Lizards scatter across burning yellow sand, as our convoy of '04 F-150 prototypes hammers through the desert. We're inside the fenced and guarded confines of Ford's Kingman, Arizona, Proving Ground, and, as heat waves wrinkle this rocky moonscape, these hardworking test mules are intent on proving that America's number-one-selling pickup (for 26 years) hasn't lost any off-road toughness or work-hard capability--though it rides, handles, and runs more like a sedan.
For now, the F-150 stands atop the last significant domestic-dominated product segment: full-size pickups. But can the iconic Ford stay there, against fiercely competitive players like Ram and Silverado/Sierra? Furthermore, can it handle the upcoming Nissan Titan and, eventually, a true full-size truck from Toyota?
Ford worked hard to raise the pickup interior ante, and the effort has paid off. The designs are dramatic, there's a wide variety of materials used, and quality improves substantially.
Alongside a shrinking, profit-poor car market, Ford sold more than 800,000 F-Series pickups last year. Any time an automaker remakes its best-seller, it's a risky proposition. Dearborn hopes to fortify its market position by creating a new F-150 with a stiffened frame, increased power, more refined steering and ride, upgraded interior design and equipment choices, improved quality, and a bolder edge on its appearance.
Many F-150 critics--translation: Ram owners--feel the drooping nose and soft overall shape make the current truck look wimpy. So Ford Design put the starch and creases back in with upright sideglass, a higher nose and beltline, and crisper radii on all the bends. This tougher, planted look is reinforced by wider front and rear tracks.
No more park-bench rear seating; the Crew Cab rear seat is nicely contoured and features flip-down armrest.
The new F-150 comes in five trim flavors: XL (base), STX (sporty), XLT (family), FX4 (off-road), and Lariat (premium). Choose from Styleside and Flareside bed types. Ford will offer regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cabs and three bed lengths: 5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet. The new cabs are six inches longer for more storage or rear-seat legroom, and all the beds are two inches deeper. Even the regular cab has four doors; these narrow back doors allow easy access to storage.
One of the most exciting elements of the F-150's design brief is an upgraded interior look and specification. These range across the trim lines from base, hose-it-out XL to leather-lined Lariat. The Lariat and FX4 are the most impressive, with metal-trimmed gauges and bright door handles and levers that recall the look of premium Euro sedans. For the first time, interiors will vary by model; not just in color or seat material, but with differing instrument panel, console, and seating layouts. For example, some automatic-trans-equipped versions will have column shifters, while others will be floor-mounted.