In 2009, Ford stated it would make its fantastic new EcoBoost technology available in 90 per cent of its vehicles by 2013, systematically replacing its outdated engines with turbocharged inline-fours and V6s that are smaller, lighter and vastly more efficient.
Since then, a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 has shown up in vehicles such as the Flex and Taurus, producing awesome power and dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Ford has also made great strides with non-turbocharged engines, developing a new 3.7-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 for the Mustang coupe while following the industry trend toward six-speed automatic transmissions.
And in 2011, the F-150 pickup benefits from all of these things.
Two years after the introduction of the 12th generation F-150, Ford has completely revamped the trucks engine lineup, subjecting it to the most extensive powertrain overhaul in the iconic vehicles long history. As a result, the 2011 F-150 can be had with the 3.7-litre V6 or 5.0-litre V8 borrowed from the Mustang, along with a 6.2-litre V8 and, of course, the EcoBoost V6.
For many truck owners, the very idea of a turbocharged V6 under the hood of their next truck is ridiculous; they want the traditional V8 they know and trust. For others, that big, gas-guzzling V8 engine is a necessity more than a desire, and anything that produces comparable power while improving fuel efficiency is a welcome addition.
Balancing the desire to innovate and lead the way against the need to satisfy its extremely loyal customer base, Ford has done the smart thing and catered to both groups. As a result, every F-150 buyer can get the vehicle they really want, whether its a two-door hauler or a four-door luxury truck. And even if they dont opt for EcoBoost, owners will benefit from a 20 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency across the entire engine lineup.
Put all of this together, and its reasonable to expect that the F-150 will maintain its position at the top of the leaderboard, which includes 46 years as Canadas best-selling truck. At this rate, 50 years doesnt seem so far away.
Design
Like all full-size trucks these days, the F-150 is simply massive, with squared-off corners, harder edges, and a tough, no-nonsense exterior design highlighted by a powerful front grille. Its available in regular cab, super cab and SuperCrew body styles.
Some consumers might prefer the sportier and friendlier look of the previous F-150, but most will appreciate the sculpted tailgate, which reduces turbulence for better fuel efficiency, and the choice of 19 different wheel options.
The 2004 F-150s interior was a revelation, adopting a more passenger-friendly look and feel that made the truck more accessible. The 2011 version maintains that feeling, but doesnt go any further to innovate or set trends. In that sense, its perfectly fine, but a bit disappointing.
Build quality already a strong point of the F-150 has gotten even better. The fit and finish are exceptional, and the truck feels unbelievably solid.
Performance
The F-150s naturally aspirated engines include a 3.7-litre V6 with 302 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of torque, a 5.0-litre V8 with 360 h.p. and 380 foot-pounds of torque, and a 6.2-litre V8 tuned for 411 h.p. and 434 foot-pounds of torque. The 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 employs twin turbochargers to produce 365 h.p. and 420 foot-pounds of torque and is, quite simply, an amazing engine with just a hint of turbo lag and excellent response.
A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the F-150, which also has a towing/hauling mode that enables the truck to compensate for road conditions and grades when moving heavy loads.
Its no surprise that the F-150s turning radius is big, making the truck cumbersome in tight city streets and parking lots. Putting that aside, the handling is surprisingly good for such a large vehicle, and the truck feels stable and well-planted even when the bed is empty.
One of the most impressive aspects of the previous generation F-150 was how amazingly quiet it was on the road, and the current model may be even better, thanks to a stiffer frame, improved body mounts, and a host of other improvements designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
Environment
Controls are placed logically on the F-150s flat and vertical dashboard, employing a similar layout to many recent Ford vehicles. Regular Cabs come with a three-person bench seat, which can be replaced by a full console with a giant storage box in four-door cabins.
The front-bucket seats in four-door models are very comfortable, and rear passengers will find lots of room in both the super cab and SuperCrew configurations. However, despite the designers best efforts, the rear seatbacks are still very upright and potentially uncomfortable over long distances.
In addition to offering the most space, the SuperCrew benefits from a lift-up rear bench that provides a completely flat load floor for tall objects. There are also bins and compartments all over the truck, ensuring that youll have lots of places to stow your gear.
Notable features that contribute significantly to the F-150s overall convenience and utility include a folding bed extender, box-side steps that can be quickly deployed and retracted and a class-exclusive step that flips out from the tailgate.
Features
The F-150 sells for $19,999 with the regular cab, $31,499 with the super cab, and $35,199 with the SuperCrew. Depending on the body style, its available in XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat trims, and can be augmented with a variety of upgrade packages that potentially push the price above $65,000.
Standard equipment on the spartan regular cab XL includes ABS, stability control, traction control, air conditioning, tilt steering, four-speaker CD stereo, and front/side/overhead airbags. Numerous configurations and options augment the truck with features such as cruise control, keyless entry, tilt/telescope steering, adjustable pedals, GPS navigation, moonroof, reverse-sensing system, power-deployable running boards and power-adjustable everything.
Equipped with the standard V6 and rear-wheel drive, the F-150s fuel efficiency is rated at 12.9 litres/100 kilometres in the city and 8.9 l/100 km on the highway.
Thumbs up
Impressive powertrain options, exceptionally quiet interior and numerous options.
Thumbs down
Massive size and lacklustre interior design.
The bottom line
A good thing keeps getting better.
Competitors
n Chevrolet Silverado
Although the Silverado retails for $26,395, Chevrolets current pricing adjustments bring it down to $17,386. Its powered by a 4.3-litre V6 with 195 h.p. and 260 foot-pounds of torque, a 4.8-litre V8 with 302 h.p. and 305 foot-pounds of torque, a 5.3-litre V8 with 326 h.p. and 348 foot-pounds of torque, or a 6.2-litre V8 with 403 h.p. and 417 foot-pounds of torque.
GMs fuel-efficient alternative to EcoBoost is the Silverado Hybrid, which augments a 6.0-litre V8 producing 332 h.p. and 367 foot-pounds of torque with two electric motors.
n Dodge Ram
The Ram 1500 ranges from $20,495 on the low end to $47,965 for the Laramie Longhorn, equipped with a 3.7-litre V6 with 215 h.p. and 235 foot-pounds of torque, a 4.7-litre V8 with 310 h.p. and 330 foot-pounds of torque, or a 5.7-litre V8 with 390 h.p. and 407 foot-pounds of torque.
Chrysler isnt quite as far along as GM in its post-bankruptcy reinvention, but the excellent Ram continues to be a bright spot in the automakers vehicle line-up.
n Toyota Tundra
Starting at $26,195, the Tundra comes with two engine choices: a 4.6-litre V8 generating 310 h.p. and 327 foot-pounds of torque, or a 5.7-litre V8 with 381 h.p. and 401 foot-pounds of torque.
Toyotas full-size truck gets better with every generation, and at this point the only thing it lacks is the intensely loyal customer bases of its rivals.
