2008 Ford F-150 [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 62 F-150 reviews and test drives.
Ford F-150 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Ford F-150 ranks 4 out of 7 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 62 published reviews and test drives of the Ford F-150, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The F-150 delivers smooth handling and a comfortable, accommodating cab, but some reviewers say it is underpowered and has uninspired exterior styling.
Once the best selling vehicle in America, the 2008 Ford F-150 is a solid, capable pickup truck that offers a nice ride and a comfortable interior; high gas prices, however, have caused truck buyers to desert the F-150 for smaller, more economical rides. Still for those that need a truck, reviewers say the F-150 is a well-rounded. Automotive.com says it "delivers a strong combination of style, interior comfort, performance, ride and handling."
However, the F-150 is part of a highly competitive class where its staid exterior and weak power make it less appealing. In a five-way comparison, Car and Driver places the F-150 fifth, behind the Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and Chevrolet Silverado, explaining, "This truck feels heavy" and calling it "hindmost in acceleration." A 2009 redesign was highly anticipated and sought to adress these shortcomings until slow truck sales and a stagnant economy caused Ford to delay the redesigned truck's introduction. Now, buyers who don't mind the 2008 F-150 will find themselves in an excellent negotiating position, provided they don't mind spending what they saved at the dealership to fill the F-150's fuel tank.
The F-150 is available with three different engines -- a 4.2-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.4-liter V8; three different bed lengths -- 5.5, 6.5 or eight feet, and six different trim levels -- XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat and King Ranch. A special edition Harley Davidson model is also available. Since the F-150 was significantly redesigned just last year, changes for 2008 are minimal.
If you're in the market for a full-size pickup, consider the strong performance of a Chevy Silverado, or the appreciated style of Nissan's Titan.
- "Slightly upstaged by newcomers, the F-150 is still a favorite, with 30 years of full-size pickup sales leadership. Quiet, smooth, and comfortable, it offers a broad range of engines…and impressive payload and towing capabilities." -- Car and Driver
- "The Ford F-150 comes in a broad range of models, yet they all seem to have nicely balanced suspensions that make them enjoyable to drive and well-designed, comfortable cabs." -- Automotive.com
- "A utilitarian truck that can go to the construction site, haul plenty of lumber for weekend projects, beat its way through bad weather and rough terrain, but also provide a family of six with all the comforts of a luxury SUV." -- Boston Globe
F-150 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
According to our analysis, the 2008 Ford F-150's power is somewhat hindered by its weight. Still, the truck does impress reviewers with its smooth ride. U.S. News' Rick Newman says, "It's no Mercedes, to be sure, but the F-150's highway ride is almost carlike, with very little of the springy bouncing that's typical in some trucks." Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the difference performance expected from the V6 F-150 with rear-wheel drive, or the V8 models with four-wheel drive. continue
F-150 Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
Auto writers say the 2008 F-150's exterior styling is more refined than some of its competitors, but is also a bit staid. Check out our F-150 Photos to decide for yourself, or read how reviewers' further describe the F-150's design in our full Exterior Review. continue
F-150 Interior - 7.5 (Good)
Impressions vary widely concerning the 2008 Ford F-150's many styles and trim levels, so the truck's good score isn't up to par with most of its class. Click through our F-150 Photos to see the regular cab's interior, or continue to our full Interior Review to read about the "kid-size" backseat in the Super Cab, or how the SuperCrew has enough leg room for a "65-mile stint in the back seat." continue
F-150 Safety - NA
The 2008 Ford F-150 does very well in federal government crash tests. It comes with the safety features expected of trucks in its class, but lacks side air bags. Continue with our Safety Review to find out what features to expect standard with the F-150. continue
F-150 Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Ford F-150 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The F-150 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Our full Reliability Review provides more information on the F-150's powertrain coverage. continue
