I don’t understand why every auto journalist hasn’t ranked the 2011 Ford F-150 tops on their full-size pickup lists. In fairness, the F-150 has consistently won a slew of awards and kudos. It’s also held the title of America’s best-selling pickup for more than 30 years. Call me an idealist, but it really is a truck that’s top in its class.
Ford fans know that the F-150 was retooled in 2009 and quickly snapped up the coveted Motor Trend Truck of the Year award.
I was at the Ford factory in Dearborn, Mich., when the first truck rolled onto the factory floor — one of the few times the assembly line shut down for such an event — and the air was filled with excitement as thousands of workers cheered.
| 2011 Ford F-150 |
| » Engine: 3.7-liter V-6, 5-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. |
| » Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission |
| » MSRP: Starting at $22,790 |
When the automaker’s CEO and Chairman Bill Ford stepped out of the truck, the air almost crackled with electricity.
There’s even more reason to cheer now that Ford’s latest model has the most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series. For you, that means the F-150 has four new engines: a 3.7-liter V-6, 5-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. Each engine has a six-speed automatic transmission, a first in a full-size truck line.
Of course, the F-150 is powerful, but it also bests the fuel economy of many full-size sedans. Critics at Automobile Magazine and elsewhere report 32 mpg ratings aren’t unusual.
I took the opportunity to drive the truck with the EcoBoost from the Capital Beltway to Tennessee and through the back roads of North Carolina and can report the ride was consistently stable and controlled — and yes, the gas mileage was really that high.
Credit the electronic traction control, stability control and an independent wishbone front suspension. Those features plus agile braking and steering do Ford engineers proud.
That’s really just the beginning. A report on PickupTrucks.com noted the F-150’s computer is “the benchmark by which all others that follow will be measured” — and that is no overstatement. It’s easy to see just by looking at the fuel-efficiency monitor, pitch and yaw angle monitors and the seemingly endless towing applications with control all built-in and displayed on a 4.2-inch LCD screen.
The Ford F-150 has consistently earned the government’s 5-star crash test rating.
The 2011 F-150 is even safer now, thanks to a seat-integrated shoulder belt for the front middle seat, a head restraint for the second-row middle seat and integrated spotter mirrors. Of course, the truck also boasts all of the standard safety features, including an advanced safety cage with high-strength steel and six standard air bags.
We could go on and on about the space and comfort of both front and back seats, the nooks and crannies that are ideal for everything from refreshments to iPods and more, but suffice to say the interior is as high quality as the engine.
With a retail price starting at $22,790, there’s a lot to love in the 2011 Ford F-150.
