge Hemi V8 for overall
power, GM 5.3 V8 for refinement. With 4.6, automatic transmission tends to rush
upshifts, delay downshifts, frustrating passing response and hilly terrain driving."
Value
"Some rivals top Ford with features such as head-protecting curtain side airbags
and 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. But F-150 brings its share
of innovation to the big-pickup field, and it's unexcelled for passenger room,
refinement, and on-road composure. Add in frequent discounts to already-competitive
pricing, and this is a solid Best Buy."
Ride
"Firm always, but reasonably comfortable and composed over big dips and swells.
Still, even mildly rippled surfaces induce jiggles and shakes, though minimally
so in SuperCrews. Typical of pickups, tail can hop on rough roads without some
weight in the bed."
Economy
Test 2WD 5.4 Lariat SuperCab averaged 13.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Extended-use-test 4WD 5.4 Lariat SuperCrew averaged 13.2 mpg in a city/highway mix over 7435 miles. Unable yet to measure other models. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Noise
No quarrel with Ford's claim that F-150 is quietest in class. Engines subdued while cruising; road and wind noise low at highway speeds.
Comfort - Front
"Seats flat, but comfortably firm. Ample head and leg room. Seats in regular
and extended cabs have integrated seatbelts; crew cabs use traditional pillar-mounted
belts. Tall step-in, but big doors allow easy entry/exit. Outward visibility
unobstructed."
Comfort - Rear
"Extended cab is OK for occasional adult use, but crew cab much more accommodating.
Seats in both are nicely padded. Angled backrests add to comfort, as does optional
power sliding rear window. Rear access doors have inside release handles for
rear-seaters, but they can't get out until a front door is opened. And swinging
out both doors can make things awkward in tight quarters; only Nissan Titan's
extended cab has rear doors that open wide enough to avoid this."
Controls
"Contemporary cab decor ranges from spartan in XL to luxurious in leather-trimmed
Lariat, King Ranch, and Harley-Davidson. Gauges handsome, well-placed, but a
bit small for some testers. Controls for audio, automatic climate systems slightly
undersized vs. rivals'. Turn-signal/windshield-wiper stalk too short for easiest
use. Available steering-wheel switches for some audio, climate, and cruise functions
mirror each other; take some time to sort through. Console-mounted transmission
shift lever made of hollow-feeling plastic."
Cargo Room
"Highish bed walls add volume, but take extra muscle to clear when loading/unloading
from side. Helper springs make tailgate easier to close, but complicate removing
it. Regular cab's unique rear doors handy for accessing behind-seat storage.
SuperCab's rear-seat cushions flip up for extra cargo space, but leave seat-frame
corners jutting into cargo floor. All models have extra-large map pockets in
all doors, but Dodge Ram has a larger, more-accessible center-console bin. Available
overhead storage system makes adding post-purchase accessories a snap."
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