Article Comments-2009 Ford F-150 Test Drives

24 messages, Last post on Dec 15, 2008 at 9:05 AM

You are in the Ford F-Series Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Ford F-150, Truck

First Look: 2009 Ford F-150 - When you've had the best-selling full-size pickup in America for decades, the last thing you want to do is screw things up. That's why the new 2009 Ford F-150 that debuted at the Detroit auto show has an instantly recognizable, comfortingly familiar presence. (more)

2009 Ford F-150 First Drive- First Impressions: The new F-150 is a fine all-around pickup truck — nearly good enough to justify Ford talking all that smack. (more)

2009 Ford F-150 Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: This is the best Ford F-150 to date, but work remains to be done under the hood.(more)

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#5 of 24 Most powerfull engine? who cares? by mschmal Jan 25, 2008 (10:53 am)
Hmmm, having more HP hasn't helped Nissan or Dodge sell any trucks. Mark.
#6 of 24 2009 First Look by KarenS HOST Jan 29, 2008 (8:32 am)
First Look: 2009 Ford F-150
#7 of 24 Enough to maintain market share; where's the diesel? by dino6 Jan 29, 2008 (4:34 pm)
True, the new F is an evolution of the 2004 model, not a radical revolution but the 2004 model simply moved pickup truck comfort and smoothness one level higher than before and the new pickups from GM and Toyota were playing catch up in these dimensions.Since Ford has the largest market share all it needs to do is to prevent owners from switching to GM or Toyota on their next purchase. (I have yet to meet any truck owner that switched from Ford to Dodge or Nissan). This 2009 update is enough of a move to parity w/GM/Toyota on the most important features (and again, it is not horsepower). To get the lead, Ford will have to introduce a good half ton clean diesel engine. I doubt that many buyers, except urban commuters, will find a boosted V-6 appealing in this segment even with a fuel economy improvement.
#8 of 24 The important things by dino6 Jan 29, 2008 (4:44 pm)
Horsepower is not the most important element in the volume half ton truck segment. Practicality, car like smoothness, capability, style, reliability are all more important than power or fuel economy. The biggest customer segment consists of mature baby boomers purchasing trucks for personal/family use or business/fleet use. That's why Ford and GM have the most tasteful, conservative styling in this product segment, and the biggest market shares; and Dodge/Toyota/Nissan have edgier styling for the younger customer, and are competing for the new truck buyer. Anyone who pulls trailers on a regular basis knows that it is stability not horsepower that limits speed. Ford's idea of combining the electronics of roll control, traction control and brake control to manage trailer stability is the single best feature of this new F-150, and puts them one up on the others (at least temporarily). Ford's marketing is also spot on in coming up with new premium editions. Again, because the typical half ton buyer today has more income than people expect, it's not just penniless cowboys anymore. The half ton has also replaced the traditional large, rear drive Detroit sedan as the family vehicle of choice, hence the popularity of crew cabs. Crew cabs are also replacing large SUVs since they now offer as much comfort, more practicality and better towing. Too bad, Ford doesn't have its act together in cars as much as it has in trucks.
#9 of 24 looks like a grill change..that's all by aspesisteve Mar 12, 2008 (7:32 am)
when Ford does it's remodel from head to toe as it did in '04, I'd advise avoiding the first model year unless they up the warranty antie. too many bugs came with the '04 imo
#10 of 24 Intro of 09's by markan Jun 23, 2008 (7:46 am)
Heard Ford will delay the intro of the 09 F150 due to financial concerns. Does anyone know how long the delay will be and how the eventual release of the 09 will be affected? Replies to this message: kcram (Jun 24, 2008 3:52 pm) markan (Jun 27, 2008 10:18 am) kcram (Jun 27, 2008 3:43 pm) and 1 more...
#11 of 24 Re: Intro of 09's [markan] by kcram HOST Jun 24, 2008 (3:52 pm)
Replying to: markan (Jun 23, 2008 7:46 am) Just 2 months as of now. They want the extra time to help clear existing inventory. However, the other announcement Ford made was a bit more telling... they have told their suppliers to stop work on the new 6.2L V8 that was due next year. kcram - Pickups Host Replies to this message: markan (Jun 27, 2008 10:18 am) kcram (Jun 27, 2008 3:43 pm) aspesisteve (Jul 15, 2008 8:03 am)
#12 of 24 Re: Intro of 09's [kcram] by markan Jun 27, 2008 (10:18 am)
Replying to: kcram (Jun 24, 2008 3:52 pm) Not good news. I guess Ford will have to live with the 5.4. In your opinion, does cancelling work on the new engine send the message that Ford is cutting back on pickup R and D or is this just a temporary slow down? I know pickup sales are down but for those of us that really need a pickup I hate to see Ford back off. The competition is fast approaching. Replies to this message: kcram (Jun 27, 2008 3:43 pm) aspesisteve (Jul 15, 2008 8:03 am)
#13 of 24 Re: Intro of 09's [markan] by kcram HOST Jun 27, 2008 (3:43 pm)
Replying to: markan (Jun 27, 2008 10:18 am) I would say stopping work on the 6.2 is a sign that Ford realizes the power race is over. That engine was a response to the GM 6.2, the revised Dodge 5.7, and the Toyota 5.7, all of which are within a few ponies of 400 to the 5.4's 300. Instead, the family buyer is returning to cars to save money on fuel, and the commercial buyer is more interested in durability than brute power and speed. I also think Ford will cut some of the trim levels of the 09 F150 - with a drastically smaller market, there's absolutely no need for three luxury trim levels (Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum) - those $50,000 luxury rigs don't have the buyers they did just a year ago. Same with sport models... pick the FX4 or the STX; both are not necessary. kcram - Pickups Host Replies to this message: aspesisteve (Jul 15, 2008 8:03 am)
#14 of 24 A day late and a dollar short. by rmartin007 Jul 08, 2008 (8:34 am)
I actually like the front styling better than GM's. But I hope GMC follows suit with the 6-speed transmission since they already have plenty horsepower, E85 capability and the best fuel economy in its class with the Active Engine Management System. Plus their brakes last about 100,000 miles as they did on my Silverado. Unlike F-150's 20,000 miles, according to F-150 owners. In addition, GMC is coming out this Fall with a Hybrid version with a 6-speed/ CVT combo tranny.