2009 Ford F-150 Truck Review
Posted in Ford Trucks, Truck Reviews on November 14, 2009
Introduction
The Ford F-150 is considered to be one of the best selling models in the US and its updated edition the 2009 Ford 150 priced at $21,565 – $36,100 is able to maintain the trucks top selling tradition. Ford has effectively addressed to some of the shortcomings that were noted in the earlier editions. Ford has strong contenders like Dodge and Toyota hot on its heels.
What’s on offer?
The 2009 Ford F-150 has been fully redesigned with higher output engines, a new six speed automatic transmission outlined with a taller hood line and more macho grilles.
Silhouette
The 2009 Ford F150 is well styled on its front end with a squared off nose, a doomed nose that adds 2 inches in height and a giant grille. Ford has reproduced the grille’s pattern graphically on the tailgate. The standard trim is styled with simple grille while the premium trims offer a mesh grille inserts.
The cargo box is equipped with the most unique features like a step pulls out of the open tailgate and hinges down to assist in climbing into the bed. A post on the tailgate swings and locks to form a handle to help step up.
The 2009 ford F150 is available in three body styles regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. The regular cab comes with a 6.5-foot or 8-foot cargo bed, while extended Cabs can have either of those or a 5.5-footer. The Crew cab can choose from either the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.
Inside the Cabin
The interiors of the 2009 Ford F-150 edition has been designed with cues from Toyota .It is well equipped with enlarged buttons and controls which are well placed for easy use. The door panels are also less intrusive and the lockable centre storage console can easily accommodate two or more laptops.
The interiors are well designed with upgraded materials which are easy to clean. The premium trims use real woods and metals and metal speaker cover. The rear seats are designed to move forward so as to provide a flat floor and 57.6 cubic feet of cargo.
We noted that the cabin interiors are quite and there is no wind or road noise that can be heard inside the cabin.
Features
The 2009 Ford F-150 is available in seven trims XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, Ranch and Platinum.
The standard XL which is designed towards commercial use comes with 17 inch steel wheels, air conditioning, vinyl upholstery and AM/FM radio. The STX trim furthers adds features like sportier wheels, body colored bumpers and grille frame, cloth upholstery and an upgraded sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The properly equipped XLT features chrome exterior trim and grille, full power accessories, cruise control and upgraded cloth interiors. The FX4 four wheel drive shares its styling with STX and also includes 18 inch wheels, towing package, leather wrapped steering wheel, bucket seat with centre console, underbody skid plates, a six way power driver seat, retuned springs and heavy duty shocks and a satellite radio.
The Lariat offers a much upscale interiors with two tone paints, a silver mesh grille, brushed aluminum and wood interior highlights, 10 way power driver seat, power adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and Sync multifunction voice command system.
The Ranch includes features from the Lariat with an addition of six CD changer, heated cooled front seats, and western saddle-inspired leather upholstery.
The platinum trim is the most loaded trim and features 20 inch wheels, a unique grille design, mono tone paints, unique wood grain accents, premium leather upholstery and heated/cooled seats.
Powertrain
The 2009 Ford F150 offers a choice of three engine types a 4.6 liter V8 engine that will generate 248 horsepower and 293 pounds feet of torque or a 4.6 liter V8 engine which will produce 292 horsepower and 320 pounds feet of torque and an option of 5.4 liter V8 engine which would generate 320 horsepower and 390 pounds feet of torque. The standard 4.6 liter engine is teamed with four speed automatic transmission while the higher output engine is mated with six speed automatic transmission. Ford F150 offers a choice between 2WD and 4WD on all versions.
We felt that the brakes were soft but offered quite good stopping distance. The front suspension delivers excellent ride and handling dynamics for a full size truck. When properly equipped the 5.4 liter V8 can tow up to 11,300 pounds. However its competitors offer much better towing capacity.
The Ford F150 2WD offers a fuel economy of 15/21/17 mpg while the 4WD Super crew cab with 5.4 liter V8 gets 14/18/15 mpg fuel economy.
Safety
The 2009 Ford F150 is equipped with safety features like front seat, side and full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, stability control, and trailer sway control.
There were no crash tests conducted to check the efficiency of these features.
Conclusion
The 2009 Ford F150 is well known as the “America’s truck” and it perfectly settles the bill. The main advantages that can be noted are smooth and quiet ride, responsive handling, and multiple cab and bed configuration. The main disadvantages that can be noted are unimpressive towing capability and engine performance does not meet the expectation.
