All-new 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

SAN ANTONIO, TX. - Ford’s hard-working, bread-and-butter F-150 has burst onto the scene for 2004 as an entirely new pickup truck with a bold new look inside and out. America’s best selling vehicle for 21-years running, this new model is ready for the demanding challenges that sportsmen place on their pickup trucks every day. I put the new F-150 to the test in the Texas Hill Country and discovered that it’s responsive, confident while towing, powerful and capable off-road.

The F-150 offers up an entirely new driving experience in a full-size pickup. The steering is crisp and direct, the ride is plush yet controlled, the braking is strong and assured, and the cabin is very quiet. Loaded with gear and passengers or empty, on the pavement or off-road, the pickup performs with a balance that lends itself nicely for how most of us use our pickups in real life. It’s this versatility, and some innovative new features that make the F-150 truly new with added utility for the outdoor sportsman.

With a driving feel that is smooth yet connected to the road, F-150 has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps but stands strong against steering forces. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use new coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double wishbone front suspension with cast aluminum lower control arms - a first in the pickup truck segment. The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces. The result is terrific handling and feel, and better control in the wet.

F-150 offers two engine choices - a 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8 and a 4.6-liter Triton™ V-8. The new big engine delivers a whopping 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3,750 rpm. The all-new, 24-valve aluminum cylinder head - and an improved cast-iron block balance impressive power with better fuel efficiency, and it’s quieter.

The interior reflects Ford's attention to detail and provides enhanced occupant comfort, reduced interior noise and more feature content. The passenger compartment of the Regular Cab and SuperCab is 6 inches longer, giving passengers greater interior spaciousness. Regular Cab models feature industry-first rearward-swinging access doors that make it easier to reach a behind-seat cargo area that is large enough for all of your gear, duffel bags, toolboxes and even containers the size of five-gallon buckets.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2004
Even tougher - F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor, with a maximum tow rating of 9,500 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. More space means more comfort.
Easy access - Easier 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 5.4-liter engine.
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.
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.
Safety - The new Occupant Position Sensing technology for the first-row passenger; and overall F-150 exceeds rigorous new federal safety standards for air bag and offset crashes.
Cargo capacity - The new F-150 cargo box is more than 2 inches deeper, with greater cargo volume.

The combination of F-150’s “Tough Truck” capability and refinement makes the pickup a confident, powerful and modern partner in the field.

For more information, visit Ford online or see your local Ford Dealer.

LIFE'S A TRIP -- Enjoy the Drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired buckle everyone up. Copyright (c) 2003, The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.