2008 Ford F-150 Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 62 F-150 reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
According to the Los Angeles Times, "Suburban cowboys will appreciate the sophisticated, Explorer-like exterior styling," of the F-150, which "hasn't a trace of the bruised-knuckle machismo of the Dodge Ram." While the 2008 F-150's exterior styling is more refined than some of its competitors, it is a bit staid. As a result, the F-150 trails most of its class in this category.
Last redesigned for model year 2004, the F-150 "carries on for 2007 with only minor exterior upgrades," explains Kelley Blue Book, with "some new chrome trim and a crop of fresh new colors." Truck beds come with flared fenders (flareside) or without (styleside).
Automotive.com likes the F-150's "functional look," calling it "at least as stylish as the much-heralded Dodge Ram. In fact, the F-150 has a unique image, no small feat when designing within the hard parameters imposed by a pickup. It's at once crisp, bold, and sturdy." The Arizona Republic says it "looks massive," with "broadly flared fenders, a raised hoodline," and "prominent grille and bed walls that are two inches higher" and "give the pickup substantial size and presence." Dissenting opinions come in the form of ambivalence. The Sacramento Bee, for instance, decides that the F-150's look is really "only a slight variation from the standard pickup theme -- snazzy grille, slightly rounded cabin and basic bed in back."
