All Brawn, Brains and Looks: 2007 Ford F-150 Series Review

Even master designer Chip Foose wants to get involved with Ford's pride and joy

Dec. 01, 2006 By Katrina Ramser
ORC REVIEW

 

Innovation has always been a part of Ford's history

It’s innovation that has allowed the Ford F-150 Series to become America’s best-selling truck for the past 29 years. It is the first truck to ever feature a fourth door on SuperCab trims as well as offer rear-hinged access panels on Regular Cab trims for back seat storage access.

Since the truck’s creation, over 28 million F-Series trucks have been bought. Introduced in 1948, the original F-Series sported a recessed grille with square fenders and was utilized by farmers and manufacturers as a solid, dependable vehicle. The 1953-1956 F-Series models became longer and wider than its predecessor with larger, attractive interiors previously not found in any pickup trucks.



New for the 2007 model is a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is an instrument panel light that alerts the driver when the system detects pressure loss in any tire; also new for 2007 is a Rear Seat Entertainment System.

A New, Sporty Look

 

The FX4 SPORT is the newest member of the Ford F-150 family

In 2004, a major overhaul in F-150 looks inspired consumers to create head-spinning configurations and styles. There are endless ways the truck can be specified where cabs (Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew), cargo boxes and looks are concerned. The F-150 model lineup includes: XL, STX, XLT Triton, FX4, Lariat 5.4 Triton, King Ranch, Harley-Davidson, and the newest member, the FX2 SPORT. Base prices range from $19,145 (XL) to $37,150 (Harley-Davidson™ package).

The F-150 FX4 SuperCab with leather trimmed front caption chairs

Equipped with the Triton V8 engine, the FX2 SPORT has more of a customized look with a dark billet grille, chrome exhaust tip, monochrome paint, and medium platinum-bezel headlamps. The model offers a special equipment package, which is optional for XTL SuperCab or SuperCrew. It includes many extras such as flow-through center console and floor shifter, captain chairs, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with cruise control. The FX2 SPORT has a base price of $30,690.

It should be noted the SuperCrew cab offers availability of a class-exclusive 6.5 ft box. This cab fits six people inside.

Everybody’s Getting Foose Loose


Chip Foose will design a series of special edition 2007 Ford F-150 models
For the 2007 Ford F-150 model, Ford dealerships will sell special editions designed by Chip Foose, one of the industry's sharpest independent designers. Ford declined to estimate how many Foose vehicles will be sold through dealerships.

Ford and the F-150 will also continue to offer the Harley-Davidson™ package. This style includes a billet grille and massive 22-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. It is available in all-wheel drive.

The Ford F-150 has seemingly everything you want, but the rims fall short, in regards to the models with just 17- or 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels.

Also, the much-anticipated SVT Lightning model didn’t make it on Ford’s 2007 To-Do list. After initially testing Roush Performance’s Stage 3 Ford F-150, Ford announced plans for this upgraded model. Nevertheless, Roush has gone forward anyway and offers the core upgrade kit at a cost of $15,860 at Roush-franchised Ford dealers, which includes the engine and suspension improvements for the 5.4-liter, plus 20-inch wheels and tires, and body modifications.

A Powerful Reputation

The F-150 offers a choice of three engines: a 4.2-liter V6, 4.6-liter Triton V8, and the top 5.4-liter, 24-valve Triton V8. Typical gas mileage is 16-mpg city driving and 20-mpg highway driving.

For 2007, the 4.6-liter Triton V8 moves up to 248-horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque with capacities up to 1,970 lbs and 7,200 lbs. The 5.4-liter 24-value Triton V8 has 300-horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque with a maximum payload of 3,050 lbs and towing power of 10,500 lbs.

The 5.4L 3-Valve Triton V8 is also a Ford Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV), which means it has a flex-fuel engine that can use up to 85 percent of ethanol-based E85 mixed with 15 percent of gasoline (it also runs on straight gasoline). As you drive, the Powertrain Control Module determines the mixture and automatically adjusts for optimum performance. Ford has put nearly two million E85 FFVs on the road since its introduction in the mid-1990s.

Solid Bet, Solid Ride

The F-150 is the first full-size pickup to use 3-value technology to optimize horsepower and torque

The Ford F-150 has a controlled, smooth ride. It’s easy to forget you are in a full-size pickup. A revised suspension and steering improves the road feel. Hauling capacity is excellent and is rated Best-in-Class. In fact, the F-150 holds so many Best-in-Class titles there isn’t room to mention all (best payload, best frame, and best passenger room, to name a few). The F-150 can claim a lot of firsts. It is the first full-size pickup to use 3-value technology to optimize horsepower and torque.

The Ford F-150’s success derives from innovation. It has been meeting the needs of hardworking consumers for close to 60 years and has been the best-selling truck for the second half of its existence. The F-150 Series is a safe and sure bet. The only trouble you’ll have is coming to a final decision regarding your F-150’s configurations.


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