Ford F-150 Overviews

Ford F-150Ford F-150 was redesigned for the 2009 model year. The base 4.2-liter V6 from the previous generation has been replaced with a 248-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. The two other available V8 engines are a high-output 4.6-liter (292 hp) and a 5.4-liter (310 hp). The base 4.6 is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the high-output 4.6 and 5.4 are mated to six-speed automatics. The F-150's configurations seem to be limited only by the imagination of the buyer. There are seven trim levels: XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. There are also two driveline configurations, three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Towing capacity, at more than 11,000 pounds when properly equipped, is impressive.

The design of the Ford F-150 says "truck" in a commanding voice. The tall front end and slab sides of the body give the vehicle a massive, no-nonsense look. Still, this pickup truck is more nimble than the previous generation. The interior, depending on trim level, is a far cry from the no-frills cowboy conveyance of yore. And in the upscale Platinum trim, you could easily feel as if you're sitting in a plush Lincoln. Modern gadgetry is also present. Sync, Ford's popular communications and entertainment system, is available, as are navigation and a back-up camera. Stability control and a full complement of airbags are standard equipment.

In reviews, we found the F-150's ride and handling to be superb and its interior to be comfortable and quiet. The base V8, which only comes with the four-speed auto, is a bit outmatched by the truck's heft. Either of the more powerful V8s will be better choices for most buyers. And though the Ford has a power deficit on paper when compared to competing trucks, we've found it isn't nearly as significant in real-world use. Almost all variants had ford f-150 accessories like a four-speed automatic transmission from 2004-'08, but the V6 came standard with a five-speed manual. All F-150 trim levels and body styles could be configured as either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, although the FX4 trim came standard with four-wheel drive.

In reviews, we found this generation Ford F-150 to be the best in the long history of the pickup. Ride and handling were excellent, and the interiors were attractive and functional. Acceleration and braking, however, were lackluster, and we often found the F-150, even with larger engines, to be underpowered relative to the competition. The truck's heft and old-school four-speed transmissions didn't help.

Ford F-150 Video