Environmental concerns have been met with both engines, which currently qualify for stringent LEV-II emissions levels. All F-150s have a new, lifetime automatic-transmission fluid that never needs changing, and the 4.6- and 5.4-liter engines can go 100,000 miles before their first scheduled tuneup with regular fluid and filter changes.
Ford trucks are known for their exceptionally good brakes, and the 2004 F-150 reaffirms this reputation with even more powerful performance. Standard four-wheel vented discs are larger and thicker. Brake pads are now made of high-friction semi-metallic material. The two-piston front and single-piston rear calipers are more robust for an improved, more linear feel. Although we couldn't verify the claim, Ford says engineers even improved braking performance on loose material, such as gravel, by 13 percent. Combined with standard ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, our tester astonished us by stopping one foot shorter with a 900-pound load than when its bed was empty. No other truck in this year's field could match that feat.
Put all this frame, suspension, engine, and brake technology together, and the 2004 F-150 wins this year's towing and payload contest by a nose. Max tow rating has grown to a class-leading 9900 pounds for trucks under 8500 GVWR (when properly equipped). Payloads can reach 3000 pounds--so much for the outdated term, "half-ton pickup."
A new, modular, dashboard architecture results in unique packages for each of the five trim levels, which allowed designers to utilize varying colors, materials, textures, and features while retaining the essence of the F-150 interior across the range. During our deliberations, the mere mention of "Audi-like" interior execution speaks volumes on Ford presentation. Some judge the textured plastics a bit hollow and plasticky-sounding and the fake-wood trim of "Mr. Coffee quality," but we all agree a real truck needs first to be durable and second to feel as sumptuous as an expensive Audi. Yet the "stylish, clean cabin was designed with an excellent sense of purpose and taste," reports St. Antoine.
That specific differentiation extends to the exteriors as well. Every model (XL, XLT, STX, FX4, Lariat) has a unique grille design, bumper accents, and lower body line feature. As mentioned earlier, the clean, crisp, authoritative 2004 F-150's bold lines will look smart and handsome a decade from now.