NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale reported from Los Angeles after his test drive of several 2009 F-150 models.?Ford
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F-150�*Transmission_standard???????? ???????????????????? �???????????A?In the world of pickups, styling boundaries are determined by a three-box layout: one for the engine, one for people, one for cargo. And the 2009 Ford F-150 shows the evolution of 70 years of function by massaging the look of the previous generation.
Angular lines mean it's easier to clean, easier to park (everything is relative at 20 feet), and gives maximum inside volume for outside space. Some bulge to the hood and large grille openings imply power, as does the higher altitude of 4WD models; many models have big graphics to ensure everyone knows what it is. The F-150 is easily recognized in any trim level by the circular front lights within a rectangular housing, stepped front window ledge, and the tall bed. It's hip to be square.
The front door edge that allows a lower glass line at the front is stylish but also very useful; it allows a better view of front quarters near the truck and means you can have a good-sized mirror that doesn't limit forward vision because you look over it rather than around it. The view rearward can be aided by extendable towing mirrors, a rear camera and for heavy mist mornings a power sliding rear window. We found the available towing mirrors work very well.
Pillars between the doors (called B-pillars) and the rear hand-hold on the pillar may yield an awkward blind spot for some drivers, but everyone should appreciate the windshield pillars (called A-pillars) shaped to help preserve forward vision. Relatively square shoulders on the hood make it easy to see the edges of the truck, a bonus for tight parking lots, plow operators, and squeezing between trees or rocks en route to outdoor recreation.
The F-150 is a rarity in modern pickups in that it offers two bed designs. The Flareside is shaped to mimic pickups of old, when the box walls were between the wheels and you could stand on the sides for loading. Ironically, the Flareside is more stylish than the Styleside bed. The standard Styleside bed is essentially a box with some character lines in the sheetmetal. It offers more space within than does the Flareside bed.
With all beds you can get a locking tailgate and tie-down points.On many models you also get a bed extender and tailgate step (rated 300 pounds); the tailgate step makes stepping into the bed but it makes the tailgate feel heavier than some petite drivers will want to open or close. Some models offer a box side step rated at 500 pounds; a pop-out, under-bed step behind the cab but we needed considerable effort to return it and wonder how it will work after grounding on a rocky trail, mud or snow thrown at it, or in freezing weather. Long bed models may be equipped with a Midbox enclosed storage space at the leading edge of the bed for 26 cubic feet of locked storage area, a great feature for stowing towing equipment and other gear. Refueling is done with Ford's capless filler system so you will never lose another gas cap.
Every 2009 F-150 except the Platinum has a horizontal three-bar aspect to the grille and the tailgate styling; the larger grille, stacked headlights and more heavily contoured hood all add to the imposing size, though it isn't as imposing as Dodge's forward-leaning grille setup. On higher-level models the chrome is considerable, and extends to the front tow loops on 4WD.
Apart from styling changes the two biggest changes for 2009 are the elimination of the reverse-opening rear access doors on the Regular Ca manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and can change at any time without notice. Next Page