2008 Ford F-150 Review

Specifications

Four years. It’s only been four years since this current generation of F-150 was launched, and in that time Ford has already finished developing the next generation truck and is currently in the final phase of preparing it for launch. Trucks are important to Ford’s overall business, and of course, they take them very seriously. Between this half-ton and the Super Duty trucks, it seems as if Ford’s engineers never rest.

Just before the new F-150 was revealed in all of its glory, I had a chance to get up close and personal with the truck. Surrounded by engineers who passionately told the story of the truck’s development, it’s clear that the people who create these workhorses are directly in tune with their customers, from who they are to what they do. This isn’t anything new. Before Ford builds a truck, they walk a mile in their customers’ shoes. They did it with this current truck and it shows, as four years later the F-150 is still a strong competitor.

At this point in a vehicle’s life cycle, manufacturers tend to let the old model wither out and quietly die off, while dealers put on their best efforts (and deals) to sweep their inventory clear for new stock, but no, not with Ford and its ubiquitous F-150. Even if the new model is going to be stronger, bigger and smarter, the current truck is still being improved in its final year of production to keep it with the times.

One of the new introductions is a reverse camera; it’s mounted on the tailgate handle, above the giant Ford logo. What’s neat about it is that you don’t need to have the navigation screen in order to get the reverse camera - instead, it displays the info on the main rear view mirror. As soon as you pop the gearshift lever into reverse, a rearward image appears immediately. Although the physical display is small, only two or so inches, it’s quite crisp and includes gradations in green, yellow and red to let you know how close you are to items behind. This, combined with the large-format towing mirrors, with convex lower lens and sonar parking sensors makes the F-150 as easy to park as an Explorer.

Catering more to the work industry is a very clever integrated cargo organization system. Everything focuses around a pair of sturdy bed rails that feature two channel levels, each with adjustable cleats that can safely tether 600 pounds. The cleats can also be attached to the front of the bed. Add-ons include standard metal spars that bridge the bed, as well as bed dividers which combine a hard ABS plastic barrier to section off areas of the bed. Also on offer are lockable storage bins that hang on the inside of the bed like saddle bags, and can be locked with the ignition key rather than a small, separate key which could get lost. The system itself is easy to operate, consisting of flip-up snap catches that require little effort to open, shut and slide. Be careful when moving the dividers in the cold or in snow with your bare hands as you’re liable to get your fingers stuck, like a tongue to a frosty pole!

Even for a design that’s as old (or that young?) as the F-150, it still stands as a benchmark in the industry. The inboard shock design gives it a stable, rock solid feel. But what’s most impressive to me is how refined the F-150 is in terms of noise, harshness and vibration. At a steady cruise on the highway, or even under acceleration, the F-150’s cabin is hushed, and despite the blocky profile of the side-view mirrors, the expected rush of wind never seems to happen. During the time of testing, we had a Chrysler Aspen on our hands and there was no doubt that the Ford was quieter in every circumstance.

It may not be negatively affected by wind noise, but there’s not doubt a strong, powerful V8 engine sits in front of the firewall. In this case that engine’s the Triton 5.4, which just so happens to be E85 capable and fully capable of working and playing hard thanks to 300-hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. Just the same, this most powerful F-150 engine on offer is a bit lackluster when compared to all of its rivals that offer V8s with more guts - and therefore more go. Even when empty, the F-150 feels like it could do with a bit more punch, so I’m certain it won’t be any more sporting loaded up with gear and people. But oddly, even without the horsepower and the torque of its rivals, the F-150 is still tremendously capable. In fact, it’s the most capable half-ton truck on the market with the highest payload at 3,080 pounds, the biggest volume bed, and the highest tow ratings at 11,000 pounds, factors which are sure to matter. I haven’t towed anything in ages, but if the F-150’s brakes, gearbox and frame are up to the task (which they are according to Ford), then buyers concerned about utility shouldn’t have any issues.

The F-150 remains a solid drive too. It drives like a half-ton pickup - big, and a little hard to maneuver in the confines of the city, but it’s relaxing when out on the open road. The suspension tuning delivers a soft, well-dampened ride that’s more settled than its rivals.

Most of the F-150s I’ve tested have been the specialty models such as the King Ranch or Harley Davidson, with dressed up interiors and plenty of features, so naturally things are more down to earth with this XLT. In terms of the cabin’s appearance, it is driven by functionality with a clean, flat-surfaced dash that’s finished in three separate hues of gray. It’s a bit odd to see such a big, bright navigation screen stuck in the middle of such a work-oriented dash, but it too is a simple and easily operated system. Besides having lots of storage space and a great deal of rear legroom in the SuperCrew version, all F-150 configurations feature four doors. What might at first appear to be a single cab nevertheless features two rear-hinged doors as well, for better access to the cargo area behind the front seats.

Year-by-year, minor alterations in content and trim occur, but this year there’s a new F-150 range topper that’s sure to delight those who want a little extra, giving Ford’s truck lineup the most thorough coverage in terms of interpretation of luxury. There’s the rugged, Wild West approach in the King Ranch, the hot rod / motorcycle spirit of the Harley Davidson edition, the FX2 Sport, FX4 Off-Road, and a slick new city-cool look with the Limited. It’s essentially last year’s Harley Davidson model, but painted white (this year’s hottest color… er, shade) and swathed with tan leather and wood trim inside. It’s certainly an eye catcher - I’ve seen a couple around my area and immediately took notice.

I’m sure when I drive the 2009 F-150 through my neighborhood sometime later this year it’ll garner even more eyeballs, but those in need of a truck now are hardly going to wait until it goes on sale. Rather, the updated 2008 F-150 is an excellent truck that’s ready to do business today, and remains a good choice when measured beside more recently updated competitors. Yes, the light truck segment has evolved at a pace never before witnessed, but despite this the F-150 is still on top of its game, a truck that can hold its own amongst imports and domestics alike.