2004 Ford F-150 SuperCrew
By Tom Strongman

Ford’s new F-150 walks a delicate balance between comfort and toughness. It has a boxed frame and a 300-horsepower V-8, yet the interior is as quiet and comfortable as most cars. That’s why it was recently named Truck of the Year by Motor Trend magazine.

Ford’s assembly plant in Claycomo builds the new truck.

Base prices start at $21,215 and range to $35,570. Compared to comparably equipped 2003s, that reflects an increase of $245 to $635. The SuperCrew Lariat that I drove for this review had a leather interior, a console-mounted shift lever, power sunroof, upgraded audio system, tow package, reverse parking sensors and a power rear window. Its sticker price was $36,140.

The success of the new F-150 is absolutely crucial to Ford Motor Co. not only because the company sells 800,000 F-series trucks a year, but because this vehicle has been ?the bedrock of Ford Motor Co. for 35 years,? said Jim Padilla, president of North American operations at the truck’s press introduction last summer.

Design is an important element of a truck’s appeal. The old F-150 was round and carlike, while the new truck has a tougher visage that should assuage critics who thought the old truck was too soft. Side windows scoop down by the mirrors like the Super Duty, and the badges are even bigger. A big, upright grille dominates the front, the beltline is higher and the pickup box is 2 inches deeper. The taller boxes give 13 percent greater volume, but the added height can make it harder to reach into the truck from outside.

The F-150 is available in regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew models, with two box styles and 8-foot, 6.5-foot and 5.5-foot box lengths. The SuperCab and regular cab are each 6 inches longer, and the regular cab has small, rear-hinged doors for access to the space behind the seat. Because the SuperCrew has full-size rear doors and a regular back seat, it is ideal for the 85 percent of people who buy trucks for personal use. The Lariat’s interior is as well crafted as any luxury sedan. The cream-colored gauges have silver trim rings and chrome surrounds the gear lever. The test truck had leather captain’s chairs, but a 40/20/40 bench seat with a fold-down center section is also offered. The seats are wide and flat, yet they provide excellent support. Woodgrain trim adds a nice feel but it’s not too convincing.

The Lariat also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio and climate controls, an in-dash message center, electronic automatic temperature control and power adjustable memory seats and pedals. The back seat, even in the SuperCab, is large enough adults. It folds flat to create a nice covered storage area.

The cab’s ceiling has a unique rail system that contains snap-in modules for storage. Accessories such as a DVD player and a fold-down LCD screen can be added with a click.

A new, hydroformed frame is fully boxed for more strength, and the rear shock absorbers are mounted outboard of the frame for better handling and control. The stiffer frame enables it to carry a 3,000-pound payload. At the vehicle launch in Texas, I towed a 7,000-pound trailer, and the revised suspension design cut down on sway or porpoising. The truck was equally impressive clambering over off-road trails. On an autocross handling course it was not only composed, but it felt almost as agile as a car.

The completely redesigned 5.4-liter V-8 engine has two intake valves and one exhaust valve per cylinder, variable valve timing, magnesium cam covers and a torque-based electronic throttle control. It generates 300 horsepower, and 80 percent of its 365 pound-feet of torque is available as low as 1,000 rpm. Torque is particularly important for towing or carrying loads because that is the force that actually turns the rear wheels. The SuperCrew is capable of pulling 9,500 pounds.

This engine not only moves out with considerable power, but it is incredibly smooth, quiet and refined. Double-thickness steel between the engine and cabin reduces noise, which is one reason why this truck feels so much like an upscale sedan.