Long-Term Update: 2004 Ford F-150 4x4 SupercrewPositive comments abound about our 2004 Truck of the Year winner By Neil G. Chirico Photography by Brian Vance
Positive comments abound about our 2004 Truck of the Year winner: "I'm still amazed how Ford has been able to civilize the full-size-pickup driving experience without compromising its work ethic. Brakes, steering, structure, and damping set the bar for others." But we have a bone to pick with Ford for the new three-valve engine's power rating: "Now if only the 5.4 V-8 felt a little more 'full-size' when you asked it for class-leading acceleration, that would be nice." A not-so-subtle editor said, "Throttle response is abysmal (where are the 300 horses hiding?), downshifts are met with a busy engine and no corresponding surge of acceleration. This drivetrain (biased for torque--I know) isn't worth the premium for the 5.4 V-8 or its fuel economy." Our oft-used F-150 hit the 10,000-mile-service mark, which brought us to the dealer for another oil/filter change and tire rotation. They also replaced squeaking brake components under warranty. FROM THE LOGBOOK
"When all is said and done, I still think it deserves our trophy."
--Chris Walton | 2004 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew | | Base price | $34,980 | | Price as tested | $38,460 | | Vehicle layout | Front engine, 4WD, 4-door, 5-pass | | Engine | 5.4L V-8, SOHC, 3 valves/cyl | | Hp @ rpm | 300 @ 5000 | | Torque @ rpm | 365 @ 3750 | | Transmission | 4-speed automatic | | 0-60 mph, sec | 8.9 | | EPA mpg | 14 city/18 highway | | Total mileage | 10,110 | | Average test mpg | 13.1 | | Maintenance cost | $57 (5000-mile service, same for 10K) | | Normal-wear cost | $0 |
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Posted September 3 2008 02:31 PM by Mark Williams
We've seen it coming. For all of this decade and most of the last, compact and midsize pickup truck sales are on the endangered species list. With aggressive pricing on full-size pickup trucks, it didn't make any sense to... more
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Posted August 7 2008 10:30 AM by Allyson Harwood
Boise, Idaho, to Denver, Colorado Bleary-eyed yet ready for the day, we meet by the two Mercedes parked in back of the hotel. We run through the morning checklist on the 190D, measuring tire pressure and water and oil... more
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The practical voice inside your head and commenter CR-V Rental 4 Me Well For Now are telling you to suck it up and get a minivan, forgetting about the crossovers you were eyeing last week. Do you really need a crossover?... more
I was especially interested in the Hardcore 4x4 category in your " Best In Class 2008 " feature (Truck Trend, May/June 2008). The Hummer H3 Alpha has a 6000-pound tow rating, 32-inch tires, 300 horsepower, and a rear... more
MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS - U.S. car and truck sales took another hit last month. Ford plans to cut production by 50,000 units in the fourth quarter and says the total market will be on the low end of its earlier 14-... more
We've seen it coming. For all of this decade and most of the last, compact and midsize pickup truck sales are on the endangered species list. With aggressive pricing on full-size pickup trucks, it didn't make any sense to... more
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Posted July 25 2008 05:36 PM by thomas_voehringer
I don't like pretentious advertising or promotion. There's enough of it in politics to fill my cup to overflowing without the touchy-feely crowd encroaching on my choice of vehicle. more
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The practical voice inside your head and commenter CR-V Rental 4 Me Well For Now are telling you to suck it up and get a minivan, forgetting about the crossovers you were eyeing last week. Do you really need a crossover?... more
I was especially interested in the Hardcore 4x4 category in your " Best In Class 2008 " feature (Truck Trend, May/June 2008). The Hummer H3 Alpha has a 6000-pound tow rating, 32-inch tires, 300 horsepower, and a rear... more
MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS - U.S. car and truck sales took another hit last month. Ford plans to cut production by 50,000 units in the fourth quarter and says the total market will be on the low end of its earlier 14-... more
We've seen it coming. For all of this decade and most of the last, compact and midsize pickup truck sales are on the endangered species list. With aggressive pricing on full-size pickup trucks, it didn't make any sense to... more
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Posted August 18 2008 10:59 AM by Melissa
In a time when unstable gas prices have most commuters pinching pennies just to fill their tanks, will the all-new Kia Borrego become a hit or miss for the average consumer? more
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The practical voice inside your head and commenter CR-V Rental 4 Me Well For Now are telling you to suck it up and get a minivan, forgetting about the crossovers you were eyeing last week. Do you really need a crossover?... more
I was especially interested in the Hardcore 4x4 category in your " Best In Class 2008 " feature (Truck Trend, May/June 2008). The Hummer H3 Alpha has a 6000-pound tow rating, 32-inch tires, 300 horsepower, and a rear... more
MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS - U.S. car and truck sales took another hit last month. Ford plans to cut production by 50,000 units in the fourth quarter and says the total market will be on the low end of its earlier 14-... more
We've seen it coming. For all of this decade and most of the last, compact and midsize pickup truck sales are on the endangered species list. With aggressive pricing on full-size pickup trucks, it didn't make any sense to... more
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