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2006 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew V8
Quite possibly the perfect pickup truck
John Stein / autoMedia.com
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Big, dirty hauling jobs. Family night out at the movies. Getting that half cord of seasoned oak. And the Monday-morning commute—with looks worthy of a second glance in the parking lot. These are the capabilities of the 2006 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew, a straight-shooting pickup that's as versatile as it is attractive—and the reasons why the F-Series has been the best-selling pickup in America for an amazing 28 years.
Styling
Now there are more reasons the '06 F-150 XLT is better than ever. Curb appeal has taken a step up thanks to available 20-inch wheels and a new Chrome Package with available five-inch chromed tubular running boards and 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels. Inside, Sirius Satellite Radio is available and includes a six-month trial subscription, and safety is also enhanced with available Traction Assist on 4x2 V-8 models. Plus, the F-150 is the only pickup in its class to earn a NHTSA 5-star driver and right-front-passenger frontal crash rating, as well as a "Best Pick" recommendation from the IIHS for its frontal offset crash performance.
The F-150 XLT Super Crew is available with a choice of 4.6-liter or 5.4-liter V-8 engines. We'll put our money on the cowboy-tough 5.4-liter V-8. Start up this unit and you'll find out real fast what makes it a favorite of folks with a variety of things to do. First, the thing hauls. It's a SOHC V-8 with electronic fuel injection feeding power to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with available electronic shift-on-the-fly part-time four-wheel drive, and limited-slip rear differential.
Interior
Manufacturers don't publish performance figures for trucks, but if on-the-road experience counts for anything, you don't have to hide from anyone in this thing. With its three-valves per cylinder, the 5.4-liter engine counts torque as its hallmark and makes it in spades, producing 365 lb.-ft. of twisting influence at a low 3,750 rpm. (It also boasts 300 hp at a ripping 5,000 rpm.) In practical terms, this means strong acceleration regardless of whether you're riding solo or hauling a cage full of coyotes. And if you need to help out a neighbor with something such as by pulling their barn down for them, you'll be pleased to know that the big V-8 can tow up to 9,500 pounds, when properly equipped.
One unexpectedly nice thing about the F-150 pickup is how well it rides. Granted, the terms "truck" and "comfort" are not exactly kissing cousins, but the fact is that the Super Crew's advanced suspension with cast-aluminum control arms in front and outboard mounted rear shocks, both class-exclusives, deliver great ride and handling. No wonder the F-150 won just about every magazine award since it was introduced.
Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008
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Smart ForTwo Crash TestThe smallest car sold in America has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest rating of Good for bo ... more... |
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