2009 Ford F-150 Review
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The Ford F-150, the best-selling model in the country, is a well known truck with a name for power and reliability. The 2009 model is more comfortable, stylish, and easy to maneuver than ever before. Considering the fact that there are six major trim variants and a choice of drive-trains and body styles, the F-150 is able to appeal to a large group of truck buyers. The F-150 has an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg Hwy, and 14 mpg City, and has an MSRP of $21,565 - $36,100. The Ford F-150 is redesigned for 2009 and has a new top luxury level, the Platinum. Basic trim levels include the XL, sport-oriented STX, off-road-optimized FX4 and mid-range XLT. The upper trim variants include the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The cabin of the F-150 also got an update; cabin noise has been lowered dramatically, and interior materials are of better quality and easier to clean.
F-150 Design
You know you are looking at an F-150 when you see the circular front lights within a rectangular housing, stepped front window ledge, opening rear doors on the Regular Cab, and the tall bed. For 2009 the truck gets a squared-off nose, giant grille and a domed hood that adds 2 inches in height. In the rear the grille's pattern is graphically designed on the tailgate. There are various options for the F-150, the most interesting are a step pulls out of the open tailgate and hinges down to ease climbing into the bed, a post on the tailgate swings to vertical and locks, forming a handle to help step up. There is also a side step that pops out of the rocker panel in front of the rear wheel by kicking a button. It allows you to reach over the side of the cargo box.
Inside the F-150
The number of styles you can order the 2009 F-150 in is amazing, something for every taste. There is a choice of a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat or captain's chairs in many models. When there is a front bench is split three ways and the center section flips down to reveal a console with storage and cup holders. The navigation system works well and is easy to operate. Spacewise, the Regular Cab is plenty for three people, in the SuperCabs there is a back seat, but it would be a bit cramped for adults. New for 2009 are enlarged buttons and controls and less intrusive door panels with larger map pockets in the SuperCab and SuperCrew styles. Taking a cue from this technology centered society, there is now an enlarged lockable center storage console to accommodate "two or more" laptop computers. Seats are made of new materials which are easier to clean and the higher trim levels use real woods and metals and metal speaker covers. The SuperCrew's cab has been stretched 6 inches, providing a backseat to rival the Dodge Ram Mega Cab and Toyota Tundra Crew Max. The backseat flips up to reveal a flat floor and 57.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, according to Ford. The space is 47.9 inches high, floor to ceiling.
2009 Lineup
There are size trims for the 2009 F-150, three basic levels, and three upper levels. The trims are varied by their appearance on both the inside and the outside of the truck. Each trim level gets its own grille treatment, starting with a simple one on the base XL and topping out with mesh grille inserts for the highest trim levels. The Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum each get their own finish. The Platinum's is called satin chrome and is repeated on a metal panel on the tailgate. The Platinum also has chrome-capped side mirrors and 20-inch, 16-spoke aluminum wheels. The rest of the lineup offers 12 wheel options, starting with 17 inches and ranging to 20 inches in diameter.
The new Platinum is a truck that is all about comfort and amenities; it includes powered fine-leather seats with accent stitching and embroidered logos, a USB port and MP3 player input for the stereo are standard, and the power-retracting running boards seen on the Expedition are optional. The list of features for the Paltinum F-150 is long, for example you get the first Integrated Trailer Brake Controller to be offered in a light-duty pickup, and Sync voice-activation is available with 911 Assist, a new service similar to GM's OnStar.
2009 F-150 Power
The standard powertrain for 2009 is an entry-level 4.6-liter V-8 that's more powerful than the previous generation's base V-6 but is also more fuel efficient, despite using a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is known as the two-valve to distinguish it from the more powerful new three-valve version of the 4.6-liter V-8. Also available is a 5.4-liter V-8 — tweaked for more output and capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel as well as gasoline. Both of these engines mate to a six-speed automatic. Four-by-four versions come with a choice of manual or electronically actuated 4WD systems.
Driving the F-150
The Ford F-150 gets a new, fully-boxed frame for 2009. Pillars between the doors may yield a blind spot for those who sit more rearward and everyone should appreciate the windshield pillar designed to help preserve forward vision. Relatively square shoulders on the hood make it easy to see the edges of the truck. The Ford F-150 is among the heavier trucks in its class, contributing to a solid feel and none of that empty metal box bang-
and-clang that characterized pickups of old. Suspension on the F-150 has typical light pickup design, with coil-sprung independent in front and leaf springs out back. Aluminum is used to save weight in components in protected positions, with steel parts where they may scrape on a rock. All F-150 models use power rack-and-pinion steering and are known to have the best steering in its class.
Safety
Standard features, along with the required front airbags, include side curtain airbags to protect front and backseat occupants, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control and Roll Stability Control, which uses a sensor to detect the start of a rollover and attempts to forestall it.
The 2009 Ford F-150 is a truck that has so many options and choices it may be hard to decide what you want. But, really, that’s a good thing, as this allows ford to market this truck to a wide audience. Read a Motor Trend Ford F-150 Review for more research. The 2009 redesign and reengineering makes the F-150 better than ever and most certainly a leader in its class.
