• Year: 2005
• Make: Ford
• Model: F-150
• Trim: 4X4 XL Super Cab
• Body style: Pickup Truck
• Mileage: 10449
• Engine: 8 Cyl. 4.6
• Trans: Automatic with Overdrive
• Exterior Color: Oxford White Clearcoat
• Interior Color: Medium Flint
• Stock: 95589A
• VIN: 1FTRX14W05FA20079

The front suspension is a completely new double-wishbone style for both 2WD and 4WD versions. The rear suspension now has outboard, rather than inboard, shock absorbers to control the rear end of the truck better in quick maneuvers, along with wider, heavier three-inch leaf springs. The shock position also provides better control on washboard surfaces, reducing the tendency to skate around in bumpy corners. Liquid-filled motor mounts and other a long list of other measures keeps vibration and noise to a bare minimum.

Redesigned for 2004, the Ford F-150 looks much more manly than the previous-generation models. Its tall shoulders, bold front end and crisp lines give it a more utilitarian look that leaves no doubt that this is a serious truck. It's at least as stylish as the much-heralded Dodge Ram, but is totally different. In fact, the F-150 has a unique look, no small feat when designing within the hard parameters imposed by a pickup. In short, we think the new F-150 is a great-looking truck.

The F-150 has picked up styling cues from the handsome Super Duty pickups, including the sharp cut in the forward part of the door, allowing a clear view of the massive outside mirrors. A high beltline gives the truck visual strength and makes occupants feel more secure. The roofline is somewhat reminiscent of chopped-top custom street trucks.

The whole nose is shaped more squarely than the previous generation, which featured more feminine, more car-like curves. The grilles are larger and bolder. The front fascia wraps around to the fenders for a precise, sophisticated appearance. The bodyside and cargo box sheet metal is chiseled, though it looks more slab-sided at the same time, a theme that carries through the tailgate, giving the F-150 an upscale, utilitarian look that's very appealing.

The different trim levels are quite distinctive. Just one example: XLT and Lariat have a honeycomb grille (black on XLT, brushed-nickel on Lariat), while XL, STX, FX4, and King Ranch use a bar-style grille.

Practical considerations are a big part of the design, and some of this can be easily seen. Every bed, no matter which length or style, is two inches taller than previous-generation's beds to give more margin when hauling larger cargoes. All models, including the regular cab, have four opening doors on the body with storage room and/or seats behind the front seat. The SuperCab (extended cab) doors are larger than the vestigial doors on the standard cab. The giant SuperCrew has four full-size crew cab doors.

There's never been a better time to buy a full-size pickups. They're all good trucks, and the Ford F-150 is among the best of them. For a while there, Dodge had the hot hand in terms of truck style and function. Then the title went to Chevrolet and GMC for chassis refinement. Then the new Ram one-upped them again. Some say the F-150 is the new leader, though others will argue.

Regardless, the Ford F-150 delivers a combination of style, interior comfort, performance, ride and handling that's hard to beat.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw reported from Dearborn, Michigan, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.

New models expand superb new lineup.

The F-150 features six distinctly different interiors, and your take on each will vary according to how you think your pickup should be outfitted.

The XL is surprisingly nice, as we learned driving a 2005 model. At the other end of the spectrum is the King Ranch, which evokes images of Montana and cowboys. We love it, but it's not for everyone.

In Lariat trim, an F-150 rivals luxury cars in terms of design, materials and completeness, with beautiful, rich wood trim, both shiny and matte metallic finishes on major panels, and a lovely three-pod instrument panel behind the multi-function steering wheel. Our F-150 Lariat SuperCab 4X2 Styleside featured beige lower trim and a beige leather interior (Arizona Beige, that is).

The Lariat is one of the classiest, quietest, most completely equipped pickup truck interiors we have spent time in. Lariat comes with every known amenity.

We found the XLT's front bench seats attractive, but they were flat and lacked support. The front bench is split three ways. The center section flips down to reveal a center console with storage and cup holders; the console is flat, unlike GM's, so you can put a clipboard on it.

The FX4's optional captain's chairs were much more comfortable, offering decent support for the hips and back. They also looked great, trimmed in black leather with light gray stitching. Adjusting the power seats may be a little awkward for drivers with big arms because the clearance between the door armrest and the seat is a little tight; rake adjustment on the power driver's seat is manual, and raking it forward can be a bit awkward. The center console between the captain's chairs is deep and holds a lot of stuff and features a pair of big, solid cup holders. The floor shifter for the automatic works very well.

The radio and HVAC controls are plain but straightforward and easy to operate. Delayed accessory power means you can turn off the ignition, remove the key, and continue to operate the power windows and run the radio until you open the door.

Ford redesigned this latest-generation F-150 very carefully and the attention to detail is obvious. Giant mirrors afford an excellent view rearward. There's a hook for your dry cleaning. Rear park-assist helps greatly when parallel parking one of these big rigs. It beeps ever more rapidly as you back toward something and even turns down the radio. A set of overhead storage bins is available that snap into rails; Ford offers five different sets of these bins, and the aftermarket is making additional versions with overhead entertainment systems and other specialty items built in. One of our few grips is that the clear plastic over the instrument panel is too reflective in bright sunlight, making the instruments hard to read. Everything else inside functions very well and looks beautiful.

The SuperCrew (crew cab) models offer a roomy back seat. Full-size adults should find the accommodations here comfortable and convenient. The big difference in the back seats between SuperCrew and SuperCab (extended cab) models is rear legroom: 39.0 inches for SuperCrew, 32.7 inches for SuperCab. The rear seat bottom flips up for carrying cargo behind the front seats.

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