It seems I’ve been on a bit of a pickup binge lately. Having just driven the Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 and now the Limited, I’m currently staring at a V8-powered Nissan Titan in my driveway (but you’ll all have to wait for that review). Over the years, I’ve driven my fair share of Ford F-150s, from bare-bones models to the King Ranch and SVT Raptor, and every time I’ve been impressed.
Why? Because like certain British and German brands I tend to harp on about, the F-150 is purpose-built. The company makes no qualms about the Ford F-150 being anything but what it is: a pickup. What makes it even more remarkable is that it is the pickup all competitors hope to be like one day. It is the benchmark, and deservingly so.
What is the Ford F-150 Limited?
The Ford F-150 is a line of full-size pickup trucks that have been on the market for the past six decades, dominating the truck business with a vehicle that’s not only reliable and hard-working, but also great to drive and practical.
As for the Limited edition, it’s essentially the kingpin of the lot; the most fully equipped, most luxurious truck your money can buy in the Ford F-150’s twelfth-generation iteration. This is not a special edition model (like the Harley-Davidson, King Ranch, or Raptor), but a top trim level.
2013 Ford F-150 Limited Price and Specs
Sitting at a base price of nearly $52,000, this is no bargain buy. However, you have to remember that the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited arrives very well equipped and is no slouch when it comes to getting the job done.
Look for 22” polished aluminum wheels, power-deployable running boards (great for my 5’2” stature when getting in and out), a tailgate step, lots of chrome accents on the exterior, a rearview camera, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. There are still little bits and bobs you can add (bed liner, ruby red paint, bed extender, etc.), and mine was dressed to the nines with a final price of close to $67,000.
It’s not just about functionality and looks with the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited, though. There’s also a great powerhouse beneath that massive hood: a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine good for 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. With 4WD and a towing capacity ranging anywhere from 14,000 lbs to 16,900 lbs, this truck might look fancy (and carry a hefty price tag), but it’s got the grunt to do the job, too.
Driving the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited
Ford’s EcoBoost engine is a gem among gems; what a fabulous piece of machinery. Save for the roar of the 3.5L V6 upon acceleration, there’s very little to give away the fact that you’re behind the wheel of a quite large SuperCrew cab truck with a 5.5ft cargo bed.
To me, that’s the beauty of the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited: You don’t feel like you’re driving a truck. When you’ve got a bed behind you, there’s always a certain amount of body shudder and shake. I was impressed with the stability of the Ford F-150 Limited’s frame and how solid it felt.
Throttle response is also pleasantly sharp. Again, a vehicle of this weight and girth shouldn’t feel as nimble or responsive as it does, but that EcoBoost coupled with the 6-speed automatic transmission does wonders to the overall driving dynamics.
My only gripe with the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited was the gas mileage which I had hoped would be a little bit lower (considering the EcoBoost engine and all). I averaged in the 13.5L/100km range, and I mostly did highway travel. I should have been closer to 10-11L/100km according to Ford’s stats.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited
What’s not to like about this pickup? It really is dressed to impress, especially in the Ruby Red exterior paint colour (a few hundred extra). Add on all the chromed goodies (Limited wording along the bed, massive chrome grille, chromed tailpipes, chromed wheels), and you’ve got yourself one seriously flashy truck.
That flash and pizzazz continue into the cabin. My 2013 Ford F-150 Limited was swathed in red leather from the footwells to the roof, complete with a “Limited” metal plaque on the massive armrest (which, by the way, gets really hot in the sun if you leave the sunroof cover off!), as well as “Limited” decals on the seats.
The rear quarters are nothing short of ginormous. In fact, they could almost have doubled as a playroom and travel space for my son; he had plenty of freedom to move and walk around (and so did I).
Comparing the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited
Of course, the part that hurts the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited the most is its asking price. Even in top trim level (without added bells and whistles), the F-150’s direct competitors, the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tacoma, retail for a good $10-$12k less.
However, if you want the best, you have to be willing to shell out a little bit extra, and I think the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited is money well spent, especially if you want some dressing on your workhorse.