2001 Ford F-150: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This report covers the half-ton version of Ford's full-size pickup. F-150 offers three cab styles. Regular cabs have cargo beds of 6.5 or 8 ft. The longer SuperCabs have two back-hinged rear doors that do not open independently of the front doors. They include a 3-place rear bench seat and either bed length. SuperCabs have four conventional doors, a larger 3-space rear seat, and a 5.5-ft bed. The 6.5-ft bed comes in flat-side Styleside form or as a flare-fender Flareside; the others are Styleside only. F-150s are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Engines are a 4.2-liter V6 or V8s of 4.6 and 5.4 liters. The 5.4 comes only with automatic transmission, the others with manual or automatic. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Special editions include the Harley-Davidson SuperCrew, a 2WD V8 model done in a motorcycle theme with special trim, four leather bucket seats, and 20-inch chrome wheels. The SVT Lightning is a high-performance 2WD regular cab with a supercharged 5.4 V8 and sport suspension.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles the segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.