The Ford F-150 has long been America's best-selling pickup, and with a range of new engines for 2011, there's no reason to think this truck needs to give up its crown. Although the F-150 was re-designed in 2009, there were no knew engine options, a mistake in a market demanded increased efficiency. Now, with 11 trims, three cab configurations, three bed lengths, and four engines (two V6s and two V8s), the 2011 Ford F-150 can pretty much be whatever the buyer wants it to be.
The primary competitors are the Chevrolet Silverado and the Dodge Ram. The F-150 sells in an MSRP range of $22,790 to $51,525 and has an average fuel economy of 17 city and 23 highway. The Silverado ups the ante with a hybrid model and the base comes in $1,565 less than the F-150. The Ram, with coil sprung rear suspension, has a more comfortable ride, and starts at approximately $1,000 less.
The base engine on the F-150 is a 3.7-liter V6 with 303 hp. There's a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 hp and a 5,0-liter V8 with 360 hp. The top-of-the line is a 6.2-liter V8 with 411 hp available on the SVT Raptor, Lariat, Lariat Limited, Platinum models, and Harley-Davidson edition only. Cab options are regular, extended, and crew, with bed lengths of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet.
Obviously acceleration, handling, and braking will vary by configuration, but reviewers are solid in their assessment that this is a competent handler with a long and impressive track record. Towing capacity for the base V6 is 5,500 lbs., which jumps to 10,000 with the 5.0-liter V8 and 11,300 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The 6.2-liter V8 can handle 11,300 lbs.
Although visually unchanged from 2010, the external features that really demand mention are the clever and handy optional details like the side and tailgate steps, cargo tie-down system, and collapsible bed extender. Inside the F-150 offers utility and comfort with available high-tech features including a new 4.2-inch LCD display for 2011 that gives info on fuel economy, towing, and off-roading.
For this model year, Ford added a front shoulder belt integrated into the seat for middle passengers in the front bench seating configuration. Rear seats gained a head restraint for the middle passenger, and spotter mirrors have been integrated in the side mirrors for the driver. All the expected safety systems are present including electronic stability control, trailer sway control, anti-lock brakes, and a full compliment of airbags for the driver and passengers.
US News ranked the Ford F-150 second in the full-size pickup category, with the 2011 Ram 1500 just edging it out for ride quality. The truth is that buyer loyalty for the F-150 line is enormous. This is a truck with a long and solid reputation. It's going to be almost impossible for the competition to win over a track record like that, and given the range of configuration options offered by the F-150, it really is the best full-sized truck on the market.
