Ford Faqs

The Ford F-150 comes in a broad range of models, yet they all seem to have nicely balanced suspensions that make them enjoyable to drive and well-designed, comfortable cabs. They offer a quiet and refined ride over dirt roads, rough pavement and freeway slabs. Yet they also offer controlled handling, with a minimum of body roll in corners.

The steering is responsive for cornering and these trucks track like a laser beam on the highway. Brakes are smooth and responsive. The big 5.4-liter V8 is smooth and quiet, and delivers quick acceleration. It’s rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque and 15/19 mpg City/Highway. The 4.6-liter V8 and 4.2-liter V6 engines perform well, also.

The F-150 comes in six distinct variants to meet the different needs of a wide range of owners. Within those variants are three cab choices, three bed lengths, three bed styles, and a choice of powertrains. Ford claims more than 60 possible variations. All are thoughtfully designed to address the distinct needs and wants of individual buyers. The F-150 is known for its toughness, strength, and cargo capacity, while offering interior design and comfort. Its amenities show attention to detail.

The base XL is surprisingly nice inside. The FX4’s optional captain’s chairs are comfortable. The Lariat is classy and nicely equipped, with every known amenity. The King Ranch has a western feel that’s very inviting. The SuperCrew features a back seat that’s roomy and comfortable for adults. The SuperCrew offers 39.0 inches of rear legroom, compared with 32.7 inches for the SuperCab. Ford redesigned the F-150 for the 2004 model year. Since then, the model lineup has expanded with new trim levels, variations, and specialty models. The 2007 models feature more than a dozen subtle improvements inside and out.

Seat comfort has been enhanced for 2007. A tire-pressure monitoring system now comes standard. Lariat and XLT models get new grilles for 2007. A 5.4-liter E85 flexible fuel V8 is available, and power for the 4.6-liter V8 is increased for 2007. A new DVD navigation system and Sirius satellite radio are available, and an auxiliary audio input jack is now standard on most models. Power folding mirrors are now available on 2007 FX4 and Lariat models, a useful feature for parking in tight quarters.

The XL ($18,220) is the budget-priced F-150 with a work-truck interior: vinyl-covered 40/20/40 bench seats with manually adjustable lumbar support for the driver, black vinyl floor covering, and an all-plastic dashboard housing a basic AM/FM radio. A tire-pressure monitor comes standard for 2007. XL is readily identifiable by its black grille and fascia, painted silver bumpers and 17-inch steel wheels.

The Lariat is the luxury model, distinguished visually by a chrome grille surround housing an Arizona Beige insert, and bright-finish 18-inch aluminum wheels. Bumpers are chrome or Arizona Beige, and power heated side mirrors feature integral turn signals. Lariat features black-on-cream instruments, lots of wood trim and brushed metal, a multi-function steering wheel, and a shiny floor shifter mounted in the console.

A power-adjustable and leather-trimmed 40/20/40 split bench seat with memory is standard, along with power-adjustable pedals, an in-dash message center, and automatic climate control. Heated power leather captain’s chairs are optional. Lariat 2WD models are available in all three body styles, but 4WD versions come only with Styleside fenders. Among the models is the Lariat SuperCrew 2WD ($32,165).

Dozens of options are available at every level, including mechanical or automatic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, skid plates, limited-slip axle, traction assist for 2WD V8s, 35.7-gallon fuel tank, fog lamps, power-folding and heated side mirrors (FX4 and Lariat), reverse-sensing system, power-adjustable pedals, power sliding rear window, two-tone paint, 20-inch wheels, chrome dress-up packages, a six-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, a heavy-duty payload package, a trailer tow package, a snow plow package, and a rear-seat entertainment system. New for ‘07 is a DVD-based navigation system with in-dash screen.

Safety features that come standard include dual frontal airbags designed to deploy according to the severity of the crash and who or what is occupying the seat. The seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and energy-management retractors. The F-150 earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA government frontal crash testing. The F-150 received a Good rating in offset-crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.