2010 Ford F-150

Review

Ford F-Series trucks have been in production for more than fifty years, and the line is one of the best selling trucks. The 2010 Ford F-Series is available in several different variants, including the F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450. These trucks are popular with individuals and businesses alike. The following new car guide contains photos, results of a recent road test, and opinions from F-Series customers based on user auto reviews.

The 2010 Ford F-Series Trucks vary in price and capabilities. Invoice prices on the F-Series start at $19,981 for the base model F-150, and car pricing goes up as the number goes up: invoice on the 250 starts at $24,077, 350 at $24,726, and the 450 at $41,038. Each vehicle is available in several different configurations. The XL vehicles are built with utility in mind, the STX is sportier, the FX4 can be driven off-road, and the XLT is available in the mid-range. Ford also offers each model in a Lariat and a King Ranch edition, offering luxury to those willing to spend a little extra. Raptor and Harley Davidson models are available in certain configurations. Available cab styles include the regular, extended, and crew cab.

Improvements from the 2009 Ford F-Series

Ford strives to keep competitive in the truck world, and has made a few changes to the 2010 Ford F-Series to keep competitive. Although the outside remains similar, the frame was constructed out of a new type of steel that allows it to be lighter, yet become more durable and safe at the same time. Rear seat legroom has been increased in the SuperCrew version, and several storage areas have been built into the interior, allowing for storage space for items like cellular phones, PDAs, mp3 players, and gate access cards.

Performance

Most people who purchase a 2010 Ford F-Series truck do so because they want a vehicle with good performance. Acceleration is not the F-150's strong suit; the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado will beat the F-Series in going from 0 to 60. What the F-Series does excel in is its towing capacity. The towing specs vary by model: the F-150 can tow 11,300 pounds and carry a payload of 3,030 pounds, and different vehicles in the series can tow more. Some configurations of the F-450 can tow 16,000 pounds normally, or 24,200 pounds as a fifth wheel. On the road, the F-Series handles well and has impressive braking capability.

Exterior Features

Part of what makes the 2010 Ford F-Series Vehicles so successful is their level of customization. These vehicles are available in both long, regular, and short beds, and come with different sized cabs. Ford makes their vehicles with users in mind, steps on the side and for the tailgate make it easier for users to get into the vehicle.

Interior Features

Ford F-Series vehicles can seat between three and six people, depending on whether the car has an extended cab or not. Ridges are built into the flow-through console to allow the placement of file folders. This console contains locks that can be used to store valuables. On vehicles with a second row seat, the extra seat can flip up, if need be, and get out of the way.

Safety & Specifications

Each 2010 Ford F-Series vehicle is big, and it's no wonder that they perform well on NHTSA crash tests. In frontal crash ratings, NHTSA gives the F-Series five stars (out of five) for both the driver and passenger. Side crashes for the driver earn four stars, and the rollover resistance rating earns it four stars. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, front side curtain air bags, seat belt height adjusters, and rear door child safety locks add to car safety. Dual stage airbags are available for both the driver and the passenger, and an off switch is available on the passenger's side.

Upgrade Options

The 2010 Ford F-Series trucks are customizable with a variety of options. An audio package is available that includes a CD player, auxiliary input jack for audio devices, and volume control that automatically adjusts based on the vehicle's speed. An in-dash computer with Microsoft software is available with a wireless keyboard, mouse, and navigation system. Crew Chief telematics can track the vehicle location, idle time, and speed. Remote Frequency ID tags to keep track of tools are available as an option, as is a system that will integrate the trailer brakes with the truck brakes.

How the New F-Series Compares to Other Trucks

The 2010 Ford F-Series Trucks are popular for a reason: they hold their own when compared to the competition. Each vehicle comes with a three year, 36,000 mile basic warranty, a five year, 60,000 mile drive train warranty, roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles, and a corrosion warranty for five years and unlimited miles (the warranty may be different if your vehicle is primarily used for a business). Car insurance is expected to cost about $1300 a month for the average owner, according to the Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership. If you are smart about shopping around for cheap auto insurance, it is very possible to pay less than $1300. The J.D. Power Quality Ratings give the F-150 four and a half circles for overall initial quality, four circles for overall performance and design, and a predicted reliability of four circles. The ratings for the 250, 350 and 450 are slightly lower. The Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Silverado rank lower, although the Toyota Tundra receives five circles for predicted reliability (three circles for overall performance and design). Ford F-Series vehicles hold their own when compared to other trucks.

Conclusion: Is the Ford F-Series a Smart Buy?

The 2010 Ford F-Series trucks are a smart buy for a person or business that needs to haul heavy loads. There are so many opportunities for customization that it's easy to get the exact vehicle that you need, whether that means carrying around extra passengers, four wheel drive, or increased towing capacity. The down side to Ford F-Series vehicles is that the fuel economy leaves something to be desired; this vehicle gets 15 mpg in the city, and 19 mpg on the highway. If you just need to carry around a few kids and some hockey equipment, you might be better off with an SUV like the Ford Escape, which gets 22 in the city and 28 on the highway. The Ford F-Series is a seriously tough vehicle for the person that needs to get a lot of work out of their truck.