2001 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew

Unique Harley-Davidson F-150 exhaust plumbing gives the standard-issue 260-horsepower/5.4-liter Triton V-8 an added measure of aural excitement.

Underhood, this H-D variant carries the same 5.4-liter Triton V-8 that's optional in other F-150 SuperCrew models. While output remains unchanged at 260 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, a special single-inlet/dual-outlet tuned exhaust system adds a welcome bit of aural augmentation when you do step on the gas. Rounding out the drivetrain particulars are a 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels through a 3.73:1 limited-slip differential. That match-up may not make this the absolute quickest pickup in the world, but it definitely helps it wend its way through city traffic with alacrity and ensures that there's plenty in reserve when it comes to full-on freeway cruising. While not exactly a fuel-sipper, the Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew does merit 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway numbers from the EPA. Thanks to a standard 25-gallon fuel tank, re-provisioning exercises should be a bit less frequent if no less financially painful. At the other end of the spectrum, stopping chores are ably handled by 4-wheel disc brakes fitted with standard ABS.


Out on the street, this high-profile hauler picks up where its precursor left off, turning heads wherever it goes. The truck's low-profile rubber and ground-hugging stance combine to add a quickness to its basic steering response and a sportier feel to the overall handling without wreaking too much havoc on basic ride comfort. That said, we did note some resonance from the spring/shock combo that made it a less-than-happy camper on choppier pavement and downright displeased about traversing certain sections of "humpback" freeway. Dyed-in-the-wool corner-carvers are likely to find themselves wishing for a tad more lateral support in the otherwise comfortable buckets, but given the nature of the beast, it's hardly a surprise to see Ford strike this type of real-world compromise. For those concerned with more practical matters, the Harley-Davidson F-150 does offer a standard 1,225-pound payload and a 4,500-pound base tow rating—along with a 7-pin trailer tow connector and a 4-pin converter.


Like most things carrying an official Harley-Davidson imprimatur, this new limited edition F-150 isn't exactly cheap. But the $34,995 basic price of entry does buy you an undeniable degree of distinction—as well as a seriously capable pickup truck. (www.fordvehicles.com)