2004 Ford F-150 SuperCrew XLT

If you want to have your cake and eat it too, the F-150 SuperCrew XLT Styleside is your pickup of choice. Think of it as a full-sized station wagon on stilts, with a five-and-a-half foot wide, 22.3-inch deep pick-up bed for those extra-bulky items you couldn't stuff inside it. The new SuperCrew features four, full-size, conventionally-opening doors, and up to 6.3 inches more rear legroom than the already roomy SuperCab model. It wins the space race hands down. All F-150 XLT's offer handsome, premium Flint fabric interior. They're equipped with a big center console that'll swallow cups up to 'Big Gulp' size, while it packs away and locks everything you could want in front, including a portable computer.

The new SuperCrew features four, full-size, conventionally-opening doors, and up to 6.3 inches more rear legroom than the already roomy SuperCab model.

The XLT is anticipated to be the F-150's most frequently specified trim level. You can order the XLT trim package in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew, with a choice of three box lengths. Our choice for this review was the SuperCrew with its two spacious rows of seating. Although the Flareside is not available on SuperCrews, the standard Styleside bed is a handsome compliment to the spacious cabin.


XLT's offer an optional Silver two-tone finish and a unique, understated grille treatment. Handsome 17-inch cast aluminum wheels are standard. Other standard features include a 40/20/40 split-bench seat or optional dual captain's chairs. Included with that option are distinctive chrome instrument panel accents. All XLT trim packages include clever Ford's new overhead rail system. Specify a 4x4 and you get fog lamps, as well. SuperCab and SuperCrew models feature a segment first: standard second-row power windows. You can also get delayed accessory power and remote keyless entry.


Ford's 100th Anniversary this year has enthusiasts remembering the simply prolific Model T. But the F-150 pickup remains the company's all-time best seller. Volumes now average over 800,000 units annually. To build that many F-150s requires the output of three assembly plants. The popular hauler represents about one out of every four vehicles Ford sells. While the F-150's newest design has debuted under tremendous pressure to succeed, initial sales show the brawny newcomer is more than up to the task.

Inside, Ford has upgraded the F-150's interior to a level beyond traditional truck expectations and more reminiscent of a top-line Lincoln.

After a two-day drive in San Antonio, Texas, the heart of pickup country, we can attest the all-new 2004 F-150 is everything Ford needs to stay on top. The F-150 remains the best all-around full-sized truck on the market. Ford's engineers had to ensure the new truck's features were equal to or best in class in every important criteria. Thanks to extensive customer research and dealer feedback, they've built the F-150 the way serious purchasers will want it.