The ceiling is equipped with a rail system that allows m
ultiple setups for the sunglass holder and DVD LCD screen to be moved around. Other accessories such as storage compartments are available from the Ford dealers. The audio system's sound is powerful and clear.
The camel-coloured leather is the highpoint of the interior of the King Ranch. The shade is rich and the white stitching creates an appreciable contrast. The rear 60/40 split folding bench and large center console are also covered in the material. The armrest is adorned with a large King Ranch patch for those that may forget what it is they are driving.
Technical
Three engines are available for the F-150. The base motor, which can only be delivered with the regular cab models, is the 4.2L V6 that develops 202
hp at 4 350 rpm and 260 lb/ft of torque at 3 750 rpm. The next one is the 4.6L V8 found in many Ford vehicles. It directs 231 hp at 4 750 rpm and 293 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm to the wheels. The final power train consists of the 5.4L V8 putting out 300 hp at 4 750 rpm and 365 lb/ft of torque at 3 750 rpm. Both V8s can be had with all body styles. Transmission-wise, the V6 has the option of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Only the 4-speed automatic can be mated to the V8s. Four big discs, to handle braking duty and 17" wheels are standard on all F-150s. The tested King Ranch was shod with 18" aluminium alloy wheels.
On the road
The big V8 feels muffled. The truck moves but somehow it seems as though it is restricted on either the intake or exhaust side: it makes a lot of noise however the resulting thrust is very minimal. Somewhere around 4 500 rpm, the engine gets a second lease on life and begins to pull somewhat harder. The problem with this is that most people who buy these trucks need low-end grunt to tow or haul their stuff, few will push it to the 5 000 rpm redline. The issue that come next is fuel guzzling. In nearly normal daily commuting, I was unable to lower the consumption under 22L per 100 km. A buddy and I did a test where we would drive at 80 km/h on the highway for at least 30 minutes without passing anyone or making any abrupt manoeuvres. The best we could manage was a shade under 15L per 100 km. I really would not recommend anyone
repeat this test though as this is how road rage begins...
The 4-speed automatic slushbox is generally smooth in its operation. On some occasions, it did slip and then slam into gear especially in the 1-2 upshift. When the transfer case was positioned in 4-High, the slipping and slamming would occur even more often.
The F-150's frame gives off a sentiment of extreme rigidity. When compared to the other full-sized pick-ups I have driven over the past few years, the others often felt as though the bed and the cabin were on two different platforms. The Ford's stiffness is immediately apparent: on bumpy roads, the backbone of the truck keeps everything together in a singular fashion and there are no rattles even when the rear-end bounces around. Over an even surface, the ride is smooth and compliant; however it obviously does not behave like a car. When the quality of the really road deteriorates though, so does the drive. Even when this happens, the truck moves like a solid piece; the box does not chatter separately from the cab. I must say that after a few days of driving the F-150 in the city, I was looking forward to my next test-vehicle. I have a hard time imagining someone owning one of these trucks and using it as a daily commuter without occasionally cursing.
ultiple setups for the sunglass holder and DVD LCD screen to be moved around. Other accessories such as storage compartments are available from the Ford dealers. The audio system's sound is powerful and clear. The camel-coloured leather is the highpoint of the interior of the King Ranch. The shade is rich and the white stitching creates an appreciable contrast. The rear 60/40 split folding bench and large center console are also covered in the material. The armrest is adorned with a large King Ranch patch for those that may forget what it is they are driving.
Technical
Three engines are available for the F-150. The base motor, which can only be delivered with the regular cab models, is the 4.2L V6 that develops 202
 |
On the road
The big V8 feels muffled. The truck moves but somehow it seems as though it is restricted on either the intake or exhaust side: it makes a lot of noise however the resulting thrust is very minimal. Somewhere around 4 500 rpm, the engine gets a second lease on life and begins to pull somewhat harder. The problem with this is that most people who buy these trucks need low-end grunt to tow or haul their stuff, few will push it to the 5 000 rpm redline. The issue that come next is fuel guzzling. In nearly normal daily commuting, I was unable to lower the consumption under 22L per 100 km. A buddy and I did a test where we would drive at 80 km/h on the highway for at least 30 minutes without passing anyone or making any abrupt manoeuvres. The best we could manage was a shade under 15L per 100 km. I really would not recommend anyone
 |
The 4-speed automatic slushbox is generally smooth in its operation. On some occasions, it did slip and then slam into gear especially in the 1-2 upshift. When the transfer case was positioned in 4-High, the slipping and slamming would occur even more often.
The F-150's frame gives off a sentiment of extreme rigidity. When compared to the other full-sized pick-ups I have driven over the past few years, the others often felt as though the bed and the cabin were on two different platforms. The Ford's stiffness is immediately apparent: on bumpy roads, the backbone of the truck keeps everything together in a singular fashion and there are no rattles even when the rear-end bounces around. Over an even surface, the ride is smooth and compliant; however it obviously does not behave like a car. When the quality of the really road deteriorates though, so does the drive. Even when this happens, the truck moves like a solid piece; the box does not chatter separately from the cab. I must say that after a few days of driving the F-150 in the city, I was looking forward to my next test-vehicle. I have a hard time imagining someone owning one of these trucks and using it as a daily commuter without occasionally cursing.