Picture Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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The first big number is that of consecutive years in which the F-Series was the number one selling light truck in Canada, and that number is 43… that’s longer than I’ve been around. Like every other generation of F-150, the new 2009 is available in a multitude of combination and permutations — 35 to be exact — and coincidentally a number still larger than my years on this planet.
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Those are some of the important numbers to “truck guys;” another couple of important numbers are the number of cylinders. In my tester, it is eight, using Ford’s 5.4-litre engine, producing 320 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, along with a 12 per cent improvement in fuel economy when compared to the previous model. On that note, there is the other large number which has me a little bit scared: my tester comes equipped with the 135-litre fuel tank. That has me a little scared about when it comes time to fill ‘er up!
I could have used the F-150 last week for some towing — unfortunately I won’t be getting a chance to do so this week that I foresee — but I do have some perspective now that I own a truck myself and I will be giving the new F-150 a solid once over in terms of practicality and, of course, driving satisfaction.
2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat
MSRP as tested (including destination): $55,099
For more information on Ford and the F-150 visit Ford Canada
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I am not a very big guy, so I kind of get lost in a vehicle of this size. I can’t reach the arm rest on the door because it is too low and the centre armrest is too far to the right; unless I lean over and crook my neck I have to hold my arms up at all times. The SuperCrew cab on my tester provides so much room in the rear seating area I’m sure you could lose a small child. But if you have four six-foot passengers to carry, no need to worry, as they can have a party back there!
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For all you plastic connoisseurs, you may be disappointed when you give the F-150’s dash a stroking. There are no soft plastics or rubbery materials to caress: pretty much all surfaces minus the seats and elbow rests are of a hard, thin plastic material. The “wood” trim seems especially thin and stuck on, but this is a truck, and for some reason I can forgive a truck that has hard surfaces… perhaps because all trucks do. But for 55 large I do wish it was a little better built on the inside.
It is obvious the engineering here went into the things you can’t see to keep it “Built Ford Tough,” and to continue Ford’s recent goal of making the quietest truck on the market. They seem to have that down pat, there is no doubt.
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Just before I head out on the road, I open the tailgate to throw something in the back and the tailgate falls like a brick off a skyscraper, nearly dislocating my arm and shaking the truck so violently the items in the back seat fall out the open rear door. No tailgate damper — that’s unfortunate. I have grown to like the tailgate damper on my truck and obviously have become reliant on it.
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The 3,000lbs payload capacity, though, comes at a price, and that is a firm ride. The set of railroad tracks that I pass by everyday caused the F-150 to skip sideways and consequently prompted the traction control to remind me of the low traction as the rear end was floating up in the air. There just is no give at the rear of this vehicle, which results in a harsh, choppy ride at times.
Because of the bouncy and stiff ride, handling is not very inspiring either, but the amount of body roll in corners is fairly impressive. Body roll is much less than expected and you do not end up in your passengers lap when turning hard, which is great. Braking is also extremely confidence-inspiring for a truck. You can still feel the weight of the beast if you need to bring it to a halt in a short time frame, but the brakes grab quickly and firmly, letting you know the task is being taken care of post-haste.
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Over the course of the week I averaged 15L / 100km with the F-150: not horrible considering the size of vehicle. I only engaged 4×4 twice, once for a minute to test it and once because I needed it: I was stuck on an incline of sheer ice, where the rear wheels did nothing but spin in place causing, the rear end of the truck to slide sideways. I turned the dial, the 4×4 system engaged and off I went. Winter tires would have helped equally in this situation, I would guess.
Overall, the new F-150 pleased me. My only quibbles are the stiff ride and the thin plastics on the dash, but other than that colour me happy with the F-150. A little on the large side for weekend warriors, and perhaps my tester was a little on the luxurious side for a work truck. Option it out with the multitude of available combinations and you are likely to find a model that fits your needs just right.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat
MSRP as tested (including destination): $55,099
For more information on Ford and the F-150 visit Ford Canada
to our site.
February 24, 2009, 11:22:52 pm I have no interest in trucks, but the F-150 looks the best out of all of them. Is your tester one of the top-of-the-line models?
I ended up with one of these as a rental few years ago, but a co-worker was actually driving it. It felt huge to me! I recall I did not like the fit and finish and the interior materials. And boy was sucking up gas compared to what I'm used to!
February 25, 2009, 12:33:06 am I think it is very pretty truck.
February 25, 2009, 12:53:14 am Second most popular pee-cup around here, number 1 is Dodge diesel.
I have spend some time in the last 2 gens of the F-150s, very fine automobiles. With a huge tank, the needle doesn't go down that fast, and with a company gas card, mileage was very reasonable.
February 25, 2009, 09:59:30 am Looks like you have a nicely dressed up truck. I took delivery of my 09 XLT Supercrew 4x4 long box about 3 months ago. The ride and handeling compared to my 07 is MUCH better. I love the built in rear view camera and the trailer brake control. I look like a professional backing up to hook up to a trailer now.
Fuel economy seems better than the 07 - kinda hard to tell in the winter months.
February 26, 2009, 09:51:16 am Do you have enough time to quantify that payload? What would 3000 lb look like in the bed of that truck?
A concrete block is ~18kg, so you'd need to put 76 of them in the bed. Ask the friendly guys at your home depot to help out.
February 26, 2009, 09:59:11 am you may be disappointed when you give the F-150’s dash a stroking
I do do have a kinky side but it sure does not have anything to do with stroking a dash
When I drive a pick up I have seat 100% to the back, there is usually not much room for anyone behind me, It usually better to have to much room instead of not enough.
February 26, 2009, 10:12:50 am Did you see the picture of the back seat? There's tons of room even if you have the seat way back. Feds that is a good idea, although there are no concrete blocks at HD this time of year, not spring yet. Also sounds like a TON of work!
February 26, 2009, 10:16:19 am
Take the truck to a brick place and they can put a cube of brick in the box with a fork lift
February 26, 2009, 10:54:57 am That's the first complaint I've read about the interior. Even though I don't like the exterior or the engines, and would never buy a F-150, the interior is one of the best, if not the best of all full size trucks. Personally I'd take the new Ram or Sierra over the Ford.
February 26, 2009, 12:02:58 pm Gravel might work too. Palets of concrete?
Suburbanites buy these things because they "need" them for their home renos, but how many people have ever picked up 55 sheets of 5/8 plywood in one trip? Quantifying what 3000 lb of mulch looks like, or how much camper trailer 11000lbs is might make for some neat visuals.
February 26, 2009, 12:11:57 pm
Suburbanites buy these things because they "need" them for their home renos, but how many people have ever picked up 55 sheets of 5/8 plywood in one trip? Quantifying what 3000 lb of mulch looks like, or how much camper trailer 11000lbs is might make for some neat visuals.
Most of these will probably be bought by farmers , retired person with a 5th wheel or used by the owner of contracting business
I do not see to many weekend warriors getting one
February 26, 2009, 01:19:29 pm The F-150 is everywhere around here, the vast majority piloted by small women. Then come the nancy-boys, contractors, teenage males and the occasional farmer . Just a personal observation.
February 26, 2009, 01:39:34 pm
That is a capital idea!
Welcome to the forum.
February 26, 2009, 08:25:57 pm I love this truck, is the Raptor coming out?
February 26, 2009, 08:39:54 pm Don't go too crazy at Home Depot!
The advertised big payload and towing numbers is for a single cab 2WD, one with a particular option thatt adds a special heavy frame/rims/tires etc.
As far as I can tell max payload for the Supercrew tested is more like a thousand pounds with a full tank of gas and a driver aboard. Half that with 4 people in the cab.
February 27, 2009, 11:22:10 am Went shopping last Saturday for full-sized trucks as my partner's '06 Ram Quad Cab lease is expiring soon.
Configured all the trucks online - loaded 4X4 Crew cabs. The GM twins were approximately $8,000 more than the Ford and Dodge at MSRP, with similar incentives, and didn't see much benefit to them with that premium.
Looked at the Fords and really wanted to like it, especially with the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Chrysler and the positive momentem Ford has going. Took out a 2009 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 short box for a spin. The interior IS huge, gigantic amount of rear leg room - the Ram Mega Cab and Tundra CrewMax come closest. Like the flat load floor too (Ram Quad Cabs have under seat storage where the lid folds out to make the floor flat which is also a good idea, but not Crews). I found the seat itself mounted a bit low, but acceptable. Up front there were a few items that weren't perfect. First, I was a tad disappointed by the materials selection - not bad, but there's still room for improvement. Further, the dash is littered with buttons unnecessarily IMO, and I prefer knobs to buttons for some functions (like HVAC fan speed). The FX's black dash applique is more appealing to my eyes to the plwood. Also, didn't like the colouring of the dash top display, just a bit old school. On the drive, the truck was fairly quiet - a little throatier than expected which the sales consultant said was due to the FX4 package... nice - but could tell it didn't want to launch or pass with authority relative to the HEMI we have. Plus it felt like I was on air seats. The padding or something gives the impression of bouncing on and off them over bumps which I didn't like. My partner said it also cornered very "heavy" and leaned a bit more in the corners - prefers to go straight. Big Ford advantage is being able to get the SuperCrew with a regular box, which is unavailable with Dodge and GM crews, but can only imagine that would make the handling dynamics worse. Overall Ford has much greater option combination proliferation. LOVE the bed's innovative steps as the side and rear. Overall, while being a nice truck I wasn't blown away. They are offering greater incentives the the competition tho.
Onto the Ram. Everything I didn't like about the current Ram in the driveway has been corrected. Partner prefer's the Ford's squared grille, but I like the Ram's... and the semi-integrated dual rear exhausts are a cool touch. The formerly flat seats are now wonderfully supportive. The lack of a true Crew is no longer an issue - not as large as the Ford but didn't need that large anyway, although it's matched only to the short bed and unfortunately the floor is not completely flat (plus cupholders in the middle), but honestly there's enough floor to be had that what is flat is large enough and it's not a necessity. The interior in all other respects one upped the F-Series significantly IMO... exception being the passenger seat has less power adjustability where I wish I could raise the forward part of the seat cushion higher (F-150 has this adjustability). Quality of materials (dash, seats, armrests), their matching, feel of buttons and controls, layout, and the Navigation system are all very well done with a wonderfully logical and simplistic button arrangement. Does not have the trailer brake tow feature slider control thingie, but does have a toasty heated steering wheel and most other features are similar - heated/ventilated seats, sunroof, Navigation, console space, etc. Fire it up and the exhaust means business... hearing it in the cabin on the drive was music to the ears. Even I as a passenger could feel the performance difference (only 5spd compared to 6 and it is less fuel efficient), and the truck feels much more sure-footed around corners - the new rear suspension ought to help with wheel hop to boot. Yes, the Ram 1500 does seem to be geared more toward the urban cowboy, but that's what we're buying it for - personal use with capability when we need it. We both by far preferred it. So, one has been ordered since none are in Ontario inventory - a black Crew Cab Sport 4X4.
One thing is for sure, all of the full-sized trucks are pretty darned good right now. Think it comes down more than ever to styling, the drive you prefer, the cab/box configuration you're after, and price.
February 27, 2009, 11:58:28 am Didn't check out the Titan? Is suspect there must be deals to be had on the outgoing model now.
February 27, 2009, 12:32:40 pm
Only wants to buy domestic brands. We have looked at them in the past though.
February 27, 2009, 12:50:20 pm Oh one of those.... BAN! J/K
February 27, 2009, 12:58:20 pm
If you get the chance to drive the new Ram, I'd be interested in your comparison between the 3.
February 27, 2009, 01:13:35 pm I'd love to try the new Ram, I'm glad I now have a perspective when tested trucks. Before I had no clue, but owning one I know what I life and dislike now -- whether it is right or wrong it is up to every individual but I know what I like for sure.
February 27, 2009, 03:56:17 pm
The dealership received advertising cards for the Raptor a couple weeks ago. With the optional 6.2L 400HP and 12" suspension travel it should be quite the off-road brute. AFAIK, it should be available this summer.
February 27, 2009, 04:03:05 pm
The dealership received advertising cards for the Raptor a couple weeks ago. With the optional 6.2L 400HP and 12" suspension travel it should be quite the off-road brute. AFAIK, it should be available this summer.
Ca'mon Bobby, they had the truck and were handing out the posters at the Autoshow and if memory serves me correctly you rolled one up!
February 27, 2009, 04:15:45 pm
Bring the trucks to Sudbury; we will test them like they should be