2006 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew V8

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.