Picture Gallery: 2007 Ford F150 4×4
Day 1:
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I thought it was rather ironic that my test vehicle for the week wears a Michigan license plate. Why is this ironic? Well the Ford F150 is the top selling vehicle in Canada over and over again - how Canadian to be driving around a U.S.-plated vehicle. But I digress. My vehicle for the week is a Ford F150 4×4 powered by the 5.4-litre Ford Triton V8.
It’s too bad I don’t know anyone moving or pulling their boat out of the water or something this week as this vehicle is really a waste for driving me from work to home for the week. I do have some garbage that has been piling up in the garage, I should get some time to get that stuff to the dump.
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My test vehicle as usual is fairly loaded up. I haven’t received all the materials on this vehicle yet but something tells me this is not Ford’s top-selling version of the F150 in Canada. I see the F150 as a work horse vehicle on rural farms and on construction sites.
My tester’s interior is covered in leather with heated seats, climate control and a 7 speaker stereo system including navigation and sirius satellite radio. Other features include a back-up sensor and moonroof.
The Ford F150 is a very capable towing machine and hauling machine. The edition I will be driving this week is capable of towing 4,763kg (10,500lbs) and hauling a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 3,243kg (7,150lbs).
Another notable thing about the new F150 is that it is E85 compatible. Unfortunately the only E85 filling station in Ottawa, that I know of, is in the far east end of town…
2007 Ford F150 4×4 Lariat Edition
MSRP as tested: $50,799
For more information on Ford and the F150 visit Ford Canada
Day 2:
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In short, E85 Fuel is 85% Ethanol (alcohol) and 15% oil product (gasoline). The standard Ethanol fuels that you may see at your local fuel retailer contains up to 10% ethanol blend; the formulation is basically 10% ethanol and 90% oil product and is referred to as E10. With that out of the way I did some more research regarding filling stations for this fuel. In the US there at least 37 states that have E85 ethanol pumping stations for the public, which, according to my research, works out to more than one thousand stations.
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Back to the F150. There was some talk on the forum about this vehicle being an odd combination of super cab (clam type 4 door) and short box. I did a mental note tonight as I drove around the town. Even though I did see one other F150 tonight of the same configuration, the majority of models I saw on the street were super crew (regular 4 door)/short box versions followed by regular cab/regular box versions. I could see families wanting the king cab and the short box certainly makes it more manageable around town.
If there was one thing I can give Ford top marks on in all their truck products is their ease of maneuverability around town. Every Ford truck I have driven has had an excellent turning circle and good visibility. The visibility out of the F150 is stellar, with the low windows and large mirrors provide excellent sight lines.
Updated November 7th 2006
Day 3:
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The rear of the F150 in rear wheel drive mode is a little loose on gravel surfaces. I was able to get a quick test in of the 4×4 high setting today; not much of a test but something to at least get a feel for its usefulness.
The difference was not only noticeable in the fact that the rear tires would no longer break loose, but there was an intrinsic feeling that the drive train was more solid in 4×4 mode, which I found interesting.
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The interior of my tester is somewhat upscale with leather appointed seats, a DVD-based navigation system and a seven-speaker stereo which includes a subwoofer under the rear seat.
The audio system sounds wonderful. The bass is deep and clear and the midrange and treble are clear from the driving position. The interface for the audio system on the other hand leaves a lot to be desired, though. The touch screen is bland, with no colour and the satellite radio feature is disabled when the vehicle is moving. Do not forget to set your radio station before you head out onto the highway or you might be just turning it off.
I understand the need to block drivers from fiddling with touch screens while driving but what about the passenger? Could they not use the system? I propose they tie this into the passenger airbag sensor somehow.
This same issue plagued the Maxima for the navigation system as well as the Ford F150 and Explorer’s navigation systems. Personally I would rather have the choice of navigating that system while in motion or not.
Updated November 9th 2006
Day 4:
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My impression of the F150 is that it is a very large vehicle. My attempt to park at a restaurant this evening certainly proved that, as I backed into a spot but had no way of getting out of the truck and had to find another. Apparently the minivan that nearly sideswiped me didn’t see me though, so it must not be large enough.
I did get to find out about the brakes from that little experience today, the horn as well. I can report that both work exceptionally well; I was especially surprised at the brakes… the horn was loud too.
Seriously though, the F150 is large: although maneuverable, it is rather wide so finding a spot in which you can easily enter and exit the vehicle is tough.
The lack of running boards on my tester is a killer as well. Getting in and out this week has been a chore, especially if I was carrying a package or a bag.
I averaged a respectable 15.3L/100km this week. Considering the size, weight and power of this vehicle, I was surprised. It’s especially surprising when you consider a good majority of my driving was city driving. I have had worse fuel mileage with smaller, less powerful vehicles… even some that have high tech engine shutdown features.
Overall the F150 seems like a strong competitor in its segment. I won’t lie - I have much to learn about trucks and many more to drive before I can form a true honest evaluation of the class. But the F150 performed well and I’m sure it really hauls and pulls strongly. After all, there must be a reason it is the best selling vehicle in Canada.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Ford F150 4×4 Lariat | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Ford F150 4×4 Lariat
MSRP as tested: $50,799
For more information on Ford and the F150 visit Ford Canada
November 07, 2006, 03:50:49 pm
Ridgeline envy on Ford's part? Does this mean the Lariat isn't a truck, either?
November 07, 2006, 05:12:21 pm
How many people actually use their pickups as trucks?
Same number as the SUV owners using them as SUV's.
Same number as sports car owners using them on racetracks.
November 07, 2006, 05:21:37 pm Ooops, my mistake. I thought the truck in question had the 6.5' box, not the 5.5' box. I agree that a supercab with the short, short box (5.5') is not very common.
Reg. cab is available with 6.5' or 8.0' box.
Supercab is available with 5.5', 6.5', or 8.0' box.
Supercrew is available with 5.5' or 6.5' box.
November 07, 2006, 06:37:12 pm
Ridgeline envy on Ford's part? Does this mean the Lariat isn't a truck, either?
At least we know the Ridgeline is not a truck
November 07, 2006, 07:43:55 pm
My wonder is how Ford will improve upon the F-Series for '08MY.
Really? I would say that is the 2nd most popular configuration, behind the Super Crew shortbox. At least around here. What would you guys consider less odd?
And MDX is right. Around here, Lariats and FX4's are the trim level of choice. It is the base work trucks that are rarely seen on city streets.
I agree the Super Cab/Extended Short box is the most popular truck up in the North. What do people buy in the south? I bout mine in the south and that is all I see down there.
To day drove my truck to work and I loved it. I picked up Wifyf’s wheels and winter tires at Kal Tire today.
November 07, 2006, 10:38:19 pm Well from what I can tell Super Crew short box is the most popular around here.
November 08, 2006, 12:29:20 am One of my friends just bought a used truck. I found out tonight that it is an extended cab, short box.
November 08, 2006, 07:08:01 am
Are they still your friend?
November 08, 2006, 07:24:05 am A working truck has a hard wearing bench seat, a column change, and a rubber carpet for muddy boots I dont know is this not an option anymore? These things are a silly waste of resources for people who could easily manage with a Civic or such. I see women driving their kids to school in these things. I suppose the truck and luxury is viable if it is used to tow a trailer or fifth wheel otherwise have an additional compact to do the main job. The auto companies have created this market otherwise it would not be there. Heck they even race these things.
Regards
November 08, 2006, 07:29:31 am you still can get a basic truck
I do not understand people comment on truck who do not use them.
Untill they ask a friend, to take a load of stuff to the dump
November 08, 2006, 07:33:30 am Right AirB taking stuff to dump and BMW sedans are just not compatible! I had trouble getting 4 blue boxes into the car to go to the
dumprecycling centretransfer station.November 08, 2006, 09:52:16 am
Are they still your friend?
Since he actually has use for it, sure.
November 08, 2006, 11:16:43 am
My wonder is how Ford will improve upon the F-Series for '08MY.
Really? I would say that is the 2nd most popular configuration, behind the Super Crew shortbox. At least around here. What would you guys consider less odd?
And MDX is right. Around here, Lariats and FX4's are the trim level of choice. It is the base work trucks that are rarely seen on city streets.
I agree the Super Cab/Extended Short box is the most popular truck up in the North. What do people buy in the south? I bout mine in the south and that is all I see down there.
The Super Crew Cab short box is a popular combo, as it is with many full-size truck makers.
The Super Extended Cab short box is not IMO. Most I see are Super Extended regular boxes, the occassional long boxes (mostly work trucks), but very very few Super Extended short boxes. For any Manufacturer. When I see them, they almost look funny and too short. Similarly, I think Chevy first intro'd the combo in 2006 and looks odd to me...
November 08, 2006, 11:50:06 am Ford Sport Trac was the first full cab/short box truck combo, wasn't it? The truck that started the whole "SUV with a bed" thing?
November 08, 2006, 03:50:21 pm 90% of these vehicles have never been anywhere near a dump. Similarly 90% of Expeditions have only expeditioned to the grocery store. I am reminded of the colliseum games just prior to the fall of Rome. Some premium should be built into the insurence rates to reflect the more severe damage that these vehicles inflict on ordinary smaller cars involved in an accident with them no matter whose at fault. I have no problem with trucks being used as such or for towing trailers. But as general macho transport never involving these activities they are rediculus and truck racing...hmm.
November 08, 2006, 08:50:44 pm
My wonder is how Ford will improve upon the F-Series for '08MY.
Really? I would say that is the 2nd most popular configuration, behind the Super Crew shortbox. At least around here. What would you guys consider less odd?
And MDX is right. Around here, Lariats and FX4's are the trim level of choice. It is the base work trucks that are rarely seen on city streets.
I agree the Super Cab/Extended Short box is the most popular truck up in the North. What do people buy in the south? I bout mine in the south and that is all I see down there.
The Super Crew Cab short box is a popular combo, as it is with many full-size truck makers.
The Super Extended Cab short box is not IMO. Most I see are Super Extended regular boxes, the occassional long boxes (mostly work trucks), but very very few Super Extended short boxes. For any Manufacturer. When I see them, they almost look funny and too short. Similarly, I think Chevy first intro'd the combo in 2006 and looks odd to me...
I was disappointed with GM not offering a Crew Cab with a 5’-6” Box and only the 8' and 5' are available. Only the Extended Cab has the 5’-6” Box along twith he 2500 Crew. Will the 2007’s offer a 1500 Crew Cab 5-6” box?
November 08, 2006, 09:21:54 pm
Do you mean you wish it had a 6'6" box or does 6 inches just make that big of a difference (5'6" vs 5') to you?
November 09, 2006, 10:09:42 am Wing, you wrote: "The touch screen is bland, with no colour and the satellite radio feature is disabled when the vehicle is moving."
... You mean the Satellite NAV? Or the Satellite radio? Seems silly to disable the radio when driving!
November 09, 2006, 11:52:09 am
The 1500 Crew Cabs only have the short box. The 1500HD Crew has the standard box (which you'd be after, but only has the 6.0L), 2500 Crew the standard or long box, 3500 Crew long box. Don't see this changing for the new trucks except there is not yet a 1500HD (was a late release with the previous truck, and am not sure if it'll be available at all on the new one).
So, no.
November 09, 2006, 02:18:39 pm Giant Dwarf... BOTH!!!!
You can still change the channels if you know the Channel number or you can scan but you cannot navigate the channel list of the stations available on the radio, it is sat radio so there are a lot of channels, no other system I have tried locked me out as this one does.
November 09, 2006, 02:38:35 pm
You can still change the channels if you know the Channel number or you can scan but you cannot navigate the channel list of the stations available on the radio, it is sat radio so there are a lot of channels, no other system I have tried locked me out as this one does.
No kidding! That is truly asinine!
November 09, 2006, 07:43:22 pm As it relates to the extended cab/super cab short box combination being an unusual - unpopular combo, I'd beg to differ. As is often forgotten, the differing geography across this country plays a big role in vehicle selection and optioning. On the Prairies the extended cab & 5.5 -6.5 ft box is quite popular and it relates largely to driving conditions.
To this day the Prairies are still crisscrossed with a network of predominantly gravel roads, only main roads are paved. Historically the preferred vehicle on gravel was a regular cab - long box 4X2 half ton. This offered the best combination of ride, clearance, handling, not to mention value and general hauling versatility. With the advent of all manner of cab - box combinations as well as independent front ends for 4X4s that equation has changed somewhat but not fundamentally. The key common denominator for someone living or accessing the country side on a regular basis is still a regular length wheel base (reg cab - long box or ext cab - short box) with a half ton rating
Long wheel base versions tend to be too awkward in town, not to mention traversing ditches and snow drifts. They also handle worse when you do start to drift and don't ride any better. As for 3/4 tons they will literally skip off the road if you hit washboard at speed unless fully loaded. To end this long story, half ton extended cabs with shorter boxes are one of the top two combinations in the west. It's regular cabs in any configuration that are becoming rare.
November 09, 2006, 09:16:45 pm I believe Supercabs with the long box (8') are indeed the least popular configuration. Not only I too rarely see one on the road but I knew an auto supplier who needed one to test a part and couldn't find one. Ford didn't have one in its (then quite large) fleet of vehicles either. At the end, one test vehicle was found but it was scheduled to be scrapped and quite a challenge for this supplier to get hold of it...
November 10, 2006, 07:37:52 am
Do you mean you wish it had a 6'6" box or does 6 inches just make that big of a difference (5'6" vs 5') to you?
The extra 6” allows me to close the tailgate with an ATV in the box, which is a big del for me.
November 10, 2006, 07:41:37 am would you go Crew or Extend cab next time?