The all-new Ford F-150 is quite an upgrade from the old
version. 2004 sees custom interior settings, more room,
more power, better performance and more standard features.
There's no sense in going halfway if you're set on a redesign.
Better to follow Ford's lead and completely revamp the whole
lineup. Though it's not like the best-selling full-size
pickup needed any help.
The F-150 is offered in regular cab, extended cab and crew
cab styles. For 2004, all models have four doors, even regular
cabs (an industry first). In addition, Regular Cab and SuperCab
extended models have a passenger compartment that is 6 inches
longer, providing more space inside for occupants and their
gear. For the regular Cab, it means 13 inches of secure
storage space behind the seat.
Available Models
The 2004 Ford F-150 is offered in a total of five solid
trims: XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat. XL, STX and XLT models
are covered in a separate review.
Interior Features
A number of new interior designs are offered, featuring
instrument panels that reflect the particular style of each
model. 2004 also introduces a flow-through center console,
giving customers the option of two captain's chairs with
a floor shifter on FX4 and Lariat models. The floor shifter
is yet another F-150 first.
Still more innovations: the new F-150 marks the debut of
an industry-first, modular overhead rail system that allows
owners to customize interior storage options to suit their
individual needs.
A rear seat DVD entertainment system is offered as optional
equipment with SuperCrew crew cabs.
Exterior Features
Beds of 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft and 8-ft are available. For 2004,
the box is more than 2 inches deeper, with greater cargo
volume. A class-exclusive new standard Tailgate Assist feature
helps owners of all statures open and close the gate.
Performance
The 2004 Ford F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately
nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor. This
means a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds and maximum payload
capacity of 2,900 pounds-making the new F-150 the most capable
full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds.
The standard engine is a 5.4-liter V8 with 300 horsepower
and 365 lb-ft of torque. It has improvements in low-speed
and peak torque for greater fuel efficiency. It also contributes
to a quieter cab environment.
FX4 models are for off-road use; they come in 4WD. The
Lariat also offers a 2WD configuration.
Safety and Security
Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are
standard on all 2004 models. A rear-obstacle detections
system is optional.
New for the 2004 Ford F-150
Even
tougher - F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately
nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor,
providing the foundation for improved durability,
driving dynamics, and ride refinement and quietness.
With a maximum tow rating of 9,900 pounds and maximum
payload capacity of 3,000 pounds, the new F-150 is
the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds.
New
interiors - Custom environments have been developed
for each series. The initial "wow factor"
is supported by substance that makes F-150 a pleasure
over the long run.
More
spaciousness - 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 16 inches of
secure storage space behind the seat.
Easy
access - Reflecting consumer demand for ease of
access for people and cargo, Regular Cab models feature
new, class-exclusive access doors that open up new
stowage possibilities behind the seat.
New
engine technology - Ford's new 5.4-liter, 3-valve
Triton V-8 engine produces 300 peak horsepower,
a 15-percent improvement over the previous award-winning
5.4-liter engine, along with improvements in low-speed
and peak torque and greater fuel efficiency. Smooth,
quiet and refined, it also contributes to the quieter
cab environment.
Stronger
stance and style - The new F-150 features an all-new
design, with a bold exterior shape that reflects Ford
truck toughness and capability. The refined interiors
take the full-size pickup to a new level of comfort
and refinement.
Superior
driving experience - Tremendous attention to detail
and engineering advancements -- such as the new outboard
rear shock absorbers and wider rear leaf springs --
have been applied to the chassis of the F-150 to deliver
a confident, capable driving experience.
Safety
- The new Occupant Position Sensing technology for
the first-row passenger makes the 2004 F-150 a strong
choice for safety. It exceeds rigorous new federal
safety standards for air bag and offset crash performance.
Cargo
capacity - The new F-150 cargo box is more than
2 inches deeper, with greater cargo volume. Plus,
a class-exclusive new standard Tailgate Assist feature
helps owners of all statures more easily open and
close the gate.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
3 / 5 / 6
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MSRP
from |
$30,245
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Engine |
4.6L V8
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5.4L V8
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Horsepower |
231 @ 4750
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300 @ 5000
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Transmission |
4-speed auto
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
15 / 19
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