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Walkaround
In the late 1990s, F-150 went aerodynamically curvy, and although it remained number one in sales, not everyone liked the look. So for 2004, Ford returned the F-150 to its square-shouldered roots, with a more utilitarian look that continues essentially unchanged for 2007.It's a functional look, but in its own way it's at least as stylish as the much-heralded Dodge Ram. In fact, the F-150 has a unique image, no small feat when designing within the hard parameters imposed by a pickup. It's at once crisp, bold, and sturdy. In short, we think the F-150 is a great-looking truck. The F-150 shares styling cues with Ford's handsome Super Duty pickups, including the sharp downward drop in the forward part of the door windows, allowing a clear view of the massive outside mirrors. A high beltline gives the truck visual strength and makes occupants feel more secure. The nose is square in concept, with a large, bold, big-rig grille opening. Yet the front fascia wraps around to the fenders for a precise, sophisticated appearance. The bodyside and cargo box sheet metal is chiseled, though it looks slab-sided at the same time, a theme that carries through to the tailgate. F-150 is both upscale and utilitarian, a look that's very appealing. The different trim levels are quite distinctive. Just one example: XLT and Lariat have a honeycomb grille (black on XLT, Arizona Beige on Lariat), while XL, STX, FX4, and King Ranch wear bar-style grilles. Practical considerations are a big part of the design, and some of this can be easily seen. Every bed, no matter which length or style, is more than 22 inches deep, for a generous margin when hauling larger cargoes. All models, including the regular cab, have four opening doors on the body with storage room and/or seats behind the front seat. The SuperCab (extended cab) doors are larger than the vestigial doors on the regular cab, while, as mentioned, the SuperCrew has four full-size doors.
Interior Features
The Ford F-150 features six distinctly different interiors. Your take on each will vary according to how you think your pickup should be outfitted and how much you want to spend. The basic XL is surprisingly nice. At the other end of the spectrum is the King Ranch, which has a western feel that's very inviting. We love the King Ranch, but it's not for everyone.In recent years we've found the F-150's front bench seats flat and unsupportive. The seats have been improved for 2007 models, however, and Ford says they provide more support and comfort. The front bench is still split three ways: The center section flips down to reveal a console with storage and cup holders. The console is flat, so you can put a clipboard on top of it and it won't immediately slide off. Radio and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls are plain but straightforward and easy to operate. Delayed accessory power means you can turn off the ignition, remove the key, and continue to operate the power windows and run the radio until you open the door, a nice feature. The SuperCrew features a roomy back seat where adults should find comfortable and convenient accommodations. The big difference in the back seats between SuperCrew and SuperCab models is rear legroom: 39.0 inches for SuperCrew, 32.7 inches for SuperCab. The rear seat bottom flips up for carrying cargo behind the front seats. The FX4's optional captain's chairs are comfortable, with decent support for the hips and back. They also look great, trimmed in black leather with light gray stitching. Adjusting the power seats may be a little awkward for drivers with big arms, however, because the clearance between the door armrest and the seat is a little tight. Rake adjustment on the power driver's seat is manual, and raking it forward can be a bit awkward. The center console between the captain's chairs is deep, holds a lot of stuff, and features a pair of big, solid cup holders. The floor shifter for the automatic transmission works very well. The Lariat has one of the classiest, quietest, most completely equipped pickup truck interiors we have spent time in. Lariat comes with every known amenity. In Lariat trim, an F-150 rivals luxury cars in terms of design, materials and completeness, with beautiful, rich wood trim, both shiny and matte metallic finishes on major panels, and a lovely three-pod instrument panel behind the multi-function steering wheel. One of our few gripes is that the clear plastic over the instrument panel is too reflective in bright sunlight, making the instruments hard to read. At every level, attention to detail is obvious. Giant mirrors afford an excellent view rearward. There's a hook for your dry cleaning. Optional rear park-assist helps greatly when parallel parking one of these big rigs. Its alarm beeps ever more rapidly as you back toward something and it even turns down the radio to make sure you hear its warning. A set of overhead storage bins is available that snap into rails; Ford offers five different sets of these bins, and the aftermarket offers overhead entertainment systems and other specialty items for this rail system. All of these details make this truck more pleasant to own and operate. Everything else inside functions very well and looks good.
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