Ford has 85 years of truck-making experience; 55 with the
F-Series alone. In short, this is a company that knows how
to produce hard-working, rugged models-the saying 'Built
Ford Tough' is no coincidence.
So when Ford decides to redesign its flagship full-size
pickup truck, it is big news. You can bet that countless
hours were taken to make sure everything is top notch. And
it is. The 2004 Ford F-150 is bigger, stronger, more versatile
and more comfortable than anything in Ford's history. And
that is quite a statement, given Ford's tradition.
Available Models
The 2004 Ford F-150 is offered in a total of five solid
trims: XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat. The FX4 and Lariat
are covered in a separate review.
Interior Features
Three cabs are offered: regular cab, extended cab and crew
cab. For 2004, all cabs now have four doors and are six
inches longer and four inches taller. Regular cabs and extended
cabs have rear-hinged back doors; crew cabs have four full
doors.
The 2004 Ford F-150's interior is roomier than ever thanks
to its new growth. The Regular cab's industry-first rearward-swinging
access doors make it easier to reach a behind-seat cargo
area. Things that need to stay out of the elements, like
groceries or golf clubs, now easily fit behind the seats.
Exterior Features
Beds of 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft and 8-ft are available. For 2004,
the box is more than 2 inches deeper, with greater cargo
volume. A class-exclusive new standard Tailgate Assist feature
helps owners of all statures open and close the gate.
The new look of the 2004 Ford F-150 is very bold indeed.
The front and rear tracks have been widened more than 1.5
inches; the tires and wheels are larger; and the front-end
design has new quad-circle-styled headlamps and a new wrap-around
fascia treatment.
Performance
The new F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately nine
times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor. This means
a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds and maximum payload
capacity of 2,900 pounds.
The two engines offered are as follows: a 4.6-liter V8
with 231 horsepower and 293 lb-ft of torque; and a 5.4-liter
V8 with 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque.
The 5.4-liter V8 features improvements in low-speed and
peak torque for greater fuel efficiency. It also contributes
to a quieter cab environment.
Safety and Security
Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are
standard on all 2004 models. A rear-obstacle detections
system is optional with F-150 XLT models.
New for the 2004 Ford F-150
Even
tougher - F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately
nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor,
providing the foundation for improved durability,
driving dynamics, and ride refinement and quietness.
With a maximum tow rating of 9,900 pounds and maximum
payload capacity of 3,000 pounds, the new F-150 is
the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds.
New
interiors - Custom environments have been developed
for each series. The initial "wow factor"
is supported by substance that makes F-150 a pleasure
over the long run.
More
spaciousness - Regular Cab and SuperCab models
have a passenger compartment that is 6 inches longer,
providing more space inside for occupants and their
gear. For SuperCab models, that extra length means
increased rear-seat comfort for three adults in the
rear seat. For Regular Cab, it means 16 inches of
secure storage space behind the seat.
Easy
access - Reflecting consumer demand for ease of
access for people and cargo, Regular Cab models feature
new, class-exclusive access doors that open up new
stowage possibilities behind the seat.
New
engine technology - Ford's new 5.4-liter, 3-valve
Triton V-8 engine produces 300 peak horsepower,
a 15-percent improvement over the previous award-winning
5.4-liter engine, along with improvements in low-speed
and peak torque and greater fuel efficiency. Smooth,
quiet and refined, it also contributes to the quieter
cab environment.
Stronger
stance and style - The new F-150 features an all-new
design, with a bold exterior shape that reflects Ford
truck toughness and capability. The refined interiors
take the full-size pickup to a new level of comfort
and refinement.
Superior
driving experience - Tremendous attention to detail
and engineering advancements -- such as the new outboard
rear shock absorbers and wider rear leaf springs --
have been applied to the chassis of the F-150 to deliver
a confident, capable driving experience.
Safety
- The new Occupant Position Sensing technology for
the first-row passenger makes the 2004 F-150 a strong
choice for safety. It exceeds rigorous new federal
safety standards for air bag and offset crash performance.
Cargo
capacity - The new F-150 cargo box is more than
2 inches deeper, with greater cargo volume. Plus,
a class-exclusive new standard Tailgate Assist feature
helps owners of all statures more easily open and
close the gate.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
3 / 5 / 6
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MSRP
from |
$22,010
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Engine |
4.6L V8
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5.4L V8
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Horsepower |
231 @ 4750
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300 @ 5000
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Transmission |
4-speed auto
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
15 / 19
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