2001 Ford F-150: Road Test
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2001 Ford F-150 ▼
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- MSRP: $17,245 -$34,405
- Invoice: $15,435 -$30,193
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Our road test for the 2001 Ford F-150 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Ford F-150 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Ford F-150, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Ford F-150 help you decide if a 2001 Ford F-150 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 3.9 |
Noisy base V6 provides leisurely acceleration. The 4.6 V8 is sufficient for most light-duty work, but the 5.4 is satisfyingly stronger. Supercharged Lightning model is a rocket.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
A 4.6-liter SuperCab 4x4 averaged 12.5 mpg over 10,000 mi. in an extended-use test. Test 2WD SuperCrew averaged 15.2 mpg while a 4WD version returned just 11.9 with more city driving; both had the 5.4 V8. Our test Lightning averaged 10.4 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3.2 |
Base-suspension F-150s have a stable, relatively comfortable ride. Typical truck bouncing and pitching is evident, but not excessive. Those with off-road, heavy-duty, or sport suspensions ride quite stiffly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
Body lean and mediocre tire grip are the rule in changes of direction--traits, like the light, numb steering feel, shared with other full-size pickups. Notable exceptions are the Harley-Davidson Edition and the Lightning, where wide tires and sport suspension provide surprisingly capable road manners. Brakes on all have good pedal feel and strong stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Wind and road noise are moderate by pickup standards. Ford's overhead-cam V8s are among the quieter engines in any truck.
CONTROLS
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Radio and climate controls are mounted high but are a bit of a reach for the driver. Other controls are handy, gauges are large and clear. Materials range from stark to luxurious. Workmanship has been solid on our test F-150s, with impressive fit and finish inside and out.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 7.7 |
There's ample passenger room in front, but entry/exit in the tall-riding 4WD models is more of a chore than in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 3.7 |
SuperCrew is plenty roomy and comfortable for three adults, with a high step-in but large crew-cab door openings. SuperCab's rear-opening doors are less accommodating, it's short on rear leg room, and its seatback uncomfortably upright. GM's extended-cab rivals trounce Ford here.
CARGO ROOM
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 4.1 |
Regular cabs don't have as much room behind the seat as GM and Dodge competitors, but folding the rear seat in extended- and crew-cab models creates a large, handy compartment with a tough metal floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 7.5 |
F-150 earns its Best Buy status with a keen blend of good manners, true-truck muscle, and competitive pricing. Silverado and Sierra match up match up well in performance, have very good crew and extended cabs, and a more-convenient 4WD system. And the redesigned '02 Dodge Ram is formidable. Shop around for the best deal on the combination of virtues that suits you.
Total Score
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 54 | 63 | 44 | 44.6 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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