Ford F-150 Supercab Lariat
Plan on losing any street race you get into against a 5.3L Chevy or Hemi truck, but as pathetic as it sounds, the 5.4L moves the F-150 with authority compared to the same engine in the Expedition. There's got to be more power locked in this mill that Ford just hasn't given us access to...yet. Even without any power reserves the F-150 handled well on the paved portions during our test, thanks to a better-balanced suspension than the Silverado. It's a good highway cruiser but don't ask any adults to ride in the back seat for too long. And if you're a gadget geek you better plan to add your own because Ford doesn't give these trucks much more than a stereo and adjustable pedals. Bonus points go to Ford engineers for the quiet cab that shields the driver from road noise better than the GM pickup. This is the first year we got to test any of Ford's FX4 option group. Here at the magazine we have a hard time getting excited over "off-road" packages that are more sticker and decal application than actual engineering. Ford caught us off guard with the inconsistency in what the FX4 package gets you on a particular truck. In the case of the F-150 an extra $860 gets you 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, 3.55 gears, skidplates, and Rancho badged shocks. That's not a bad start, but we think an FX4-equipped F-150 should delete the running boards and leave them in Dearborn where they belong. On the trail they made it hard to appreciate the otherwise good ground clearance the truck has. In the rocks the Ford's ability was thought better than the Silverado due mainly to its better compression braking and skidplate protection. Not surprisingly the unloaded truck had some fierce wheelhop in the sand, though we thought it was acceptable compared to the 3/4- and 1-tons in the test. All in all the judges were disappointed with the bestselling truck in America, but considering this is the last year for the current F-150 platform, Ford is well aware of the ½-ton's dated appearance and performance.
General
Manufacturer: Ford
Model: F-150 Supercab Lariat
Base Price: $30,405
Price as Tested: $35,220
Options as Tested: 5.4L V-8 engine, 6,500-pound GVW package, chrome tubular running boards, electronic shift transfer case, power moonroof, power sliding rear window, Trailer towing group Class III, FX4 off-road equipment group (3.55:1 gears and limited-slip differential, skidplates, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, Rancho shocks), AM/FM radio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, lower two-tone paint
Engine
Type: SOHC V-8
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 5.4/330
Bore & Stroke (inches): 3.55x4.17
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Induction Type: Sequential, multiport fuel injection
Fuel Required (octane)/Capacity (gallons): 87/25
SAE Peak Horsepower: 260 @ 4,500 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 350 @ 2,500 rpm
Transmission
Type: 4-speed automatic overdrive
Model: 4R70W
Ratios: First: 2.84:1; Second: 1.55:1; Third: 1.00:1; Fourth: 0.70:1; Reverse: 2.32:1
Transfer Case
Type: 2-speed part-time with electronic shift
Model: Borg-Warner 4406
Low-Range Ratio: 2.64:1
Axles
Front Type: IFS with Visteon 8.8-inch differential
Rear Type: Visteon 9.75-inch with limited slip
Hubs: Automatic
Ratio: 3.55:1
Suspension
Front: IFS with upper and lower A-arms/torsion bars
Rear: Live axle with leaf springs
Steering
Type: Power-recirculating ball
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 3.5/14.0:1
Turning Radius (feet): 45.8
Wheels
Size (inches): 17x7
Material: Aluminum
Tires
Size: P265/70R17
Brand: Goodyear Wrangler RT/S
Brake System
Front: 12.13-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 13.2-inch discs with ABS
Weight (pounds)
Curb Weight: 4,744
Advertised GVWR: 6,500
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy. mpg): 14/18
As Tested (mpg): 9.64
Acceleration
Standing ¼-mile (seconds @ mph): 19.10 @ 75.94
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 150.93
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 139
Overall Length: 226.25
Overall Width: 90.5
Overall Height: 76
Front/Rear Track: 65.125/65.375
Front/Rear Overhang: 39.75/48
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 10
Likes
*Power rear sliding window
*Steel gas tank with skidplate
*Good visibility
Dislikes
*Less headroom with sunroof
*Cramped rear seats
*Body style looks dated
Bottom Line
We can't wait for the all-new F-150 next year