2009 Ford F-150 Review

The spirit of the current generation Ford F-150 that came along in 2004 is still present in the 2009 model. When you sell as many F-150s as Ford does, you don't ever risk breaking all the eggs you may have in your biggest basket. Having the choice of four box options and eight trim levels indicates just how many variations Ford is willing to extend to their truck owners. And there is lots of refinement to be had this time around.

Ford's 2009 F-150 pickups are part of a rich heritage of hard working trucks that only gets more refined with the new 2009 model. In a highly competitive full-size half-ton pickup segment that Ford has owned as long as there have been pickups, the new lineup will do nothing to hurt potential sales.

Delivering the obvious enhancements in styling, engineering and convenience features, the F-150 is making believers out of people who might never have pictured themselves in a pickup truck. The most significant change is the 6-inch stretch of the SuperCrew's cab. The extra stretch delivers better rear legroom and cargo space.

New SuperCrew cargo-box options are either 5.5- or 6.5-foot lengths. You can mix and match so many features on the F-150 that the possible combinations seem to be limitless. That's a good thing when you hope to attract some non-traditional pickup fans along the way. After all, once you climb into a model like the F-150 Platinum, you will swear that you are not in a truck at all. The Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line in refinement for the F-150 model.

The F-150 lineup consists of Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew models. Four box options and eight trim levels are available. While the King Ranch has always been the "dream machine" for many truck enthusiasts, the new Platinum is best described as more for city folk. This is a bit hard to imagine, but try Garth Brooks with a baseball cap (ever-so-slightly nudged to the left of center).

On the outside, it is obvious the Platinum model is a star among the basic pickups. My tester had a beautiful black monochromatic paint hue with subtle chrome gleaming at key points. The black bumper treatments created more of a sport sedan-like feel than a pickup attitude.

The Platinum's grille steals the show with a distinctive satin-chrome finish and thin, mesh inserts. The 20-inch polished aluminum rims, showcasing 16-spoke styling not only give the F-150 an attitude, but also they look sophisticated while doing it.

Inside the cabin of the F-150 Platinum, aluminum accents further extend the upscale theme. I found the brushed-aluminum panels on the dash, center console and doors to be just enough class to make this pickup feel like a luxury sedan. On top of that, settle into the soft leather upholstery and you will have to pinch yourself to remember this is a pickup truck.

I really liked the layout of the dash. Gauges are easy to see and the Lacrosse Ash wood center stack was the centerpiece of the front console. Adorned with a huge 7-inch screen at the top of the stack, a CD player, audio controls with large knobs and buttons and climate controls move from top to bottom.

I appreciated that the space around the center stack is not confined. There is ample room in front of the shifter that features a convenient storage recession as well as big cup holders running along the shifter. Rear passengers commented on excellent comfort in the seating as well as plenty of legroom. If you have ever had your arms full and needed a flat piece of property to lay something down in back, then you will appreciate that you can lift a cushion with one hand and access the flat-load floor.

Cleverly positioned in the tailgate is an optional Reverse Camera safety System. Drivers towing will especially appreciate this feature as it delivers a look at the hitch when aligning it with a trailer. New for 2009 are a Trailer Sway Control and Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.

On the outside of the F-150, I have to mention the Easy Fuel capless fuel-filler system. Just flip open the door and there is no cap to hassle with. Just stick the pump end in and fuel her up. There's a lot less chance of getting any gas on your hands.

Ford F-150's have the option of three V-8s: a re-engineered 5.4-liter three-valve Triton V-8; a 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8; and a 4.6-liter two-valve V-8. The tester had the 5.4-liter and it delivered outstanding power in all conditions. I did not have the opportunity to attempt a tow test.

One feature unique to pickup owners is the access going over the cargo box. Make no mistake, especially with the higher 2009 model, the F-150 Platinum is aware of this and addresses it with a nifty stepside treatment. Push a button with your foot and a retractable Box Side Step appears.

The Ford F-150, and all its possible variations, range in price from $18,270 - $39,720. There is a reason these trucks have been so successful and I can tell you nothing has changed in the way of function and dependability. It's all good.