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2009 Ford F-150 Review

 

The 2009 Ford F-150 continues the tradition of this storied truck with new and improved design and features. The F-150 is the number one selling truck in the United States, so it should come as no surprise Ford continues to pour resources into this full-size pickup truck. For the 2009 model year, the automaker unveiled a redesign F-150 to reflect Ford's new design language. The F-150 line offers something on the order of 75 permutations, more than some car companies' entire lineups. All are capable of work or play, even those models with luxurious interiors, and all have four doors. Nearly every derivative is available with two- or four-wheel drive. While the new truck's exterior isn't a dramatic departure from the old model in terms of size or proportions, there are changes are throughout the truck. The improvement starts with the F-150's fully boxed frame constructed with hydro-formed and high strength steel side rails. The new frame is lighter, yet it delivers 10 percent more torsional rigidity, which delivers increased durability and safety. The interior of the new 2009 F-150 SuperCrew offers more usable space for moving more people and gear thanks to a 6-inch stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. A choice of three improved V8 engines are offered, all of which deliver better fuel economy. They include: a 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V8, 4.6-liter, 3-valve V8, and a 4.6-liter, 2-valve V8. With one of the deepest beds in the half-ton pickup segment, the F-150 has generous cargo volume out back and a maximum payload rating of 3,050 pounds. A properly equipped Regular Cab F-150 is rated to tow up to 11,000 pounds; other models max out in the 9000-pound range.

Trims

The 2008 Ford F-150 lineup offers three cab styles, two bed styles and three lengths, six wheelbase choices, six model designations, and three drive systems. Starting with the least expensive, the trim levels include XL, STX, XLT, FX, and Lariat. Within the Lariat group are special, lower-volume models including the Lariat Limited, King Ranch, and Harley-Davidson, and the FX offers FX2 and FX4 versions. The smallest, least-expensive F-150 still leaves room for customization and is affordable. With the segment's only rear-hinged side access doors, the Regular Cab gives excellent recline space and an easy reach to everything dropped behind the seat. Regular Cabs are roomy with one row of seats, SuperCabs add a rear row ideal for kids, with legroom similar to small cars and doors you can't open until the front doors are, and the SuperCrew has legroom like big sedans and four standard doors. The base XL is for the fleet or first-time buyer where budget's a priority. The base F-150 XL is a short, Regular Cab two-wheel drive. Wheels are steel, the grille is black and bumpers painted, vinyl covers the floor and seats, and the audio is AM/FM.

STX models up the ante without going broke, with body-color front and rear bumpers and grille trim, air conditioning, CD player, and cloth upholstery. Central to the lineup, and sales, is the XLT. To an STX it adds chrome bumpers, black honeycomb grille, remote keyless entry, power mirrors/locks/windows, carpeting, auto headlamps, tinted windows, and better fabric for the 40/20/40 seat. Off-road style and intent characterizes the FX2/FX4 models, which all come with the 5.4-liter V8. Hefty rubber mats protect the carpet; other upgrades include a leather-wrapped wheel, unique instrument display, and sport cloth upholstery with driver and passenger lumbar support. The Lariat label is reserved for more luxurious, car-like interiors, and does not include Regular Cab or Flareside models. Fancy bits include 18-inch aluminum wheels, power heated mirrors with signal repeaters, climate control, leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, powered driver's seat, trip computer, light-faced gauges, and chrome and Arizona Beige trim.

Handling

The Ford F-150 is among the heavier trucks in its class, contributing to a solid feel and none of that empty metal box bang-and-clang that characterized pickups of old. Any engine will get the job done so long as it is not overloaded. The 4.2-liter V6 gives 202 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, enough to get around town or tow something small. The 2009 F-150 may not be the quickest in its class, but you must consider its pure weight, and its four-speed automatic, most competitors have gone to a better performing transmission. Suspension on the F-150 has typical light pickup design, with coil-sprung independent in front and leaf springs out back. Aluminum is used to save weight in components in protected positions, with steel parts where they may scrape on a rock. All F-150 models use power rack-and-pinion steering and are known to have the best steering in its class.

Exterior

The F-150 is easily recognized in any trim level by the circular front lights within a rectangular housing, stepped front window ledge, opening rear doors on the Regular Cab, and the tall bed. In this case, it's hip to be square. The 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. Pillars between the doors may yield a blind spot for those who sit more rearward and everyone should appreciate the windshield pillar designed 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.

Interior

The 2009 F-150, is available in many interior patterns, textures and finishes. There is also a choice of a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat or captain's chairs in many models. On the trucks with a bench seat, the central dash area is not designed for better middle-passenger legroom. The front bench is still split three ways: The center section flips down to reveal a console with storage and cup holders. The console is flat, so you can put a clipboard on top of it and it won't slide off until you stop. Captain's chairs on FX and Lariat models, especially with power adjustment and the optional adjustable pedals, provide good driver positioning for virtually everyone. Controls are simple and easy to use. The navigation system works really well. The Regular Cab is roomy enough to fit three adults across and has plenty of space for the interior cargo. SuperCabs have a full-width back seat best-suited to kids and short rides for bigger adults; the legroom comes up a bit short.

 

The 2009 Ford F-150 delivers a powerful presence, along side a stylish and comfortable ride, which handles well despite its size. With six major trim variants and a choice of drive-trains and body styles, there's an F-150 for every type of pickup owner. The F-150 drives with an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg Hwy, and 14 mpg City, and has an MSRP of $21,565 - $36,100.