Ford’s industry-leading F-150 Series pickup truck has certainly taken it a lot to heart lately. For the past three decades, the truck has been America’s best-selling vehicle, but its top spot for 2008 is under threat as motorists shun big trucks in favor of smaller, much cheaper cars.
For its part, Ford isn’t taking high gas prices and a tougher consumer market lightly, offering a counterpunch in the form of its next-generation 2009 model. No, it’s not Ford’s class-leading towing capacity (11,300 lbs.) or its massive 3,030-lb. towing capacity. Useful load.
Instead, Ford is fighting back by including a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission across its entire lineup. Paired with a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, the F-150 SFE (Superior Fuel Economy) matches the 15/21 mpg city/highway fuel economy of the Chevrolet Silverado XFE, Ford’s main rival.
While the fuel economy numbers for the Ford pickup seem pretty low compared to many vehicles sold today, the tradeoff is that full-size pickup trucks are true multitaskers for families that need them. Farmers, ranchers, and people living in rural areas depend on their trucks to haul wood, feed livestock, deliver produce to market, tow a boat or RV, or perform a host of other tasks that no automobile can handle. passengers can do. make.
Equipped with a Quad Cab, the Ford F-150 can be used as a family vehicle or pull double duty as a work vehicle, one that is appreciated by contractors, plumbers, electricians, service personnel and a host of older adults. working class.
Ford believes that enthusiasts will find the vehicle they want in the F-150 pickup. Quoting Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer, “F-150 customers expect the best capability. That’s why our team has been working so hard to deliver the most capable trucks for our customers, including a new and improved chassis that helps provide additional payload and towing capacity, as well as an average 8 percent improvement in fuel economy across the line.”
Of course, lower gas prices make any large truck or SUV that much more desirable to own, and the trend for the rest of the year shows gas prices falling, perhaps below the $3 per gallon threshold. . Regardless, if you want a big truck that has plenty of towing capacity, a high payload, and good fuel economy, then the Ford F-150 surely won’t disappoint.