2009 Ford F150 Nice

The 2009 Ford F-150 is redesigned, gaining power, passenger room, and numerous new features. A 248-hp 4.6-liter V8 replaces a 202-hp V6 as the base engine and comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 292-hp version of the 4.6 and a 310-hp 5.4 V8 are also available, both matched to a 6-speed automatic. The 5.4-liter V8 produces 320 hp when running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Available are rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive that cannot be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Three cab styles are again offered: regular cab, which deletes its former rear access doors; SuperCab extended cab, with rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts; and SuperCrew crew cab, which has four conventional doors and gains six inches in length, mostly benefiting rear-seat legroom. Cargo beds include 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot Styleside beds and a 6.5-ft Flareside bed. Seven trim levels are offered: base XL, sporty STX, off-road-oriented FX4, midlevel XLT, uplevel King Ranch and Lariat, and new line-topping Platinum. Rumored for later in the 2009 model year is the Raptor, an off-road-oriented model powered by a 6.2-liter V8. Newly available features include a hideaway side step for access to the pickup bed, a tailgate step, a retractable cable lock to secure items in the bed, and a capless fuel filler. New electronic devices include Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system, a voice-activated navigation system that includes real-time traffic information, a rearview camera, a built-in dashboard computer with available printer, a tool inventory system, and a vehicle tracking device for fleet users. Also new is an SFE (Superior Fuel Economy) package for 2WD models with the 292-hp 4.6 V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. The package includes low-rolling-resistance tires and a different axle ratio for a 1-mpg increase in the EPA highway fuel economy rating. Maximum payload capacity is 3030 pounds on regular cabs, 2650 on SuperCabs, and 1760 on CrewCabs. Maximum towing capacity is 11,300 pounds on all models.

2009 Ford F150

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 each add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2009.