2003 Ford F-150 Series Pickup

The F-150 Regular Cab comes standard with a 4.2-liter 202-hp V-6 that's ULEV rated. Optionally, there's a 220-hp 4.6-liter V-8-and the meaty Triton 5.4-liter V-8 boosts horsepower to 260. Torque ratings are 252/290/350 lb.-ft. respectively. Basic Regular Cab models, excluding the Lightning, come in XL and XLT trim levels. (Ford's popular Lariat line begins with the bigger-cab units.) All F-150s feature a smooth-shifting, four-speed automatic with an overdrive Fourth gear.


In the accessory department, some options are useful: removable extended towing mirrors, "stirrup steps" for easy entry, key-fob starting for those frigid winter days when you'd like the truck running and warm before you get in, power sliding rear window, a rear air deflector, a swivel hitch and ball to expedite trailer alignment before hitching up, diamond-plate splash guards and running boards, and even a wraparound bug shield. Other options are purely decorative, like color-keyed bed rails and bedliner, a tonneau cover, a chromed step bar, oversized chromed 16-inch or chromed or alloy 17-inch wheels, to name just a few. Luxo-types will want the moonroof, seat heaters and probably the upgraded audio system.

The FX4 4x4 off-road package is a Super Cab with oversized LT265/70R17all-terrain tires.

The basic F-150 is very maneuverable without that nervous, tippy feeling you get in some trucks and SUVs. It rides and handles surprisingly well, despite its short wheelbase, and even more so with the added grip of four-wheel drive. True, there's some shudder on really bumpy surfaces-the longer-wheelbase SuperCabs and SuperCrews have a distinct advantage here-and a bit of dipsy-doodling on consecutive hills and dales, but the truck's dynamics stay comfortably within an expectable parameter. This truck won't scare you. Anti-lock disc brakes on all four wheels are standard. There's a long list of available All-Terrain and All-Season tires.


Thanks to its modified suspension, two inches less ride height and a limited-slip differential, the SVT Lightning rides and handles in a class by itself. It's not quite a sports car, but it will surprise you with its capability-and it'll surprise a lot of other people with its startling acceleration. Even better, it tows up to 5,000 pounds and hauls about 800 pounds-something no sports car or sedan can manage.


Safety hasn't been neglected. The 2003 F-150 boasts high crash ratings; it's equipped with second-generation airbags for varied types of frontal impacts. Ford hasn't forgotten that many owners operate their trucks with gloves on, so the controls and locks are easy to use, the instruments are oversized and everything's intuitive. A few miles down the road and you feel as though you've had the F-150 for a long time.