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Ford F-150 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Ford F-150 ranks 1 out of 8 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Ford F-150, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Ford F-150 gives buyers plenty of capability, which they can enjoy from a comfortable cab that's stuffed with useful features.

The Ford F-150 may be the biggest success story of 2009's carpocalypse. "It is hard to imagine a more inauspicious time to have introduced a new full-size pickup truck - with the possible exception of the Eve of Destruction - but last year's introduction of the all-new Ford F-150 seems to have defied the odds of failure," says Kelley Blue Book. "Shouldering its way into the U.S. market on a crest of increased capabilities across the board, Ford has correctly figured that the bulk of its sales will come from buyers who genuinely need the unique aspects full-size pickups offer," -- and Ford has delivered.

The 2010 F-150 continues to offer buyers plenty of power, towing and hauling abilities, plus innovative cargo solutions and enough high-tech interior features and creature comforts to make true truck fans feel right at home. If the truck market has shrunk to buyers who truly need a truck's capabilities, many reviewers say the F-150 has the market covered.

Car reviewers say the 2010 F-150 doesn't have trouble competing with the Chevrolet Silverado or the Dodge Ram.  The 2010 model isn't much different from the 2009 model, which was the 2009 North American Truck of the Year, as well as Motor Trend's 2009 Truck of the Year.

Other Trucks to Consider

But just because the F-150 is an award-winner, that doesn't mean it's the only choice. Be sure to also check out the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram.  Though the F-150 earned a lot of awards in 2009, between the three full size domestic trucks, reviewers still have a hard time picking a favorite. Before you take the F-150 home, you should know that both the Chevy and the Dodge offer slightly more powerful engines than the Ford, and start at about $1,000 less than the Ford. The Dodge also has innovative cargo systems, and tends to be more heavily discounted than the F-150. However, the F-150 has features, like a tool tracking system and in-cab computer, that many reviewers think will be more useful for business owners than what the Dodge offers.

Details: Ford F-150

Like most trucks, the 2010 Ford F-150 highly customizable. It's available with regular, extended and crew cab configurations, long, regular and short beds, and two- or four-wheel drive.  The F-150 has seven trims, including the base XL, off-road oriented SVT Raptor trim, and top-of-the-line Platinum trim.

Since the F-150 was all-new in 2009, changes for 2010 are minimal.  They include better fuel economy for trucks with the 4.6-liter engine, as well as Ford's MyKey safety system, which is now standard on all models except for the base XL. For 2010, Ford also introduces a high-performance SVT Raptor edition. A new 6.2 liter engine that should make 400 horsepower is due to arrive midway through the model year.  Since the top engine on the F-150 currently makes 310 horsepower, if you're looking for more power and like the F-150, the new engine may be worth the wait.

Be sure to check out this month's Best Ford Deals where we have done the research to get you the best offer.

• " The F-150 is a strong competitor and a must-see for those shopping full-size pickups"-- Consumer Guide
• "Yes, Dearborn has its troubles but this is the best pickup truck on God's little acre. Yes, the Japanese have beaten up on the domestics, but Toyota and Nissan only wish they knew how to build a full-sizer as tight, as tough, as well-sorted, as keen and mean as the thing behind the Blue Oval. I mean, people, it isn't even close. My Car of the Year is a truck."  -- Los Angeles Times
• " It's not easy to design a pickup truck that can do heavy work and still maintain the smooth ride, lack of noise and upscale interior that many non-work owners demand. Ford has succeeded in both areas." -- Kansas City Star
• "Ford has a version of the F-150 to meet almost any buyer's needs." -- Cars.com
•  "All said, though, the F-150 is still one of the most appealing trucks on the market thanks to its user-friendly features and pleasant driving dynamics. The question is whether you need or want more oomph than the Ford can provide." -- Edmunds

F-150 Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

Most reviews are positive about the 2010 Ford F-150's performance, though a few note that competitors offer bigger engines. However, most reviewers say the available engines are powerful, while tweaks to the trucks frame, steering and suspension have made it drive and ride better.  The F-150's towing and off-road abilities also impressed reviewers. Read More

F-150 Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Few reviewers comment on how the F-150 looks, but almost all are impressed with the handy exterior features Ford put on the truck.  A tailgate and side steps allow easy access to the bed, which a configurable tie down system and collapsible bed extender make hauling loads easy. Read More

F-150 Interior - 9.2 (Excellent)

Most cab configurations of the 2010 F-150 are bigger than previous models, and reviewers are impressed with the comfortable interior the growth allows.  Reviewers also like some of the high-tech features on the F-150, including Ford's voice-activated SYNC infotainment system as well as computing and storage solutions that are likely to appeal to contractors and others who use their truck for work. Read More

F-150 Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

In federal government crash tests, the F-150 earned five out of five stars for driver and passenger protection in frontal and side impact tests.  Two-wheel drive F-150s have a four-star rollover rating, while four-wheel drive F-150s have a three-star rollover rating. For the most part, reviews on the F-150's safety systems are positive. Read More

F-150 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 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). Ford backs the 2010 F-150 with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty, and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is also available for the first five years or 60,000 miles of ownership. Read More