January 7, 2003

Redesigned 2004 Ford F-150 is roomier, hauls more

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Detroit, Michigan - Probably the most significant vehicle introduction in Detroit on Monday was the new Ford F-150 pickup, currently the best-selling vehicle in the United States and one of the top-selling vehicles in Canada. The redesigned F-150 is roomier and more powerful with four doors standard on all models, more cargo volume and greater hauling and towing capacity.

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 13 inches of secure storage space behind the seat. Regular Cab models feature two new, rear access doors, and all models have a new Occupant Position Sensing technology for the first-row passenger.

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The new F-150 cargo box is more than 2 inches deeper, with greater cargo volume. A unique new standard Tailgate Assist feature helps owners more easily open and close the gate.

The 2004 F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor. With a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2,900 pounds, the new F-150 is the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds, according to Ford.

A new 5.4-litre, 3-valve-per-cylinder Triton V8 engine produces 300 peak horsepower, a 15-percent improvement over the previous 5.4-litre engine, along with improvements in low-speed and peak torque, as well as greater fuel efficiency.

Ford says the new F-150 now offers the industry's widest variety of body and trim configurations. Customers can specify the pickup box according to load length and box style, with more choices. The lineup includes:

* Three cab choices-

• Regular Cab, a single row of occupant seating and rearward-swinging access doors that reveal a behind-seat stowage area up to 13 inches wide.
• SuperCab, a two-door extended cab version featuring a second row of seating and two rearward-swinging doors.
• SuperCrew, a crew cab that features two rows of seating and four forward-swinging full-size doors.

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