The Ford F-150 is a class leader and it’s not at all difficult to see why after driving in one for 7 days. Ford has continued to build upon a solid foundation of success year after year and this year is no different except that the Ford F-150 is better than ever. It’s more powerful, has better fuel efficiency and performance and its rugged good looks alone could pretty much be the main selling point.
The exterior although muscular and strong in appearance, also demonstrates a certain graceful appeal as well. The lines are smooth, flowing seamlessly from one panel to the next. The front face of the F-150 is bold with either a black or chrome grill and painted bumper matching the body. The mirrors and door handles, as well as the back bumper, have painted accents that also match the body. Ford has made the F-150 available in seven different exterior colors: Ebony Black, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Sterling Grey Metallic, Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, and Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (additional cost). The F-150 FX4 (as test driven) is equipped with a 5.0L V8 FFV engine and electronic 6 speed automatic transmission which provides plenty of continuous power. With 302 horsepower and a 5000 max towing capacity, there isn’t much room for decent fuel efficiency at 14 city/19 hwy but it does provide ample torque for towing purposes. Lack of miles per gallon isn’t entirely uncommon in this class, so the F-150 isn’t necessarily docked huge points for lacking in this area; it more than makes up for it with other qualities. The transmission shifting is very smooth with just the ride shift points used to maintain power. Being that the FX4 is a 4x4 truck, it comes equipped with Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly which allows the driver to transfer from 4x2 to 4x4 with a simple switch of the dial located to the right of the steering wheel; a pretty easy solution that allows you to shift without having to stop the vehicle. The handling and driving performance are well engineered, making you forget you are driving a beefy truck at all and the V8 has pretty good off-the-line power as well, which could contribute to even worse fuel efficiency if you are a lead foot!
Equipped with charcoal grey leather stitched FX captain’s seats bring a sense of luxury to the ride, making it very appealing and comfortable. Ford offers a number of option packages to choose from; the truck test driven was equipped with the FX luxury package which included power heated seats, adjustable pedals, power rear sliding window, reverse sensing system with rear view camera, premium 6-disc changer and remote start system. The tilt wheel, power seats and adjustable pedals make it easy for anyone to get comfortable driving such a power vehicle. The dashboard driver cluster is a must-have, providing all necessary information regarding the vehicle’s miles per gallon, how many gallons until empty and much more. All controls were extremely intuitive and not overbearing at all in placement. The center console was well engineered, keeping the look clean and organized. The Microsoft Sync is always a plus to owning any Ford vehicle. Not only can you connect your media device to your vehicle using SYNC but it comes with 911 Assist, provides Vehicle Health Reports, and also has Traffic, Direction and information with real time updates. Your media device or phone can be connected to the system via USB or via Bluetooth; there is also an auxiliary input as well which makes any device easy to connect. With so many people hosting media on their cell phones, it’s necessary to have a variety of ways to connect and the F-150 does this very well. And what better way to listen to your media than with the premium Sony 700 watt audio system which comes with 10 speakers and a subwoofer.
In the safety department, the F-150 comes standard with front driver and passenger air bags, side body and side head rear and front air bags, plus an air bag passenger on/off switch. Other features include ABS 4-wheel brakes, alarm system, child safety rear door locks, daytime running lights with auto on/off headlights and traction control. Optional equipment includes a reverse sensing system and rear view back up camera for additional safety.
The 2011 Ford F-150 is durable, responsive, comfortable, and extremely easy to drive, even if you aren’t used to driving a vehicle of this magnitude. With ample leg room in the front and back rows, premium technology for all your media and resource needs, high quality performance and easy handling with plenty of cargo space, the F-150 is ready to take on any type of road trip. The F-150 comes in an extensive variety of trim levels starting at $22,790 with the 2WD Regular Cab and going up to $51,770 for the Harley Davidson SuperCrew AWD.
