2004 Ford F-150

Although the ride is impressive, the steering is even more so. Ford's venerable re-circulating ball steering has been replaced by a heavy-duty, power-assisted rack-and-pinion system that offers passenger-car-like on-center feel and sharp cornering capability without over-boosting. Combine that with included ventilated 4-wheel oversized disc brakes (13.0 front; 13.7-inch rear) and ABS, and you have a new handling standard for pickups. On a slalom course, driven against competitive models, the F-150 repeatedly sliced through turns with confidence-inspiring ease, at speeds that required white-knuckle driving in rival trucks.

The F-150's thoroughly modern motor offers variable valve timing, and electronic throttle control, along with fuel consumption that's 5-percent better than last year.

Improved rigidity (50 percent more rigid than the '03) is due to a rugged new boxed frame that's partially hydro-formed, facilitating Ford's claim that it's fully nine times stronger than that of the old model. The frame is an inch lower this year, and the bumpers have been lowered three inches, so the F-150 is less of a battering ram in a collision with a smaller vehicle. Safety items like two-stage airbags, a collapsible steering column, pyrotechnic pretensioners, three-point belts, and even child safety seat latches are included.


The front suspension is a long-spindle, double wishbone independent setup with meaty aluminum lower A-arms and coil-on shocks. The rear remains a live axle, with broad (three inches in width), straddle-mounted leaf springs, and sturdy tube shocks that are mounted outside the frame for better control of body motion and reduced roll. We followed another F-150 in the off-road section of our drive and were impressed with the comfortable ride and un-truck-like body stability through a range of suspension-challenging moguls. 17-inch wheels are standard on XL, XLT, STX and FX4; 18-inch wheels are standard on Lariat and available on FX4s.


This new truck has cost an estimated $1.8 billion dollars to develop, and it will doubtless sticker at a higher price than its predecessor. To this end, Ford will continue to offer the previous model, now called the F-150 Heritage, to lessen sticker shock and help facilitate the model changeover across multiple plants. So for a number of months, buyers will still be able to specify a V-6 manual in the old series. Look for new F-150s in Ford showrooms by late summer, but they won't be there long. (www.fordvehicles.com)